Ed Sheeran Says Wife Cherry Can "Kill a Song," Reveals How She Shapes His Music

Ed Sheeran recently shared insights into his creative process, highlighting the significant role his wife, Cherry Seaborn, plays in shaping his music. In a recent appearance on Kylie Kelce's "Not Gonna Lie" podcast, Sheeran revealed that Cherry's opinion holds considerable weight, even joking that she "can kill a song."
Sheeran explained that he's cautious about playing new music for Cherry unless she's in a "good mood," emphasizing the impact her feedback has on his perception of a song's potential. He values her taste and judgment, relying on her to sift through the numerous tracks he creates.
Cherry Seaborn's Decisive Influence: From "Bad Habits" to Upcoming Album
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Sheeran told Kelce that he maintains a prolific writing schedule, producing approximately "three songs a day, five days a week." He depends on Cherry's "very good taste and read on things" to help him navigate this vast output, identifying the tracks with the most promise.
He cited "Bad Habits," released in 2021, as a prime example of Cherry's influence. Sheeran recalled playing several songs for her, and she immediately identified "Bad Habits" as the one he should prioritize, encouraging him to finish it. Her instincts proved correct, as the song became a major hit.
Cherry’s impact extends beyond past successes. Sheeran revealed that she has also influenced "Shivers," along with newer songs like "Azizam" and "Sapphire" from his upcoming album, "Play," set to release on September 12, 2025. These anecdotes demonstrate the ongoing nature of her influence on his creative endeavors.
Family Feedback: Daughters Also Weigh In on Sheeran's Music

Beyond Cherry's influence, Sheeran also mentioned that his daughters, Lyra (4) and Jupiter (2), contribute to the feedback loop. He explained that while he's touring, Cherry plays his songs for them to gauge their reactions, noting that it's "interesting, the ones that they, like, gravitate towards." This indicates a family-wide involvement in his music, showing how he values their honest and unfiltered opinions.
Sheeran's Previous Statements Reinforce Cherry's Importance

This recent podcast appearance isn't the first time Sheeran has publicly acknowledged Cherry's significant role in his life and career. In an April 2025 interview on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, Sheeran described Cherry as "the biggest grounding force," preventing him from getting caught up in "anything that is a little bit too Hollywood." He even shared a story about how she dissuaded him from building a bowling alley at their home, further illustrating her practical and down-to-earth nature.
A Timeline of Ed and Cherry: From Childhood Friends to Creative Partners

Ed Sheeran and Cherry Seaborn's relationship dates back to their childhood. They reconnected in New York City in 2015 and began dating. While they reportedly married in an intimate ceremony in early 2018, Sheeran subtly confirmed their marriage in 2019 by referring to her as his wife in the song "Remember the Name" on his No. 6 Collaborations Project album. Their enduring relationship and Cherry's consistent presence in Sheeran's life underscore her importance as both a partner and a creative sounding board.
Industry Impact: Valuing Authenticity and Personal Feedback

The public's reaction to Sheeran's openness about Cherry's influence has been largely positive. Fans appreciate his authenticity and willingness to share personal aspects of his life. Her influence highlights the deeply personal nature of his songwriting and how a trusted confidante can be a crucial filter in the creative process. This signals a potential shift from relying solely on industry feedback to prioritizing the opinions of family and loved ones, leading to more refined and commercially successful songs.