Ed Sheeran Responds to Scathing TikTok Review of His New Song

Ed Sheeran surprised fans this week when he responded directly to a scathing review of his latest single.

The Galway Girl singer’s latest release, Azizam, is a vibrant pop track infused with Persian influences. The title translates to “my dear one” in Farsi, and while the song has charmed many, it has also sparked mixed reactions online. Newsweek reached out to Ed Sheeran’s manager via email for comment and will update this article if they respond.

TikTok creator Zachary Hourihane, known as the The Swiftologist (@TheeSwiftologist) posted his review of the artist and track on April 5, arguing that the song felt like a predictable entry in Sheeran’s catalogue “terrorizing the people of grocery stores.”

The Swiftologist, a Singapore-based pop culture commentator, went on to say Sheeran’s songs are addictively catchy in a way that feels almost artificial, and accused the singer-songwriter of lacking creative evolution.

“They [grocery stores] have like a blood pact that they will play his songs forever and we will never be free of them when we are trying to source our Brussels sprouts,” he said, later concluding: “I feel so hollow and like a shell of a person when I listen to Ed Sheeran.”

In an unexpected twist, Sheeran saw the video—and replied with a simple: “lol.”

The Swiftologist responded: “King I’m so sorry. But we need to come up with something else.”

The playful interaction continued. Ed Sheeran said: “Mate all good, I only make music I enjoy making and put it out. It’s really not that deep, making plenty of other music to listen to, hope you have an awesome weekend.”

Hourihane replied: “You too! I will be streaming give me love.”

Sheeran added: “Wait for old phone out next month, that’s more your jam.”

“Ok word. I’ll circle back then,” the critic responded.

The TikTok has so far received 370,000 views and viewers in the comments were divided. Many backed the Swiftologist, expressing unfavorable opinions about the song, while others defended Sheeran and compared him to Taylor Swift, of whom the creator is a noted fan, with a podcast dedicated to analysing her career.

Hourihane told Newsweek that he disputed the idea that his critique was unfair.

“I didn’t ‘go after’ Ed Sheeran. The clip was part of a longer Friday music roundup where he was one of many artists I reviewed. If it were personal, I’d have tagged him (I didn’t). This was a regular piece of music commentary: critical, entertaining, and opinionated,” he said.

“Ed clearly didn’t take it personally. He commented that he has another song he thinks I’ll like, and I said I’d give it a listen. Friendly, not hostile. Music criticism has always been colorful and snarky. That’s what makes it interesting. The idea that it should only be mild or neutral would make pop culture even more boring than it’s already becoming. I’m not a search engine, I’m a critic,” Hourihane told Newsweek.

Writer and TikTok creator, Catherine McKenzie (@catherinemackauthor), from Montreal, was one of the viewers who defended Sheeran, receiving 767,800 views and 28,400 likes on her response video.

“I’ve followed the Swiftologist for a while and generally find his criticisms to be well-reasoned and thought out. However, I found the tone of this particular video to be different as it was directed at Ed Sheeran directly, which is not how criticism of any kind (books, music, movies) is generally done, nor should be done in my view.

“I also had some empathy for Zach (the Swiftologist) as I’ve often wondered if the people I make videos about ever see them and how they feel about it. So, I jokingly said at the end of my video that Ed could comment on it,” McKenzie told Newsweek.

“I actually screamed,” McKenzie said, after seeing Sheeran’s response.

“My response video to that comment was made a minute later and you can see how shocked I am,” she added. “Good on Ed Sheeran for having a sense of humor about this.”

McKenzie also defended Sheeran’s artistry, stating: “I really don’t think that this is fair about Ed Sheeran’s music in general. I do not think that his last two albums, Subtract and Autumn Variations, fit into the narrative that The Swiftologist is saying here.”

She added that while Azizam may align with Sheeran’s more commercial hits, it doesn’t represent his entire discography.

The story didn’t end there. Sheeran popped up once more in the comments of McKenzie’s video, writing: “I’m honestly just lurking on TikTok first couple of days to reply to fans videos. Nothing new about any of this to me it’s water off a duck’s back, I love the music I make and that’s what matters.”

TikTok users were quick to share their thoughts on the saga, with the court of public opinion divided.

“Unfortunately the review was correct,” one user bluntly commented.

Another countered with a note of empathy: “I think this is a good thing actually, ppl commenting on celebs should realize that they are also real ppl and especially the Swiftologist needs to remember his manners.”

Others rallied in support of The Swiftologist. “Maybe hot take but I really like the swiftologist. if y’all were to actually take the time to listen to his opinions you would know that he actually really is rooting for a lot of artists,” said one viewer.

Another user, identifying as a fellow songwriter, appreciated Sheeran’s perspective: “Exactly. He knows he can make whatever kind of music he wants to make, and is fully capable of doing so. Why would he be offended by someone’s opinion?”

And for some fans, Sheeran’s reaction only deepened their admiration. “Woah! I love Ed’s music, and I’m glad to read this is his perspective on what he sees here (among other places). Very cool that he replied to you.”

McKenzie concluded: “I think Ed is an extremely talented songwriter and really loved Subtract. I’ve watched his Disney+ documentary more times than I can count. As a writer I really connect with the backstory of what drives the writing process. I think Azizam is catchy and a cool moment for the Persian community. I like how he pushes himself to continue exploring and takes joy in his work. I’m looking forward to hearing Play when it comes out.”

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