Exclaim!

Everyone Is Volunteering to Replace Ed Sheeran on 'SNL'

The singer-songwriter can't make the show on November 6 following his COVID-19 diagnosis
Everyone Is Volunteering to Replace Ed Sheeran on 'SNL'
By Megan LaPierre
Published Oct 25, 2021
After testing positive for COVID-19, Ed Sheeran announced over the weekend that he's doing his due diligence and delaying all in-person commitments — including a scheduled appearance as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on November 6.

Despite reports that they're scrambling, the SNL producers really shouldn't have too much trouble finding a replacement for Sheeran — everyone on Twitter is volunteering the names of acts they think would be best-suited, from Jojo Siwa to Crazy Frog.

In fact, several artists are shamelessly putting in bids to replace Sheeran themselves. Among them are the Mountain Goats, who claim they are "well-loved by the TikTok Dancing Massive [sic]"; Eve 6, who have offered to cover a rarity from none other than Chumbawamba; and Canada's own Arkells — "You Can Get It," right?

Phoebe Bridgers — who famously smashed a guitar and became archenemies with David Crosby last time she appeared on the show — admitted that she subconsciously wanted to make a suggestion but forgot. (Probably would've been a good moment of continuity to put Crosby's name forward, but it's fine.)

See some of the quote-tweets from musicians offering to fill in for Sheeran on the broadcast below.
 
Read Exclaim!'s review of SNL's October 23 episode, which featured Brandi Carlile as the musical guest and Jason Sudeikis as the host.