Ed Sheeran has made history by becoming the first international artist to perform in Bhutan, marking a significant milestone in his already illustrious career. The singer brought his chart-topping hits to Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on Friday, where he was warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic audience.
Reflecting on the experience, Ed described it as a privilege to perform in the South Asian country and expressed his gratitude to the fans who attended the show, making him and his team feel right at home. His visit to Bhutan not only showcased his music but also highlighted his appreciation for the country’s culture and people.
Taking to Instagram to share his excitement, Ed posted a video capturing highlights from his trip and performance. In the caption, he wrote:
“Had the honour to be the first-ever international artist to play Bhutan last night. What a gig, what a country, what a beautiful place with incredible people. Lemme know if I can move there, please and thank you.”
The footage provided a glimpse into the magical night, including breathtaking views of Bhutan and moments from his heartfelt performance, underscoring the unique nature of the event.
During his visit, the 33-year-old singer was graciously welcomed by Bhutan’s royalty, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema. Ed shared his admiration for their vision for Bhutan, recounting a conversation where they emphasized the importance of bringing people to the country who would love and respect its culture.
Touched by their hospitality, Ed expressed his honor at being chosen to perform and described the experience as deeply meaningful. “I feel super honored that I was chosen, and I can’t wait to play. This is like such my jam,” he remarked, encapsulating his enthusiasm.
The concert itself was an unforgettable event, with Ed captivating the audience with his performance. Addressing the crowd, he spoke about how proud he was to bring his music to Bhutan, a country he had never visited before.
“I’ve been all around the world, been to some amazing places, but I’ve never done anything like this before,” he told the audience. Reflecting on his journey as an artist, he added, “To be able to visit a country like Bhutan, to be able to stand onstage and bring this show here—I can remember playing to an empty room, and now I get to play the first international concert in Bhutan ever.”
Ed’s historic performance adds another milestone to a career filled with remarkable achievements. Last year, he was named the most played artist in the United Kingdom for the seventh time, a testament to his enduring popularity and influence.
Since his breakout with the debut album + in 2011, Ed has sold over 150 million records worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the best-selling artists of all time. Speaking about the honor, Ed humbly thanked his team and acknowledged their collective efforts in supporting not only his career but also those of other artists.
In addition to his music, Ed has also made significant contributions to education and music funding. In July, he announced that he was taking a break from recording his new album to focus on improving access to music education in schools across the UK.
This passion for fostering creativity among young people stems from his own experiences as a student. He revealed that his former teacher at Thomas Mills High School in Suffolk had reached out to him about funding cuts in 2018, prompting Ed to donate millions to support the school’s music program. His efforts have since expanded nationwide.
Ed’s commitment to music education reflects his belief in the transformative power of the arts. “I started doing that in the county I’m from, and we’ve just now changed to doing it nationwide,” he explained.
“I’m now visiting more high schools that really need music funding, and you can see what a difference it makes.” For Ed, who describes himself as “not an academic person,” music provided a pathway to success and recognition. “In the real world, I would be viewed as stupid,” he admitted. “But I excelled at music, and therefore people think I’m good at something.”
From making history in Bhutan to championing music education, Ed Sheeran continues to inspire fans worldwide with his talent, humility, and dedication to meaningful causes. His ability to connect with people through music and his passion for giving back make him a unique and beloved figure in the global entertainment industry.
