[Flash] When Elton John Mentored Ed Sheeran through Social Comparison

So, I was genuinely surprised by his interview on The Louis Theroux podcast when Ed revealed a raw, relatable insecurity: social comparison.

According to psychologists, social comparison occurs when we compare ourselves to others to evaluate our own worth.

Ed vulnerably shared how this insecurity is triggered by new artists entering the fray.

He continued, recalling specifically how he felt when Shawn Mendes became popular in 2013, “I remember wondering, when all the kids loved Shawn, does that mean it’s over for me?”

Ed felt conflicted. He knew Shawn, really liked his music, and was happy for the 15-year-old. But he also felt threatened by Shawn’s success.

He shared this experience with his Mentor, Elton John, who advised, “Whenever that happens, just get to know the person because you’ll always want to root for them.” 

Elton put it in perspective for Ed: It’s not a race. It’s a career. You can release music, and people can like it, and they can come to your shows. But no one is not coming to your show because they’re going to a Shawn Mendes show. They’ll go to both.

Ed leaned into Elton’s wisdom.

He joined Season 21 of the singing competition television show, The Voice, as the “Mega Mentor,” helping new artists grow, not just as singers but as overall performers.

In addition, Ed started a practice of inviting one new singer-songwriter to join him on tour every year. This year, Ed invited Myles Smith, the rising British singer-songwriter, to accompany Ed in his Loop Tour.

Today, Ed chooses mutual respect over rivalry, going out of his way to create camaraderie when an artist releases new music. When Ed heard Sam Fender’s new song, “Will We Talk,” Ed liked it and immediately messaged him with admiration.

Mentors shift our perspective, helping us move from competition to collaboration, from measuring others to measuring our progress.

The opposite of comparison isn’t confidence. It’s curiosity.

• What can I learn from someone on a similar journey as me? 
• What has their experience been like? 
• What lessons have they learned?
• What advice could they offer me as I progress?
• Are there ways we could partner?
• How could I support them?
• What mentoring do they need?
• Who is in their community? 
• How could I contribute to them?
• Who could I introduce them to?

Comparison asks, how do I measure up? Growth asks, how am I improving?

© 2026. Ann Tardy and MentorLead. www.mentorlead.com. All Rights Reserved.