Why Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift Are So Obsessed with Fame
A theory by Ed Sheeran himself.

Ed Sheeran recently gave an interview to British GQ, and in it he got super (super) candid about his obsession with success—and also touched on that of his BFF Taylor Swift.
"There's an underdog element to it," he said. "Taylor was never the popular kid in school. I was never the popular kid in school. Then you get to the point when you become the most popular kid in school—and we both take it a bit too far."
Clearly, there's nothing more admirable than a person with drive, but apparently these two are taking it to a whole new level.
"She wants to be the biggest female artist in the world and I want to be the biggest male artist in the world," he said. "It also comes from always being told that you can't do something and being like, 'F--k you. I can.'"
In other news, the only thing standing between Sheeran and winning at life is Adele, and he plans to beat her at her own game.
"Adele is the one person who's sold more records than me in the past ten years," he said, later adding, "In a 100m sprint to get a No1 album I just know I'm going to win. I don't care who's doing what. I just know I'm going to win. I'm going to make sure I come first."
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
What Is the "Protect the Dolls" Tee
Celebrities from Pedro Pascal to Tilda Swinton have co-signed Conner Ives’s slogan tee, turning it into a viral rally cry that has already raised over $300,000 for Trans Lifeline.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 'Weak Hero Class 2' Cast Breaks Down Its Shocking Ending, From the Major Team-Up to the Tragic Death
Stars Park Ji-hoon, Ryeo-un, Choi Min-yeong, and Lee Min-jae have a lot of thoughts about the K-drama's epic finale.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Prince William and Princess Kate's "First Priority" Is "Very Different" Than Queen Elizabeth's Was
The Prince and Princess of Wales are changing the modern monarchy.
By Kristin Contino
-
Travis Kelce Emerges in Las Vegas Without Taylor Swift for a Night Out With a Pop Star
The "Blank Space" singer was nowhere to be seen.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Joe Jonas Responded to a Fan Who Quoted Taylor Swift Lyrics at Him
Mr. Perfectly Fine has responded to "Mr. Perfectly Fine".
By Lia Beck
-
Taylor Swift Is Reportedly Being Subpoenaed in Relation to Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's Legal Dispute
She's supposedly the "megacelebrity friend" in Baldoni's lawsuit.
By Lia Beck
-
Why Gracie Abrams Feels "Lucky" to Have Witnessed Taylor Swift Dealing with Fame
Abrams opened for Swift during the Eras Tour.
By Lia Beck
-
Serena Williams Avoided Taylor Swift at the Super Bowl for One Important Reason
Sorry, Olympia. You'll have to get that autograph next time.
By Lia Beck
-
Travis Kelce's Mom Reportedly "Liked" a Comment About His Future as a Dad
...and then removed it.
By Lia Beck
-
Taylor Swift Fans Just Spotted a Major Clue That She's Working on a New Album
It was hidden in *checks notes* an interview with a Swedish DJ.
By Lia Beck
-
Ed Sheeran Shares What It's Really Like When He and Taylor Swift Hang Out
Their relationship has shifted over time.
By Lia Beck