BRITs 2018 viewers left confused by Elton John’s pronunciation of ‘Ed Sheeran’

Taking to the BRITs 2018 last night, veteran star Elton John left fans a little confused by the way he pronounced Ed Sheeran’s name.

Describing the Shape of You star as a “dear friend”, the Rocketman baffled viewers in a video introducing him.

Sir Elton said in the video (below): “I’d like to take this opportunity to talk about one of my dear friends. From the very first time I heard Ed [Sheeran], I knew he’d be a huge star…”

But the pronunciation of Sheeran’s surname by Sir Elton left fans baffled, with many taking to social media.

RELATED: Elton John appears for first time since announcing retirement to perform with Miley Cyrus

Some went into meltdown, asking whether everyone in the world except the Tiny Dancer hitmaker had been pronouncing ‘Sheeran’ wrong this whole time, and that maybe he was the only one who knew the correct way to say it.

Watch the video below, and don’t forget to tell us what you think in the comments below:

One Twitter user wrote: “Sorry did Elton John just say “Ed Shurran” #BRITS”


Another added: “Has everyone been saying Ed Sheeran’s surname wrong or does Elton John not know his name?”

A third suggested that perhaps Sir Elton was “serious” about the pronunciation, saying: “That’s the second time I’ve heard Elton John pronounce Ed Sheeran like that….so I guess he’s serious!?!? #BRITs.”

Some suggested even more outlandish interpretations of what Sir Elton said, saying: “100% Elton John said “Ester Ran” #BRITs.”

One Twitter user took the opportunity to throw some shade at the BRITs in general, writing: “Elton John calling Ed Sheeran his friend and then pronouncing his name wrong is honestly the best thing that happened all night #BRITs.”

“Ed She Ran. Elt & John #BRITs #EltonJohn.” added another.

And there was this: “I LIVE for the fact Elton John mispronounces Ed Sheeran EVERY time with no intention of correcting it. I wish I could give that few fucks #BRITs.”

We can’t help but think about that time John Travolta introduced Idina Menzel as ‘Adele Dazeem’ at the Oscars.

Remember this?

Meanwhile, Sheeran also said he would like to pen a song for the UK’s entry at Eurovision.

He said: “I would love to write a Eurovision song. I don’t know that I’d ever enter it singing it. But I don’t think the rest of Europe wants England to win because of history and stuff.”

Sir Elton shocked the world last month when he announced that he would stop touring permanently after nearly five decades.

The announcement came weeks after his beloved mother passed away age 93.

The I’m Still Standing singer, who has two sons with husband David Furnish, nearly died last year after contracting a bacterial infection while touring in South America.

The infection was described by experts as “rare” and “potentially deadly”, and months of tour dates were cancelled as he recovered from the condition.