For many people, meeting an idol feels both thrilling and intimidating.
At a Canadian mall, a young singer experienced that mix of emotions when Ed Sheeran stepped in during her cover of “Thinking Out Loud“.
The performance was a fundraiser for the Edmonton Humane Society.
13-year-old Sydney Bourbeau was singing Sheeran’s modern love song to a large crowd.
Most people become nervous when they meet a celebrity.
Sydney paused briefly, then steadied herself once she realised who had joined her.
She harmonised with Sheeran before he gave her the spotlight back to finish the song solo.
Despite selling out tours and moving millions of albums, Ed Sheeran still surprises fans with spontaneous performances.
He has even popped up at private gatherings and once performed inside someone’s living room.
At Sydney’s show, Sheeran joined her halfway through “Thinking Out Loud.”
He grabbed the mic initially, then lowered his delivery so her voice could shine.
He adjusted his singing to let her stand out, a humble gesture supporting the cause and her performance.
Sheeran did not stay for the entire set, and Sydney did not manage to talk with him afterwards.
She later called it “the best moment of her life.”
Sheeran also gave her tickets to an upcoming date on his American and Canadian tour.
The Edmonton Humane Society aims to improve the lives of people and companion animals.
They provide sheltering, adoption services, animal education, dog behaviour courses, and support for pet guardians.