Travis Kelce's Absence from Taylor Swift's 2024 Grammy Appearance: Explained by Vanity Fair
Written by Kase Wickman
If you were hoping to see Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce make their debut appearance as a couple on the red carpet at the 2024 Grammys, you'll have to wait a bit longer. Kelce has confirmed that he will not be joining his girlfriend Swift, who has been nominated for six awards at the ceremony, due to work commitments, according to a recent interview.
Kelce made this announcement on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, explaining that his professional schedule as a player for the Kansas City Chiefs clashes with Swift’s. The team is gearing up for their Super Bowl game scheduled for February 11.
“I wish I could go support Taylor at the Grammys, and watch her win every single award that she’s nominated for,” he shared. “But I think I’ve got practice on Sunday.”
He further clarified that they have a practice scheduled for Saturday and would be traveling on Sunday.
“Sadly, I’ve got to prepare for this huge Super Bowl that we have in a week,” Kelce added.
Kelce emphasized his dedication to his team, citing how important it was for people to understand that. Notable figures as well as the infamous Dads, Brads, and Chads have suggested that his relationship with Swift might be a distraction that could negatively impact his performance on the field.
“Everyone in this building knows where my priorities lie,” he stated. “My main focus is football right now. A lot of people in this building and this entire city are counting on me, so that is my primary focus. On top of that, I am fully committed to give my all on the field. There are some perceptions out there and people can believe what they want, but I want to assure everyone here that I’m dedicated to this team.”
One instance in which he faced criticism related to Swift was his decision to see her Eras Tour in Buenos Aires, Argentina during a bye week for the Chiefs. He shared that he spent “eight, nine hours” traveling alone on a private jet for a weekend trip with Swift and her father, Scott Swift.
Despite the criticism, the couple does not appear to be affected. Kelce noted that Taylor was accustomed to such criticisms and that he has maintained his “deal with the attention calmly” approach in the relationship.
“She’s been dealing with this forever,” he stated regarding their critics. “We hear it, but we rarely discuss it.”
Kelce also elaborated on the timeline of their relationship, which goes back even before the time Swift first showed up in the VIP box at a Chiefs game. During a September appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, he addressed the rumors of him and Swift hanging out.
“I put it out there, gave her the ball to play,” he admitted. “I asked her, ‘I’ve seen you rock out at the Arrowhead, so you might have to see me rock it too.’ We’ll see about the future.”
“The future,” turned out to be Swift attending her first game just few days after the conversation.
In his recent appearance, Kelce confirmed this wasn't a random wish or invitation.
“At that point, we had known each other for almost a month,” he pointed out.
Swift herself has stated that they were “already a couple” before she was seen wearing that red windbreaker. “I think some people think they saw us on our first date at that game?” she mentioned in her Time Person of the Year interview in December 2023. “We would never be crazy enough to have our first date so openly.”
Fast forward a few months, the two have been seen expressing their love for each other, celebrating holidays with family, among other things.
“It’s beautiful, don’t you think?” Kelce said about his relationship with Swift. “I hope people see that we are just two people in a relationship supporting each other and having fun. The world can paint whatever picture it wants, but we just enjoy it and have fun. I love how Taylor comes to support me and enjoys the game with friends and family. It’s been nothing but a wonderful year.”
Even though Kelce won’t be attending the Grammy’s, it still remains to be seen if Swift will be present at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas a week after the Grammys.