Ed Sheeran headlines Saltair a few days before he performs at Grammys

Consider 2013 the Year of Ed Sheeran.

Perhaps you have heard the 21-year-old perform his affecting acoustic ballad "The A Team" on Salt Lake radio stations.

Maybe you saw him open for Snow Patrol last year at The Depot in a star-making Utah debut.

Or you could possibly recognize him as the co-author of One Direction's hit "Little Things."

Well, you definitely will know Sheeran when he opens for Taylor Swift later this year.

First, he will headline his own one-man show at Saltair.

The show comes after we all saw Sheeran perform a cover of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics in August. Elton John, Sheeran said in a phone interview, was one of his father's favorites when Sheeran grew up in the United Kingdom, but now John works as his manager, with the two talking every few days. Touring with Snow Patrol last year convinced Sheeran that appealing to "America was possible," though he admitted that he didn't expect "The A Team" (about a teenage heroin addict) "to catch on — it's much surprising."

Now, it is nominated for Best Song at the 2013 Grammy Awards. By the way, watch for John and Sheeran to duet on the upcoming Grammys telecast.

Remember, it's Sheeran's year.

When • Wednesday, 7 p.m.Where • Saltair, 12408 W. Saltair Drive, MagnaTickets • $25 in advance, $27 day of, at SmithsTix, 24Tix