Few modern artists have left as big a mark on global pop music as Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars. While their musical personalities couldn’t be more different, what unites them is an unmatched ability to connect with audiences across the world. Whether you prefer Sheeran’s heartfelt acoustic ballads or Mars’s funky, soul-driven anthems, comparing them offers a fascinating look into the variety of today’s popular music.
To explore this further, here are nine fun and intriguing facts that highlight their careers, quirks, and artistic journeys.
Early Musical Influences
Both artists grew up surrounded by music, but their formative inspirations couldn’t be more different. Ed Sheeran grew up in Halifax, England, listening to singer-songwriters like Damien Rice, whose storytelling style heavily influenced his own lyrical approach. By his early teens, Sheeran was writing songs and busking in local streets, honing a stripped-down style built around guitar and voice.
On the other hand, Bruno Mars was raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, in a family of musicians. He began performing on stage at just four years old, often impersonating Elvis Presley. Mars’s childhood was steeped in the sounds of funk, soul, reggae, and R&B, giving him a vibrant palette of influences that continues to shape his music.
Breakthrough Moments
The journey to stardom for both has a distinct narrative. Ed Sheeran gained attention in 2011 with “The A Team,” a soulful ballad that immediately set him apart in an era dominated by electronic pop. That debut single reached millions and quickly cemented him as a fresh, honest voice in the industry.
Bruno Mars, before his own solo fame, was writing and co-writing songs for other artists. His breakout came in 2010 after featuring on B.o.B’s hit “Nothin’ on You” and Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire,” both of which showcased his smooth vocals and catchy hooks. Shortly thereafter, his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans introduced listeners to timeless hits like “Just the Way You Are.”
Songwriting Talents
One of the strongest connections between Sheeran and Mars is that they are not only performers but prolific songwriters for other stars. Ed Sheeran penned chart-toppers like Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself,” Major Lazer’s “Cold Water,” and songs for Taylor Swift and One Direction. His songwriting is often personal yet universal, making it easy for other artists to adapt.
Bruno Mars has an equally impressive writing résumé. Before his own solo fame, he co-wrote CeeLo Green’s “Forget You,” Flo Rida’s “Right Round,” and a string of R&B and pop hits. His ability to write music that works across genres has kept him in demand for over a decade.
Musical Versatility
When discussing Ed Sheeran vs Bruno Mars, versatility is a key factor. Sheeran may be best known for acoustic pop, but his albums often contain R&B-tinged tracks, rap verses, and collaborations with hip-hop artists like Eminem and Stormzy.
Mars thrives on genre fusion — blending funk, soul, reggae, and modern pop seamlessly. His 24K Magic album, for instance, was a throwback to ’80s and ’90s R&B while feeling entirely fresh to modern listeners.
Live Performance Energy
Fans who have attended both artists’ concerts know the difference immediately. Ed Sheeran famously performs solo with just a guitar and a loop pedal, layering sounds live to build stadium-filling performances. The focus for him is music stripped to its essentials.
Bruno Mars delivers the opposite — an explosion of lights, choreography, and high-energy band performances with his group, The Hooligans. Mars’s shows feel like a nonstop party, steeped in funk and old-school showmanship.
Awards and Achievements
Their trophy shelves speak for themselves. Ed Sheeran has collected multiple Grammys, Brit Awards, and Billboard honors, including record-breaking tour revenues. His ÷ (Divide) Tour became the highest-grossing tour of all time.
Bruno Mars also dominates the awards scene, with more than a dozen Grammys, an American Music Award for Artist of the Year, and a historic Super Bowl halftime performance. His collaborations, particularly “Uptown Funk” with Mark Ronson, have become some of the most streamed and purchased singles of all time.
Fashion and Style
When you think of Ed Sheeran, you might picture a casual, sweater-wearing, unassuming figure. That “boy-next-door” image is part of his approachable brand and matches the honesty of his lyrics.
By contrast, Bruno Mars embraces flash and flair — velvet suits, gold chains, wide-brim hats, and retro sunglasses. His look echoes his funk-driven sound, creating a complete visual identity that fans instantly recognize.
