Sheeran unites fans over “Divide” on Miami stage

Talented and accomplished singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran dazzled the American Airlines Arena with his upbeat love songs and melodic ballads. The singer went on to perform an almost two hour show as part of his worldwide Divide Tour, filled with passion, energy and pure love for music. When looking around the arena, it was easily noticeable there were women, men, children, parents and elderly couples there for the same reason–their love for Ed Sheeran and his music.

Before Sheeran himself graced the stage, opener James Blunt previewed the night of music that would follow. Blunt can be compared to Sheeran in various ways. Blunt and Sheeran both create deep and meaningful music accompanied by their astounding guitar playing skills. Despite only knowing one of Blunt’s songs previously, his performance drove me to download his music, and I can now say I am a new James Blunt fan.

Sheeran is one of the few artists who does not travel with a band: He is the band. He uses a loop pedal, recording what he plays and then playing it back when he kicks the pedal. Sheeran is literally the meaning of “an artist and his guitar.”

Around 8:30 p.m., the moment the audience had been waiting for arrived. Sheeran appeared on stage, opening the night with fan favorite “Castle on the Hill,” a single off his latest album, “Divide.”

A couple of songs in, Sheeran performed his first hit “The A Team,” the song that kickstarted his enormous career. It brought me back to the days where I first heard that song on the radio, instantly falling in love with it, unaware of what my newfound love for Ed Sheeran would entail. It was amazing seeing the faces of those in the arena light up, as it was probably their first Ed Sheeran encounter as well.

Sheeran creatively mixed two of his upbeat, quick-paced, almost rap-like songs, “Don’t” and “New Man,” into an energetic mash-up that had everyone clapping and dancing on their feet.

About halfway through the show, Sheeran surprised the Miami audience with his catchy tune “Barcelona” that includes a mixture of Spanish lyrics. This is not usually on Sheeran’s setlist, but he knew it would be a hit in Miami. Sheeran’s choice energized the crowd as they frolicked through the Spanish flair.  

Next came a more gloomy, sorrowful song called “Supermarket Flowers.” If a person has have ever experienced the passing of a loved one, this song definitely hits home. Sheeran wrote it about his grandmother passing from his mother’s point of view. Again, he does not usually perform this song on tour, but the daughter of a friend of his had requested it.

Even if there is the rare occurrence of someone not knowing who Sheeran is, there is an even less likely chance that they do not know his massive hit, “Thinking Out Loud.” This genuine love song sure to rouse feelings in the most stoic of concert-goers. At this point, the arena was lit with phone flashlights and screaming voices singing along. Even the elderly couple next to me was locked hand-in-hand, hugging each other tight and staring in each others’ eyes. “Thinking Out Loud” is that song that brings up memories of first feeling true love.

The average attendee might have assumed that “Sing” was Sheeran’s last song of the night, but those who had previously studied the setlist knew better. He finished the song and came back on stage, decked out in an “El Heat” basketball jersey, ready for the encore.

During his encore, Sheeran performed “Shape of You” and “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You.” The very poppy “Shape of You” is Sheeran’s biggest hit off of “Divide” and just when fans thought that was it, he came back with “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You.” This song is from Sheeran’s first album, “+.” It is a very fast song, as Sheeran is rapping for most of it. In fact, the words are so quick-paced, the opportunity to take a breath was rare. However, Sheeran gave it his all and ended the show with a bang. Then, just like that, a night of uplifting, powerful, energetic and moving music had come to an end.

Sheeran’s tour will see its fair share of countries from the U.S to Hong Kong to Poland. With the incredible talent Sheeran has, there is no doubt he is loved and adored across the world. He stunned Miami and he is sure to astonish hundreds of other cities with his energetic performance.