Doja Cat removes Ed Sheeran lyric during Detroit concert amid Macklemore tour controversy

Fans noticed Doja Cat changed a lyric during her Detroit show on October 1

Doja Cat appeared to alter a lyric referencing Ed Sheeran during her Detroit concert, drawing attention amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s US LOOP TOUR.

The rapper performed her 2021 hit "Get Into It (Yuh)" at Little Caesars Arena on October 1 as part of her TOUR MA VIE WORLD TOUR. The song traditionally includes a reference to Sheeran and his 2017 hit "Shape of You", but footage from the Detroit performance appeared to show Doja leaving out his name and replacing the lyric.

The change quickly attracted attention online, with some fans interpreting it as a possible response to the controversy involving Sheeran and Macklemore. However, Doja has not publicly explained why she changed the lyric, meaning her intention remains unclear.

The incident comes weeks after Macklemore was removed from the US dates of Sheeran’s LOOP TOUR following his pro Palestinian comments during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5. Macklemore later said he believed the decision followed pressure from venue owners. 

Sheeran subsequently said that removing Macklemore was the promoter’s decision rather than his own. He explained that venues on upcoming dates had indicated they would not host shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. Sheeran said he had attempted to help resolve the dispute but that the promoter and venues ultimately made the decision

Several scheduled opening acts later withdrew from the US tour in solidarity with Macklemore, including Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe, while members of Sheeran’s backing band Beoga also stepped away. 

Macklemore has since announced his FREE PALESTINE TOUR, with shows in Dublin, Paris and London selling out shortly after tickets were released. He has also said further US dates are planned.

For now, Doja’s altered lyric remains the only apparent connection between her Detroit performance and the dispute. Without a statement from the singer, it cannot be confirmed whether the change was intended as a message of support for Macklemore or simply a spontaneous alteration during the performance.