“I have an email address that I email that actually changes every week,” he said of how he communicates with the superstar singer.
That’s right. Beyoncé probably has better layers of security to get to her than some heads of state.
Sheeran said the plans for the ballad, which dropped last Thursday, have been in the works since May and had a bit of a delay because of a big life event.
“Obviously she had twins and we finished it in September,” he said. “I’ve been holding on it since then.”
Sheeran said the two singers collaborated on “Perfect,” with Beyoncé suggesting the song be stripped down to just acoustic guitar.
The process was “very much a back and forth thing,” he said. They eventually recorded the song in about four hours.
And what did he learn from Bey?”One-take vocals,” he said. “She was just like, ‘Right,’ went in, one take, came out and was like, “Oh, that sounds alright.'”

The two went back and fourth in the studio for, Ed Sheeran estimates, four hours before Beyonce went in to record her vocals. “Went in, one take, came out,” Sheeran said.

Of course, it only took Beyonce one take — but when it came to getting
together with Bey, things weren’t so seamless. Sheeran noted that the song, which was released Dec. 1, has actually been in the works since May.

Moreover, even getting in touch with Beyonce, to begin with, was tough: “I have an email address that I email that actually changes every week,” Sheeran laughs. Once the email connection happened, the two hopped on the phone and the rest is history.
“Obviously she had twins [in June], and we finished [the song] in September, so I’ve been holding onto it since then,” Sheeran said of the “Perfect Duet,” which was released on Dec. 1.
Ed Sheeran’s efforts were clearly worth it, as “Perfect” jumps from No. 5 to No. 3 on the Hot 100 this week (chart dated Dec. 16) only to be stopped by the ongoing battle for the top spot between Camila Cabello’s “Havana” and Post Malone’s still-reigning “Rockstar,” which holds at No. 1 for the eighth week.
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I’m sorry Ed but Beyonce ruined the song for me!
I have to agree!
Agree ! Beyoncé sounds like she’s gasping and lunging into the song like it’s some sexy sauce or something. It’s a beautiful song with just you Ed. Beyoncé totally ruined it for me as well. .. and I can’t get away from the duet.. I want the solo !
I agree. She did not do the song justice!
Scottie
Beautiful song! I love the original and all the duets! ❤❤
Ed I must admit that you alone with that song was perfect. You don’t need Bey on that song. Really.