Ed Sheeran and Benny Blanco Embrace Their 'Normal Guy' Status in Candid Podcast Chat
In a refreshingly honest conversation, global music stars Ed Sheeran and Benny Blanco have opened up about their unique positions in the entertainment world, proudly embracing their roles as everyday individuals who managed to achieve extraordinary success. Their candid remarks, filled with humor and camaraderie, highlight a stark contrast to the stereotypical image of effortlessly handsome celebrities who seem destined for fame from birth.
Podcast Banter Reveals Grounded Perspectives
During the latest episode of the Friends Keep Secrets podcast released on March 10th, the duo engaged in lighthearted banter that quickly turned insightful. Co-host Lil Dicky, who has known Sheeran since their early twenties, described the singer as "the most normal person" he has ever met. This comment sparked a deeper discussion about perception and identity in the music industry.
Benny Blanco, aged 38, enthusiastically agreed with the sentiment, turning to Sheeran, 35, and stating, "I feel like me and Ed share the same thing where it's like, there's a lot of guys that get big that you're like, 'Oh yeah, that person should be.' I feel like both, especially me, you give the normal guy hope." Co-host Kristin Batalucco, who is married to Lil Dicky, chimed in that the entire group was simply a bunch of regular guys enjoying each other's company.
Contrasting Themselves with 'Effortlessly Hot' Stars
The conversation took an amusing turn as Blanco pointed out the abundance of naturally attractive men in the industry who seem to accomplish incredible feats without any visible effort. Sheeran laughed in agreement, noting, "There's definitely the popular kid in school who's super, super attractive." Blanco then playfully named examples like Jacob Elordi and Chris Brown, emphasizing how many talented individuals also possess striking looks.
Batalucco brought up Benson Boone's impressive backflip skills, while Lil Dicky observed that Boone somehow bridges the gap between being conventionally handsome and maintaining a relatable, funny persona that aligns with their group's vibe. Blanco summarized it perfectly by saying, "His body screams hot guy and his face is like, 'Oh, you can be one of the normal guys.'"
A Bond Built on Collaboration and Shared Experience
This easy rapport between Sheeran and Blanco stems from a long history of successful collaboration. Blanco played a pivotal role in shaping Sheeran's massively successful 2017 album Divide, helping transform tracks into global chart-toppers. The duo teamed up again with Lil Dicky on the 2018 hit Freaky Friday featuring Chris Brown, with Sheeran making a memorable cameo in the music video.
Blanco has previously praised Sheeran's everyman appeal in a TIME100 cover story, stating, "He sings sentences that we say all the time, but nobody ever puts them together like that in a song. The thing that makes him so good, and I'm in a similar spot, we're just kind of like the average Joe that shouldn't have really made it, but somehow we did."
Inspiring Fans Through Authenticity
This engaging exchange showcases two music powerhouses confidently owning their ordinary roots. They demonstrate that genuine talent and heartfelt dedication can ultimately outshine polished perfection, offering inspiration to countless fans who see reflections of themselves in these artists' journeys to stardom.
In an industry often dominated by glamour and unattainable standards, their grounded humor and relatable perspectives feel like a breath of fresh air. Fans have long cherished Sheeran for his emotionally resonant lyrics and Blanco for his magical touch behind the scenes, and this moment perfectly captures why their connection resonates so deeply with audiences worldwide.
