Ed Sheeran has written a song for Keith Urban.

Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran

The 'Shape of You' singer relished the "challenge" of turning his skills to country music when he was asked to collaborate with the former 'American Idol' judge.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Ed loves nothing better than experimenting with different sounds and types of music. He also likes a challenge.

"He loved the idea of penning a track no one would expect from him - and who better to work with than one of the industry's biggest country music stars?"

The pair were put in touch when Ed appeared alongside Keith's wife, Nicole Kidman, on 'The Late Late Show with James Corden' earlier this year.

Keith, 50, has already recorded the track - which doesn't feature its 26-year-old writer - but fans won't get to hear it until next year.

The source added: "Keith recorded the track in June and believes it will be a huge hit.

"It's not thought that Ed is singing on the track as well, but he could still jump on the track. The finished single should be released next year."

The 'Castle on the Hill' hitmaker is very busy at the moment as his friend Pixie Lott recently revealed they are planning to collaborate.

She said: "I have been speaking to Ed about doing something together. I love Ed. He is brilliant and an amazing songwriter. We first met when we were 16 and auditioned for a TV drama called 'Britannia High'. We've been friends for the past 10 years."

However, any plans for a potential duet have been put on hold for now, after Ed broke his left elbow and right wrist, and damaged his ribs in cycling accident earlier this month.

Pixie, 26, admitted: "I guess he can't really play the guitar right now, which is very unfortunate."

Tagged in