Ed Sheeran has revealed he has tested positive for COVID-19.
The “Shivers” singer revealed on Sunday (October 24) that he would have to cancel any in-person commitments as per government guidelines, including his appearance on Saturday Night Live on November 6th.
“It means that I’m now unable to plough ahead with any in person commitments for now, so I’ll be doing as many of my planned interviews/performances I can from my house.” Sheeran explained. “Apologies to anyone I’ve let down. Be safe everyone x.”
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The news comes right before the release of his fifth full-length album = (pronounced “equals”), which is expected to drop this Friday, October 29th. After a two-year hiatus, Sheeran gave a glimpse of the record to fans back in June, when he first released single, “Bad Habits”, a fun pop melody that spent over 16 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The artist has only shared 3 songs from the album, having fans eagerly waiting for its drop on Friday.
Sheeran was expected to be on SNL as a musical guest on November 6 alongside host Kieran Culkin. Nothing has been released from SNL on what changes will be made to the show, however, sources tell Page Six that producers are “scrambling” to find a replacement.
According to the news outlet, “Sheeran, 30, will not be allowed into the US with a positive COVID-19 test.” They say that producers are looking to replace him with “another singer who appeals to the same demo,” the source says, someone like Shawn Mendes or Justin Bieber.
It hasn’t been announced whether or not Sheeran would either be replaced or perform remotely, however, the multiplatinum singer/songwriter will do as many virtual appearances as possible.
“Ed is offering to perform live via video link, but this isn’t something ‘SNL’ does,” the source told Page Six. “The show likes to have the performer in studio.”
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