‘American Idol’ Contestants' 'Beautiful' Duet Of 'Photograph' Captures Ed Sheeran's Heart

May 12, 2023 by apost team

Ed Sheeran is an English singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt lyrics, soulful voice and unique blend of acoustic and electronic sounds. Born on Feb. 17, 1991, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, Sheeran began playing the guitar at a young age and quickly developed a passion for music. He grew up in a musical family, and his father was an art lecturer and a composer.

To date, he is one of the best-selling recording artists in the world, with 150 million records sold. His chart-topping albums, both in the United States and in the United Kingdom, were also declared as the best-selling albums in UK chart history. 

Sheeran was also nominated for 16 Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Album of the Year. So far, he already won four. In 2017, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to music and charity.

On May 4, 2023, Sheeran won his highly-publicized and controversial copyright infringement trial for his song “Thinking Out Loud.” It was accused of copying Marvin Gaye’s 1973 hit song “Let’s Get It On.” 

Following his huge win on yet another lawsuit, Sheeran sat as a judge on “American Idol” Season 21 as a temporary judge. He and Alanis Morissette replaced Lionel Richie and Katy Perry for a week as they performed at the Coronation Concert of King Charles III. 

Sheeran’s songs were part of that week’s competition as contestants teamed up in twos to perform a rendition of his classics. Fan favorites Iam Tongi and Oliver Steele stole the show with their rousing cover of “Photograph,” which sent the musician emotional. Read on to learn more about the highly talked-about performance. 

Tongi and Steele brought out their acoustic guitars for the performance, backed by an orchestra. "Loving can hurt. Loving can hurt sometimes, but it's the only thing that I know,” Steele started singing.

As Tongi continued, applause from the crowd could be heard as they swayed their hands in the air. “So you can keep me inside the pocket of your ripped jeans. Holding me closer 'til our eyes meet. You won't ever be alone, wait for me to come home,” they sang harmoniously. 

Both of the crooners' vocals were calming as it was laudable. Sheeran’s expression throughout was very lovely, emotionally listening intently to every word. As soon as the performance ended, the crowd gave them massive applause and cheering. 

“This is a unique dynamic, watching them sing your songs here in a forum like this,” host Ryan Seacrest told Sheeran, as quoted by Today. “What’s going through your mind?”

For Sheeran, Tongi and Steele’s voices complement each other. 

“That was so beautiful to listen to, both your vocal tones fit so well with each other. I know that both of you have, like — I’m listening to it knowing that there’s a crazy power singing ability that’s in there, but just gentleness and soulfulness you’re bringing. I got emotional listening to that, it was good,” he added. 

Morissette also chimed in by giving feedback to the two incredible singers, noting that despite coming from “two completely different” places, they have successfully and brilliantly connected with each other. 

“I was just really moved, and hearing men be vulnerable is ... be still my beating heart,” she continued. 

In the past, Tongi and Steele both shone in their auditions, singing “Monsters” and “Change the World,” respectively. 

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Have you listened to the original version of “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran? Wasn’t the contestants' performance amazing? Which version do you prefer more? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other loved ones for them to see the amazing performance!