Ed Sheeran Celebrates 5x Platinum Certification of Worldwide Hit Single 'Thinking Out Loud'

Atlantic recording artist Ed Sheeran is celebrating the RIAA's 5x platinum certification of his worldwide hit single, "Thinking Out Loud," marking sales of 5 million in the United States alone. Sheeran received the honor while making a very special appearance on CBS' Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a visit which saw the GRAMMY Award-nominated singer/songwriter join the legendary Bill Withers for an exclusive interview segment and then offer up an inspired live performance of Withers' classic "Ain't No Sunshine" backed by Jon Batiste & Stay Human (see attached photo). In related news, "Thinking Out Loud" recently became the first song to surpass 500 million streams on Spotify.

Sheeran's joint appearance with Withers heralded Lean On Him: A Tribute To Bill Withers At Carnegie Hall, an all-star concert benefitting SAY (The Stuttering Association for the Young), an organization close to Sheeran and Withers, both of whom have stuttered since childhood. Presented by Michael Dorf, the event saw Sheeran team with other hand-picked luminaries including Dr. John, Amos Lee, Aloe Blacc, and Keb' Mo' to perform Withers' iconic 1973 album, "LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL."

The performance culminated a hugely busy live season for Sheeran, highlighted by a massive North American "x tour" finale at Foxboro, MA's Gillette Stadium on September 25. Performing before a rapturous sold out crowd over 50,000 strong Sheeran's biggest US audience thus far the British troubadour performed solo renditions of his numerous greatest hits, with special guest Chris Martin joining him for very special renditions of "Thinking Out Loud" and Coldplay's "Yellow."

Sheeran was also among the superstars appearing at the 2015 Global Citizen Fest in New York City's Central Park, performing both with Martin as well as the one and only Beyoncé, with whom he teamed up on an acoustic cover of "Drunk In Love." Sheeran's complete performance including renditions of "Lego House," "Sing," and "Photograph" can be viewed now at the official Global Citizen YouTube channel.

Sheeran's New York City trip also included an in-depth interview on PBS' The Charlie Rose Show. The complete segment which features an intimate performance of "Thinking out Loud" is streaming now at the official Charlie Rose YouTube channel.

This week marks the much-anticipated release of Sheeran's full-length concert feature, Ed Sheeran: Jumpers for Goalposts. The Warner Music/Screenlive Entertainment film comes to select cinemas nationwide for four showings on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 24 at 12:55 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 25 at 12:55 p.m. and Monday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. (all times local). Originating from London's famed Odeon Leicester Square, the world premiere screening will also showcase exclusive red carpet footage followed by a riveting live performance from Sheeran. Filmed earlier this year before almost a quarter million fans over three sold out nights at London's Wembley Stadium, Ed Sheeran: Jumpers for Goalposts includes 90 minutes of never-before-seen concert footage, including such classic hits as "Sing," "Thinking Out Loud," and "The A Team." Tickets for Ed Sheeran: Jumpers For Goalposts are available now by visiting www.FathomEvents.com, www.EdSheeranMovie.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 570 movie theaters through Fathom's Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (Theaters and participants are subject to change).

Sheeran is also among the most nominated artists for the 2015 American Music Awards. Earning 5 nominations in total, Sheeran is up for Song of the Year ("Thinking Out Loud"), Favorite Male Artist-Pop/Rock, Favorite Album-Pop/Rock, Favorite Artist-Adult Contemporary, and the night's top prize, Artist of the Year.

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is a genuine global phenomenon. The 24-year-old artist's acclaimed second full length album "x" (pronounced "multiply") went to #1 on album charts in 14 countries around the world and has since achieved platinum sales in 18 countries including the United States and his native United Kingdom, where it was the biggest selling album of 2014. With worldwide sales now exceeding 10 million, "x" is highlighted by its four platinum-selling, smash singles: "Sing," "Don't," "Photograph," and, of course, "Thinking Out Loud," Sheeran's first #1 single in the U.S. and his biggest overall hit to date.

Sheeran has earned a truly stunning assortment of awards and nominations, including three nods including the prestigious "Album of the Year" for "x" at the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards, an event that saw his performance of "Thinking Out Loud" receive one of the biggest ovations of the night. In addition to his six total GRAMMY nominations, Sheeran has accrued an array of other honors, among them four BRIT Awards (including 2015's "Best British Album" and "Best British Male"), the 2012 Ivor Novello Award for "Best Song Musically and Lyrically" (for "The A Team"), as well as trophies for "Best Male Video" at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards and both "Favorite Album" and "Favorite Artist" at the 2015 People's Choice Awards. As if all of that weren't enough, Sheeran was also named Spotify's most streamed artist in the world in 2014.

An extraordinarily gifted live performer, Sheeran has played countless sold-out shows across the globe, including an acclaimed three-night stand at New York City's Madison Square Garden and four extraordinary nights at London's O2 Arena.

Sheeran's 2012 breakthrough debut album, "+," entered the UK Albums Chart at #1 with the highest opening sales figures for a debut male solo artist ever and is now certified 6x platinum. Fueled by international hit singles like "The A Team" and "Lego House," "+" has enjoyed multi-platinum, platinum, and gold sales in nine countries around the world.

For additional news and information, please see www.edsheeran.com, www.twitter.com/EdSheeran (@EdSheeran), www.facebook.com/EdSheeranMusic and www.atlanticrecords.com.

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