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Ed Sheeran Jams For Justin Bieber’s Celebrity-Packed Countdown To ‘What Do You Mean’

By Page Mackinley
Published on: 06:32 PST, Aug 11, 2015

Ed Sheeran gifted Justin Bieber’s celebrity-assisted countdown to his new single “What Do You Mean” with a guitar-backed riff on the title and 17 days that are left until the song’s release.

Sheeran, who is a friend of Bieber and his manager, Braun, recently stepped up to replace Justin after the younger singer was forced to pull out of his headlining appearance at the U.K.’s Fusion Festival due to an “unforeseen issue.”

The British artist’s acoustic, freestyle, jam is pure Sheeran, and a nice departure from the mostly silent promotions by the other stars featured in Bieber’s countdown.

On July 29, Justin announced the name of his single over at On Air With Ryan Seacrest and kicked off his celebrity-packed countdown to its release, after revealing his upcoming up-tempo song is “uplifting, clear, poppy but cool.”

The track is the lead single from the Canadian’s new album which the Biebs has revealed is expected “within the next couple of months.” Skrillex appears to be the primary producer now, although Rick Rubin and Kayne West initially occupied that role.

USA Today also heard the song at the recent iHeartMedia Music Summit. They described it as “a catchy song with plenty of bass and a slick beat that incorporates the sound of an eery, ticking clock that underscores his lyrics.”

Another notable review come from Ariana Grande, who featured in the Biebs’ countdown. Despite her same-day deletion of an Instagram pic of herself holding up a sign displaying Justin’s single title, the diva did leave her verdict on the track up on her Twitter page.

“(yes, I’ve heard it…….. yes, it’s fantastic),” the songstress tweeted, with her now-deleted Instagram link.

Meanwhile, Little Mix observed Day 18 of the countdown. Newly-single Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jesy Nelson are seen in an Instagram pic with the caption, “What Do You Mean? @littlemixofficial #18Days.”

The girl band is in good company with Grande, Big Sean, Kylie Jenner, Ashley Benson, J. Balvin, The Fat Jewish, Halsey, Mariah Carey, James Corden, Travis Scott, Ruby Rose, Ryan Seacrest, and more.

So far, it’s been a cute gimmick and an effective way to use social media to tap into each featured star’s fanbase.

Take a look at some of the other celebrities in the Biebs’ “What Do You Mean” countdown below.

[Images via Twitter / Getty Images]

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