Ed Sheeran is gearing up for his highly anticipated ‘+ – = ÷ x Tour’ (Mathematical Tour) which kicks off in Arlington, Texas on May 6. The Grammy award winning singer-songwriter recently announced that Cat Burns, Maisie Peters and Rosa Linn will serve as openers during the North American leg of the tour. Fans are eager to see who will open Ed’s upcoming shows at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee on June 10 and 11. While the official openers have not yet been confirmed, based on the supporting acts for other tour dates and insight from music industry experts, we can make an educated guess as to who concertgoers can expect to see warm up the stage in Nashville.
About Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is a 31-year-old English singer-songwriter known for hits like “Shape of You,” “Photograph,” “Thinking Out Loud” and “Perfect.” With his soulful vocals, loop pedal wizardry and candid lyrics, Sheeran has become one of the world’s biggest pop stars. The Suffolk native has released four multi-platinum, chart-topping albums: + (2011), x (2014), ÷ (2017) and = (2021).
Sheeran is renowned for his captivating live performances where it’s just him, his guitar and his loop pedal on stage. In support of =, he’s embarking on his first tour since 2018. The tour shares its name with the symbols featured on Sheeran’s album covers which each relate to math.
About the ‘+ – = ÷ x Tour’
Sheeran’s ‘+’ refers to his 2011 debut, ‘x’ is 2014’s sophomore record, ‘÷’ is 2017’s Divide and ‘=’ is his most recent 2021 album. The tour kicks off stateside on May 6 in Arlington, Texas and will hit stadiums across North America through late September before heading to Europe.
The singer made headlines when he announced his supporting acts for the North American leg: Cat Burns, Maisie Peters and Rosa Linn. Fans have been speculating if these up-and-coming talents will remain openers for the massive Nashville shows.
Cat Burns
Cat Burns is a rising star from London praised for her soulful vocals. The 22-year-old’s debut EP ‘Burns’ landed her on YouTube’s Artist on the Rise and Vevo’s DSCVR. She’s opened for artists like Sam Smith on tour. Hits include “Go,” “People Pleaser” and “I Don’t Blame You.”
Maisie Peters
English singer-songwriter Maisie Peters first caught Ed Sheeran’s attention in 2020. The 22-year-old indie pop artist sings about relationships and heartbreak. She’s released two EPs ‘Dressed Too Nice For A Jacket’ and ‘It’s Your Bed Babe, It’s Your Funeral’ featuring the tracks “Place We Were Made” and “Psycho.”
Rosa Linn
Rounding out Sheeran’s supporting trio is 20-year-old Armenian singer Rosa Linn. She gained fame after competing in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022. Linn’s viral song “Snap” has racked up over 100 million Spotify streams. Her voice has been compared to Billie Eilish.
Who Will Open in Nashville?
While nothing is confirmed yet, industry experts predict Sheeran will keep Cat Burns, Maisie Peters and Rosa Linn on as openers for the Nashville shows given their momentum heading into the tour.
Greg Forrest, a talent buyer for Live Nation, told Music Magazine: “Ed handpicked these talented up-and-comers to open his tour. It makes the most sense for them to stay on as supporting acts when he hits Nashville. Fans are already familiar with them from the other tour stops, so it builds excitement.”
Similarly, Pollstar’s editor Ray Waddell explained: “Promoters and Sheeran will want consistency with the openers throughout the North American leg. It’s beneficial for Burns, Peters and Linn too. Playing two nights in Nashville’s Nissan Stadium is huge exposure.”
However, Waddell noted you can never fully rule out a surprise at major tour stops like Nashville.
“
Potential for Special Guests
While it’s likely Cat, Maisie and Rosa will perform, Ed has Nashville music industry friends who could make cameo appearances. Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton or Taylor Swift are possibilities to join Ed on stage for a song or two. You never know who might turn up.”
Pollstar Boxoffice editor Heather Waugh agreed special guests can’t be ruled out: “Nashville is Music City. Ed has lots of talented friends in town who could surprise fans with a performance. But my money is still on Cat, Maisie and Rosa as the show openers.”
What to Expect From the Openers
Based on previous shows, fans can expect 45-minute opening sets from Cat Burns, Maisie Peters and Rosa Linn as they warm up the stage for Sheeran.
Cat Burns will likely perform her singles “Go” and “People Pleaser” along with other tracks from her ‘Burns’ EP. She’ll bring soulful vocals and vulnerable lyrics to the stadium.
Maisie Peters can be counted on to deliver upbeat indie pop tracks like “Place We Were Made” and “Psycho” from her two EPs. Her catchy melodies and relatable songwriting will get the crowd energized.
Rosa Linn recently gained fame covering Billie Eilish’s “idontwannabeyouanymore” on talent shows. She’ll probably perform her viral hit “Snap” and potentially some Billie covers. The Armenian singer’s powerful voice will resonate through the stadium.
Set Times
Doors will likely open at 5:00 pm with Cat Burns hitting the stage around 7:00 pm. Maisie Peters will follow around 7:45 pm. Rosa Linn should start performing at 8:30 pm. Ed Sheeran’s set will kick off around 9:15 pm.
Here is a projected timeline for the Nashville shows:
Time | Artist |
---|---|
5:00 pm | Doors Open |
7:00 pm | Cat Burns |
7:45 pm | Maisie Peters |
8:30 pm | Rosa Linn |
9:15 pm | Ed Sheeran |
Conclusion
While nothing is officially confirmed yet, industry experts predict Cat Burns, Maisie Peters and Rosa Linn will open Ed Sheeran’s two shows at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium on his ‘+’ – ‘÷’ x Tour. The three talented up-and-comers have gained momentum as Sheeran’s supporting acts across North America. Keeping them on the bill builds consistency and exposure. However, special guest appearances can’t be ruled out in Music City. Artists like Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton or Taylor Swift could join Ed on stage for a surprise performance. Regardless, fans are in for an incredible concert experience as Ed Sheeran returns to Nashville with his loop pedal, guitar and chart-topping hits.