The Ed Sheeran Opener Contest Is Not Going As Planned

A contest offering aspiring musicians the chance to open for Ed Sheeran has become another point of attention amid the controversy surrounding his Loop Tour. Guitar Center launched a competition for a chance to play at one of the singer’s concerts, but the opportunity has attracted more than just hopeful performers.

As backlash surrounding Sheeran’s tour continues, some people have found a different way to make their voices heard through the contest.

On September 14, Ed Sheeran’s tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, announced Macklemore’s removal from the Loop Tour following the rapper’s pro-Palestine remarks during a performance at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

That same day, Guitar Center launched a competition series, “Open for Legends,” allowing undiscovered musicians a chance to be the opening act for Sheeran’s show in Mexico City on December 11.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid U.S. passport. Bands can have no more than five members, and prior experience performing in front of an audience is required. Those interested in the opportunity must submit a video featuring original music.

Apart from opening for Sheeran, the winner will also receive a $2,000 gift card, $15,000 in cash, covered round-trip travel and accommodations.

The Contest Has Recieved Many Spam Entries

The contest has been affected by the controversy surrounding Sheeran’s tour. According to reports, the competition has been flooded with spam entries, many uploading pro-Palestine videos and expressing their disapproval of Sheeran.

Political protest videos, memes, and non-musical clips were uploaded, prompting Guitar Center to scrub the site of content not related to the competition.

One video titled “EDSHRANCOMPLICIT” featured a man flipping the bird to the camera. Another entry, meanwhile, uploaded a video with links to Palestine support organizations, as noted by Entertainment Weekly.

Guitar Center Addressed The Invalid Contest Entries

Days after the contest was launched, Guitar Center released a statement about the contest, explaining that “Open for Legends” was not launched as a result of Sheeran losing Macklemore as a supporting act. Instead, they had been developing it for months before it was announced.

They also addressed the bogus contest entries. “As with any open submission process, we received entries that were not legitimate applications to participate in the program. Those submissions will not be considered so that the opportunity can remain focused on musicians who are seeking to showcase their talent,” the statement read, per Rolling Stone.

Ed Sheeran’s Supporting Acts And Band Made A Stand

The remaining dates of Sheeran’s tour was left with no supporting acts and backing band after Macklemore was booted. As previously reported by The Blast, openers Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Finneas announced their exits from the Loop Tour, each taking to social media to state their departure and express their support for Palestine.

Sheeran’s longtime collaborator and backing band, Beoga, also left the tour, sharing they supported Macklemore’s speech. “As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be,” the band noted.

The Loop Tour Will Reportedly Proceed With Ed Sheeran Performing Solo

Sheeran has since spoken out about the controversy, explaining that it wasn’t his decision to remove Macklemore from the tour, but the promoter’s.

“I have always used my platform and music to bring people from all backgrounds and cultures together and this won’t ever change,” he wrote, adding that fans who go to his concerts “do not expect a political forum.”

The Loop Tour has 17 remaining dates, and according to reports, the performances will proceed without supporting acts. A source told TMZ that while plans have been constantly changing since the controversy, Sheeran performing solo is not a concern since he had already performed big venues in the past without a band.