Ed Sheeran not sure he's 'brave enough' to compete for a Grammy against Adele's '25'
In this week's issue of Billboard, we're giving you an in-depth, 24-hour peek into the lives of four music industry players: international pop star Ed Sheeran, power manager Sarah Stennett (she reps Ellie Goulding, Iggy Azalea and the newly solo Zayn Malik), DJ Tommy Trash and producer-Def Jam vp No. I.D.
While looking ahead to his 2016, Sheeran let us know a few things about his upcoming third studio album. One thing he's concerned about already? Adele's 25, an album his next release will potentially compete against two Grammys from now (both are likely to be up in the best vocal pop album category in 2017).
Sheeran tells Billboard Atlantic is eyeing a September 2016 release for his next album (so it's eligible for the following Grammys), but that would mean going head-to-head with fellow Brit Adele.
"Adele is releasing her album in the same Grammy category," he says. "I don't know if I'm brave enough to go up against her."
Even if he's a bit intimidated by Adele, he's still expecting his follow-up to X to be his biggest yet.
24 Hours With Ed Sheeran: His New York City Whirlwind (PHOTOS)
"I don't know if it's going to last forever," Sheeran admits of his songwriting talent. "I know this third record will be better than anything I've ever done. I might fall off on this fourth record, who knows? But I'm positive this will be the real big one."
For more on our day in the life with Sheeran, head here to read this week's Billboard cover story. And watch as we carpool with Sheeran in the video above and check out our exclusive behind-the-scenes video of 24 hours in the life of the pop star below.
Click through to see Adele through the years:
More on Billboard:
Adele's '25' is a lock to sell 1 million in its first week -- How about 2?
Alabama Shakes on 'The Late Show' and more photos of October 2015
Taylor Swift countersues radio host who allegedly groped her