Signature Hits
Many people discover artists through their biggest hits, and in the Ed Sheeran vs Bruno Mars discussion, the list is stacked. Sheeran’s “Shape of You” is one of the most-streamed songs in history, while “Perfect” and “Thinking Out Loud” have become modern wedding staples.
Mars counters with “Uptown Funk,” which dominated charts worldwide, plus enduring hits like “24K Magic” and “Just the Way You Are.” In streaming and sales, both stand among the most successful artists of their generation.
Fun Random Trivia
Both artists have plenty of lesser-known facts that make them even more relatable. Ed Sheeran once spent nights sleeping on friends’ couches while trying to break into the music world — a testament to his persistence.
Bruno Mars got his nickname from a wrestler his father admired, and as a child, he performed five nights a week in Waikiki shows. These small details give a glimpse into the dedication and resilience behind their success.
Who is more popular — Ed Sheeran or Bruno Mars?
Popularity can be measured in many ways: album sales, streaming numbers, ticket sales, and cultural impact. Ed Sheeran currently dominates streaming platforms, thanks to hits like Shape of You which broke Spotify records. His ÷ (Divide) Tour is the highest-grossing in history.
Bruno Mars, however, has an equally massive global presence when it comes to single sales and televised performances. His Super Bowl halftime show reached over 115 million viewers, cementing him as a household name far beyond just music charts. In truth, both rank among the most popular artists worldwide — the “winner” depends on which metric you prefer.
How is their music style different?
When comparing Ed Sheeran vs Bruno Mars, the most striking difference is their musical personality. Sheeran leans on intimate guitar-based tracks, with folk, pop, and R&B undertones. His songs often feel like personal stories shared straight from the heart.
Bruno Mars thrives on groove, showmanship, and dance-ready vibes. His music blends funk, soul, pop, and old-school R&B, creating an atmosphere that’s as much about moving your feet as it is about singing along.
Who has won more awards?
In terms of sheer numbers, Bruno Mars has a slight edge in Grammys, with more than a dozen to his name. His haul includes major awards like Album of the Year (24K Magic) and Record of the Year (Uptown Funk).
Ed Sheeran’s trophy collection is nothing to dismiss — multiple Grammys, Brit Awards, and Billboard Music Awards, including Song of the Year for Thinking Out Loud. The difference is that Sheeran is more dominant in UK-based awards, while Mars’s accolades have a stronger US tilt.
Have Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars ever worked together?
Fans have long dreamed of a collaboration between these two chart-toppers. As of now, they haven’t released a joint song or performed together on stage in any official capacity.
Given their mutual respect in the industry and their proven ability to cross genres, a collaboration would almost certainly be a global hit — and it remains high on many fans’ wish lists.
Who is better in live performances?
This one is purely about personal preference. Ed Sheeran’s concerts often consist of just him, a guitar, and a loop pedal. It’s raw, intimate, and musically impressive to watch him build full arrangements live without a backing band.
Bruno Mars, on the other hand, turns every show into a full-scale party. Surrounded by his band, The Hooligans, Mars mixes choreography, bright visuals, and a constant stream of energy. If you want intimacy, you pick Sheeran; if you want fireworks, you go with Mars.
Who writes more of their own songs?
Both write the vast majority of their music. Sheeran is known as one of the most prolific songwriters in modern pop, penning hits for himself and others, including Justin Bieber’s Love Yourself and Taylor Swift’s Everything Has Changed.
Mars writes for his own albums but also co-writes for others, from CeeLo Green’s Forget You to Adele’s All I Ask. The difference? Sheeran’s catalog as a writer is larger, but Mars’s versatility and co-writing skills across genres are equally impressive.
Which record-breaking song is more famous: “Shape of You” or “Uptown Funk”?
Shape of You by Ed Sheeran is one of the most-streamed songs ever on Spotify and has sold millions worldwide. Its catchy melody and rhythm helped it dominate charts for months.
Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson, however, was a cultural event. It topped charts in multiple countries for weeks, won major awards, and became an anthem at weddings, parties, and sports events. In terms of memories and cultural reach, Uptown Funk arguably left a bigger public splash, but in streaming longevity, Shape of You leads.
Whose career started first?
Bruno Mars debuted earlier on the global stage. Before releasing his debut album in 2010, he was already writing hits for other artists. His first big solo hits came with Just the Way You Are in 2010.
Ed Sheeran broke into the international market in 2011 with The A Team. While both started making music young, Mars’s professional recognition happened a bit earlier.
Who is more versatile in music genres?
Sheeran moves from folk ballads to hip-hop collaborations with ease, appearing on tracks with artists like Eminem, Stormzy, and Khalid.
Mars is equally versatile but comes from a different direction — from funk to rock, reggae to doo-wop, all while making them radio hits. In the Ed Sheeran vs Bruno Mars debate, both win when it comes to adaptability, but Mars’s versatility shows more in live performance style, while Sheeran’s shines in songwriting.
Whose concerts sell more tickets?
Over the course of a single tour, Ed Sheeran’s ÷ (Divide) Tour holds the record for highest-grossing tour ever, selling over 8.9 million tickets. That’s a historic feat in the live music industry.
Bruno Mars, although not holding that record, sells out arenas and stadiums worldwide, often for multiple consecutive nights in major cities. His tickets are in high demand, especially because of his immersive and high-energy shows.
Who has the bigger social media following?
Currently, Ed Sheeran has larger numbers on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, partly due to his consistent updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his everyday life.
Bruno Mars uses social media more selectively, posting primarily around releases or tours, but his posts often go viral because they match his humorous, charismatic personality.
Who connects more emotionally with fans?
Ed Sheeran’s deeply personal lyrics and willingness to share vulnerable stories make fans feel personally connected to him. Songs like Photograph and Visiting Hours are often described as “soundtracks” to people’s big life moments.
Bruno Mars connects in a different way — his music creates joy, movement, and community. While Sheeran’s connection often touches the heart, Mars’s bonds with fans tend to light up the dance floor.
Conclusion
In comparing Ed Sheeran vs Bruno Mars, it’s clear they have taken different paths to stardom, rooted in different influences and performance styles. Sheeran represents intimacy, vulnerability, and authentic storytelling. Mars brings showmanship, energy, and a masterful blend of throwback and modern pop.
Both have reshaped the global music scene and inspired millions of fans. At the end of the day, it’s not about who is “better” — it’s about appreciating two extraordinary talents who continue to evolve, create, and entertain.
| Name | Birth Name | Birth Date | Birth Place | Nationality | Genres | Instruments | Years Active | Breakthrough Year | Major Hits | Notable Awards | Signature Style | Performance Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ed Sheeran | Edward Christopher Sheeran | 17 Feb 1991 | Halifax, England | British | Pop, Folk, R&B | Guitar, Vocals | 2004–present | 2011 | Shape of You, Perfect | Grammys, Brit Awards | Casual, laid-back | Solo with guitar |
| Bruno Mars | Peter Gene Hernandez | 8 Oct 1985 | Honolulu, Hawaii, USA | American | Pop, Funk, R&B, Soul | Vocals, Drums, Guitar | 2004–present | 2010 | Uptown Funk, 24K Magic | Grammys, AMA, BRITs | Flashy, retro | Full band and choreography |
FAQs
1. Who is more popular worldwide — Ed Sheeran or Bruno Mars?
Popularity often shifts, but both consistently rank among the most-streamed and highest-earning artists globally.
2. Which artist has sold more records?
Both have massive sales, but Bruno Mars’s singles often lead globally, while Ed Sheeran dominates in streaming numbers.
3. Have they ever performed together?
As of now, they have not released an official collaboration or joint performance.
4. Who writes more of their own music?
Both write the majority of their music, though Ed Sheeran is known for writing extensively for other artists as well.
5. Which one is a better live performer?
It depends on your taste — Sheeran offers intimate, stripped-back shows, while Mars delivers full-scale, high-energy performances.
