Chart-topper Ed Sheeran performed an intimate showcase for 100 lucky fans in Christchurch.
Opinion
Ed Sheeran is in New Zealand once again, but have we had enough of the ginger crooner? Joanna Hunkin and ZM's PJ Harding have their say.
Joanna Hunkin says:
It's hard to know when exactly I hit Ed Sheeran overload. It was probably somewhere between him hanging with Alf in Summer Bay and becoming an impromptu wedding singer for an Aussie couple who won a radio competition.
Or maybe it began last year, when he made his international acting debut on Shortland Street?
Less than a year later, he's back, fitting in even more promo stops around a sellout arena tour. And that's before he hits the X Factor stage on Monday.
It's clear that Ed is a very obliging man. Simply ask and he will come. But my God, the man needs to learn to say no. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if he showed up at my favourite coffee shop to serenade passing commuters just because I suggested it in this column (Espresso Coffee School in Swanson St, if you're reading, Ed).
In an industry full of ego and divas, it's lovely that Mr Sheeran has remained so accessible. He's not above anything.
But maybe he needs to be? This is a man who's sold out arena shows around the globe. A man who has released four top 10 singles in the past year - including two number ones.
He's not Ricky Martin, desperately trying to lip-synch his way back to pop relevance. He doesn't need to shamelessly pimp himself like this.
Just put it away, man. Leave 'em wanting more.
* Joanna Hunkin is the Herald's head of entertainment.
Ed Sheeran performing in Auckland, 2014. Photo / Dean Purcell
PJ Harding says:
Ed-Steria is everywhere! Is it justified? Absolutely! You can't get enough of Ed Sheeran. The guy is humble, funny and loves Maltesers. What's not to love?!
He also has no problem getting amongst local culture, like his recent cameo on Home and Away and on Shortland Street last year. Not convinced yet? When he was named Britain's worst-dressed male in 2012 he laughed and said "glad they noticed".
His body is covered in a plethora of random ink, including tattoos of Puss'n Boots, Heinz tomato ketchup and a kiwi. Not many people could pull that off - and I haven't even got to the musical side of things yet.
This year Ed picked up two awards at the Brit Awards and was not afraid to celebrate his success. Later that night, he and Taylor Swift ended up at Mark Ronson's after-party, hiding in the bathroom from the police. I'm not sure what they were hiding from but the fact he was hiding in a bathroom with Taylor Swift is pretty cool.
Oh yeah, and I forgot to mention that he gets along with pretty much everyone and has the sweetest contacts. He has written a number of songs for other people, including Little Things for One Direction, he teamed up with Rudimental for the epic collaboration Bloodstream and he has done some amazing covers including Blackstreet's No Diggity. He also performed at the Victoria's Secret show a couple of months back, oozing total confidence.
Ed is the man and we can't wait to see him while he's in New Zealand.
* PJ is the host of ZM's afternoon drive show, weekdays from 3pm.
