Ed Sheeran has revealed that despite being one of the world’s biggest pop stars, his two young daughters are far more interested in the Moana soundtrack than anything from his own chart-topping catalogue.
The singer, 34, said he often tests out new material at home with Lyra, five, and Jupiter, three, whom he shares with wife Cherry Seaborn, but he has learned to expect honest feedback.
Speaking on a podcast, he joked that his girls remain “by far” his toughest critics.
“They like certain songs,” he said. “When I sing the Moana soundtrack it goes down well. Yesterday I sang them a new song and they were like, ‘Can you sing Moana?’”
He added that the pair know the film “word for word” and regularly request the soundtrack at home and in the car.
Sheeran, whose global hits include Shape of You, Thinking Out Loud and Perfect, has spoken in recent years about how becoming a father has shifted his priorities, both personally and creatively.
He has previously said he writes with his daughters “in mind” and tries to make music that will still resonate with them when they are older.
The singer also revealed earlier this year that he hopes to spend longer stretches of time in the United States, particularly in Nashville, which he has often described as his favourite American city. He has hinted at wanting to immerse himself in the city’s music scene and explore a possible shift into country.
Hopefully his girls will also be on board with his plans to relocate the family from the UK to the US — something he has said he may do while touring.
The family update comes as renewed attention falls on Sheeran’s long-standing friendship with Taylor Swift, following reports that the timing of their upcoming album releases had created tension.
Sheeran released his eighth studio album, Play, in September with Swift dropping her latest record the following month.
Swift tried to downplay any suggestion of a rift, despite admitting that he only learned of her engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce through her Instagram announcement.
Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, she explained that this only happened because of his reluctance to use a phone.
Sheeran has echoed her comments, insisting the pair remain close friends, saying they always “lock back in where we left off” whenever their schedules allow them to meet.
© The Standard Ltd