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Musician Ed Sheeran was caught off guard by an Emmy Award for his work on hit show Ted Lasso. Sheeran and songwriting partners Max Martin and Foy Vance earned television’s highest honor – an Emmy Award – for their song “A Beautiful Game” in the Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics category.
While the Creative Arts Emmy ceremony occurred in early January, Sheeran was nowhere near the festivities. Touring Asia as part of his worldwide stadium tour kept him abroad as the evening’s triumphs transpired stateside. The next day, he broke the surprise news of his first Emmy victory via social media.
In his virtual acceptance remarks, Sheeran recounted how the song originated two years prior when show creators requested a contribution for Ted Lasso’s season finale. Inspired by themes of camaraderie and the intangible nature of sports success, their football-flavored tune was born. Its authentic atmosphere arises from stadium recordings Sheeran captured on tour.
Given the high caliber of fellow nominees, Sheeran felt like a dark horse who never expected to emerge victorious. Grateful to voters and the Ted Lasso team, he encouraged fans to experience “A Beautiful Game” across platforms. Through fresh wording and structure, this version relays Ed Sheeran’s Emmy delight from afar with renewed voice and flow.
