Mike Yung, an America’s Got Talent alum, was recently performing one of his viral subway shows when he was unexpectedly joined by global superstar Ed Sheeran.
In a TikTok clip, Yung is seen passionately singing the chorus to Sheeran’s recent single “Eyes Closed” on a New York City subway platform when the 32-year-old singer-songwriter approaches him. The duo share a warm hug, and Yung tells Sheeran, “You’re the man.” They then proceed to sing “Eyes Closed” together, with Sheeran grinning throughout the performance.
“Eyes Closed” is the lead single from Sheeran’s upcoming album, (pronounced Subtract), which marks the final installment in his decade-long mathematical album era. The album is set to be released on May 5 via Atlantic Records. Sheeran shared on Instagram that the song is about losing someone and feeling as though you might bump into them every time you go out. He explains that sometimes you need to take yourself out of reality to numb the pain of loss, but certain things can bring you right back into it.
Sheeran also mentioned his friend Jamal Edwards, a music entrepreneur who passed away in February 2022 from cardiac arrest at the age of 31. The lyrics, “Blue was Jamal’s color, but now is all I feel,” highlight Sheeran’s grief. He concludes his message by saying, “And I guess music helps heal, so I’m dancing with my eyes closed to try to get through it.”
The heartwarming moment between Mike Yung and Ed Sheeran demonstrates the power of music to bring people together and help them heal, even in the most unexpected places.