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Ed Sheeran and Benny Blanco are embracing their reputation as relatable celebrities, joking that they represent "normal guys" in an industry often filled with traditionally attractive heartthrobs.
The conversation came during Sheeran's appearance on the Friends Who Keep Secrets podcast on March 10, hosted by Blanco alongside Lil Dicky and Kristin
Batalucco. During the episode, the group discussed how both musicians built successful careers while maintaining an image that feels more down-to-earth than many typical pop stars.
Lil Dicky, whose real name is Dave Burd, recalled knowing Sheeran in his early 20s and described him as one of the most normal people he had met at the time. Blanco agreed, suggesting that both he and the British singer represent a different kind of celebrity compared to performers who seem destined for stardom because of their looks or traditional "cool" factor.
"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,'" Blanco said. "I feel like both, especially me... you give the normal guy hope."
Batalucco chimed in by describing the podcast hosts and their guest as "just a bunch of normal dudes," a sentiment Blanco embraced as the group joked about the contrast between themselves and Hollywood's more conventionally attractive stars.
"There's definitely the popular kid in school who's super, super attractive," Sheeran said during the conversation.
Blanco referenced actors and musicians who fit that image, pointing to stars like Jacob Elordi and Chris Brown as examples of celebrities who have the looks and charisma often associated with mainstream fame.
The conversation also turned to singer Benson Boone, whom the group praised for both his talent and athletic ability. Lil Dicky joked that Boone seems to straddle the line between the "normal guy" category and the typical heartthrob archetype.
Blanco previously expressed similar thoughts about Sheeran's relatability in a TIME100 cover story published in April. At the time, he explained that part of Sheeran's appeal comes from the way he writes songs that reflect everyday conversations and emotions.
"He sings sentences that we say all the time, but nobody ever puts them together like that in a song," Blanco said.
According to the producer, both he and Sheeran share a similar perspective on success, describing themselves as ordinary people who somehow managed to achieve extraordinary careers.
Sheeran and Blanco have collaborated several times throughout the years. Blanco worked on Sheeran's 2017 album ÷ (Divide), which included some of the singer's biggest hits.
The pair also teamed up with Lil Dicky on the 2018 single "Freaky Friday," with Sheeran making a memorable cameo in the music video.
