Ed Sheeran signs up American Idol contestant as new opening act after Gaza controversy

Ed Sheeran has signed two new opening acts to his Loop tour - American idol contestant Brooks Rosser and former lead singer of The Fray, Isaac Slade.In the aftermath, Sheeran’s other support acts also withdrew from the remaining tour dates, including Irish vocalist Aaron Rowe, Danish singer Lukas Graham, musician Finneas and backing band Beoga.Rosser, who appeared as a contestant this year’s series of American Idol and made it to the top seven, will perform at the October 10 show in Indianapolis.He wrote on Instagram: "My first show since American Idol, and it’s at Lucas Oil Stadium opening for @teddysphotos I’m beyond excited and grateful. See you Saturday!"Slade, previously the frontman for rock band The Fray, joins as a support act for concerts in Indianapolis on October 10, Charlotte on October 17, Arlington on October 24 and Tampa on November 7.Confirming the tour dates on Instagram, Slade added: "See you out there." He also took to the stage during Sheeran’s show in Atlanta on October 3.Brooks Nasser was on season 24 of American IdolABCSheeran has remaining dates in Chile, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico.No supporting acts have been announced for these shows.Macklemore, who was an opener on Sheeran’s tour, sparked controversy in September when he told an audience he wanted people in Gaza and the West Bank to know they had not been forgotten amid the conflict with Israel.A petition was launched demanding he be removed from Sheeran’s remaining shows and Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns the Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, was among those who contacted the British singer saying he would not be able to play the venue unless Macklemore was removed from the tour.Read MoreAt his first gig after the row, he broke down in tears and apologised for making “mistakes” amid the furore and described the conflict in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate”.He has faced backlash from a slew of celebrities for choosing to continue with the tour.His tour will kick off in Dublin’s 3Arena on October 26 followed by a show at Paris’ Accor Arena on October 29 and wrap up at London’s Wembley Arena on October 30.Proceeds from the concerts will go towards a number of organisations working in support of Palestinian people including medical care, humanitarian assistance, education, community support and advocacy.