A second artist will be announced soon and rumors point to…. Ed Sheeran!
The musical performance of the Champions League final, which in recent years has confirmed big international stars such as Dua Lipa, Camila Cabello, Imagine Dragons, Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, already has the first artist of its lineup. UEFA has announced Burna Boy in the show now renamed Kick Off Show by Pepsi of the UEFA Champions League Final 2023.
“The world is not prepared for what awaits us!” said Burna Boy ahead of his performance at the inaugural show. The multi-Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer will be one of the main performers at the music show to be held on June 10 at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium.
Known for his hits Last Last and It’s Plenty, the Nigerian star will bring his energy and Afrobeats vibes to millions of fans before the start of the world’s biggest club game. But he won’t be doing it alone. This year’s other headliner, who will perform alongside Burna Boy, will be announced soon.
And all rumors point in one direction only: Ed Sheeran. Because Burna Boy and Sheeran are old friends and their musical collaborations are usually guaranteed hits as they already demonstrated in their most recent hit For my hand.
At the moment there is no official confirmation neither by the organization nor by the artist himself, who will release his new studio album on May 5. And the best way to present it to the whole world could be in an event of great magnitude as the final of this European soccer competition whose audience is millionaire and already rivals the intermission of the Super Bowl.
“As a huge soccer fan, I know there is nothing bigger than the UEFA Champions League. That’s why I’m so excited to perform on the Pepsi stage at this year’s final. Music and soccer are the best combination, so you know I’m going to rock and make magic in Istanbul – the world is not ready for what awaits us!” explained Burna Boy.
Now in its seventh year, the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show by Pepsi, formerly known as the UEFA Champions League Final Opening Ceremony, brings together music, sport and culture through a world-class show.
Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA Marketing Director, said: “The UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show is an important part of our joint efforts with Pepsi as it offers an incredible opportunity to reach a new and younger audience with some of the biggest names and rising stars in music. We are delighted to present a line-up of talented artists at this season’s final in Istanbul in what is sure to be an energetic and memorable performance.”