Justin Bieber says his "friend" Ed Sheeran is an "inspiration".
Justin Bieber in the Live Lounge
The 22-year-old Canadian singer, who has a string of celebrity pals in his inner circle including Usher, Chris Brown and Floyd Mayweather, worked with the British songwriter on the track 'Love Yourself' - which features on his album 'Purpose' - and monster hit 'Cold Water', which he recorded with Major Lazer and MO.
Justin insists he feels inspired whenever he listens to Ed's music and says the pair are getting to become pals.
Speaking to Nick Grimshaw during a special performance from Los Angeles for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, he said: "Me and Ed aren't super close but he's someone who I consider a friend and I really appreciate his music. I appreciate who he is as a person. He's an inspiration to a lot of young people - he makes awesome music that people are inspired by and that people laugh to, cry to and I think it's important in music to have those people who bring the emotion out of you."
The 'Sorry' hitmaker went on to reveal which of Ed's tracks is his favourite.
He added: "That 'Thinking Out Loud' song, that's my song. There's something about him that just makes you like him. He's very likeable and very, very talented."
Discussing how Ed brought out the best of him in the studio, Justin said: "We found a sweet spot. I think that he knows what sounds good range-wise in my vocals and he's got his ear to the streets. He's very relevant but knows his stuff at the same time so he brings in stuff that he grew up listening to into what he's making now which is really neat."
Ed, 25, is currently enjoying a break from touring and the music business following the huge success of his last LP 'X' before coming back with his third album.
Justin has had first-hand experience of both career highs and lows, and hopes his pal doesn't "mess" things up because he's such a special talent.
He said: "Let's hope he doesn't ... we gotta make sure he doesn't do something stupid to mess it all up."
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