Ed Sheeran Open for Legends Contest Amid Macklemore Controversy
Ed Sheeran launched a contest for aspiring musicians to open his Loop tour, but the campaign was hijacked by memes and pro‑Palestine videos after rapper Macklemore was removed from the tour. The contest, run by Guitar Center, attracted a mix of genuine and satirical entries, prompting the company t…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On September 14, the same day U.S. rapper Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour, Guitar Center announced a new “Open for Legends” competition. The contest invites musicians over 18 with a U.S. passport to submit videos in hopes of opening for Sheeran at his December 11 show in Mexico City. The competition is open to anyone with performance experience, and entrants can win a spot on the stage by first gaining public votes and then being selected by a panel of judges.
How the Contest Was Launched
Guitar Center’s website asked applicants to upload a short clip of themselves performing. The public could then vote for their favorites, and a panel would choose ten finalists. From those, one winner would secure the opening slot. The promotion was marketed as a chance for up‑and‑coming artists to break into the music industry and share a stage with a global superstar.
Controversy Over Macklemore’s Removal
Ed Sheeran’s tour had already been rocked by the removal of Macklemore, who was pulled after making on‑stage remarks in support of Palestine. While Sheeran insisted the decision came from the tour promoter and that he was “not complicit,” the incident sparked a wave of criticism. Several of Sheeran’s remaining support acts—including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and the Irish band Beoga—also withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore. The controversy has put Sheeran’s apolitical stance under scrutiny, with some calling for him to cancel the tour rather than comply with the venue’s demands.
Fake Entries Flood the Competition
Within hours of the contest launch, the Guitar Center portal was inundated with videos that had nothing to do with music. Entertainment Weekly reported that the site was overrun by memes, non‑musical clips, and pro‑Palestine content. One user posted a video of a fiery car accident, linking to aid organizations in Palestine. Another uploaded the entire music video for Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop.” A third entry featured a man farting on a roommate’s doorknob, captioned “Me when I’m not complicit.” These videos were not only irrelevant but also appeared to be a coordinated attempt to derail the contest and protest Sheeran’s perceived silence on the conflict.
Guitar Center responded by removing the offending videos, leaving only the genuine submissions. The incident highlighted how quickly online campaigns can be hijacked by political activists, especially when the subject involves a high‑profile artist and a contentious geopolitical issue.
What Happens Next for the Tour
After Macklemore’s removal, several other acts pulled out of the Loop tour. The tour’s future remains uncertain, with venues and promoters weighing the potential backlash of hosting politically charged artists. Ed Sheeran has stated that he does not wish to speak publicly about the conflict, but he has pledged to use his platform to foster dialogue rather than confrontation. He and venue owner Robert Kraft have both announced plans to donate $2 million each to humanitarian relief for Palestinians, following a challenge from Macklemore.
Meanwhile, Macklemore has declared that the controversy was worthwhile for raising awareness. He said he would donate the entire $1 million of his net earnings from the tour to six organizations supporting Palestinians. The dispute has sparked a broader conversation about the role of artists in political advocacy and the responsibilities of promoters and venues in navigating sensitive topics.
Why This Matters
The incident underscores the growing intersection of music, politics, and corporate influence. It shows how quickly a promotional campaign can become a platform for protest, and how artists and companies must navigate the delicate balance between artistic freedom and public perception.
For aspiring musicians, the contest remains an opportunity—though it now carries a cautionary tale about the importance of clear rules and vigilant moderation.
For fans and observers, the situation serves as a reminder that the music industry is not insulated from global events, and that the actions of a single artist can ripple across an entire tour and beyond.
As the Loop tour continues to evolve, the industry will watch closely to see how the remaining dates are managed and whether the controversy will prompt a shift in how tours handle political statements.
Ultimately, the “Open for Legends” contest will be remembered not only for its potential to launch new careers but also for the way it illuminated the complex dynamics between art, activism, and commerce.
Key facts
- Ed Sheeran’s contest launched amid Macklemore controversy
- Guitar Center removed fake pro‑Palestine entries
- Sheeran’s apolitical stance criticized
- Artists and promoters pledging donations
- Tour’s future uncertain
Why it matters
The clash between artistic expression and corporate policy in this case illustrates how quickly a music promotion can become a battleground for political debate, affecting careers, audiences, and the broader cultural conversation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the “Open for Legends” contest?
A competition run by Guitar Center that allows musicians to apply to open for Ed Sheeran on his Loop tour.
Why was Macklemore removed from the tour?
He was dropped after making on‑stage remarks supporting Palestine, leading to a conflict with the tour promoter and venue policies.
What happened to the fake entries?
Guitar Center removed them from the contest website, leaving only genuine submissions.
Will the tour continue as planned?
The future of the remaining dates is uncertain, as several support acts have withdrawn and the controversy continues.
How are the artists responding to the controversy?
Sheeran has stated he will use his platform to foster dialogue, while Macklemore has pledged to donate his earnings to Palestinian charities.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Want to open for Ed Sheeran? Ill-timed contest to find support act gets fake entries”
