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Taylor Swift had a big night at the VMAs with three awards — but there was also a notable oversight in her acceptance speeches.
Swift took home awards for Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia” and the inaugural Artist Director Honors Award. The singer took home Best Direction for “Ophelia,” though it wasn’t included in Sunday night’s broadcast.
But Swift also drew attention when she didn’t mention husband Travis Kelce in any of her acceptance speeches. As an insider revealed, the oversight was intentional.
Taylor Swift Knows The Public Is Tired Of Relationship Coverage
As noted by InTouch Weekly, insider Rob Shuter revealed that Swift is aware that some members of the public are cooling off on the high-profile relationship.
“Taylor read the room better than almost anyone,” Shuter wrote on the Naughty but Nice Substack, citing an unnamed source. “The wedding was so big, the coverage was so big and she felt the beginnings of Taylor-and-Travis fatigue. She knew when to back off.”
The source added that Swift’s conscious decision to avoid mentioning Kelce was intentional, but it doesn’t reflect the early stages of their marriage.
“Taylor knows that America might need a little break from Taylor and Travis,” the source said, adding that Swift wanted to make sure the night was about her artistry.
“She likes Travis, but he doesn’t need to make headlines every time he walks into a room,” another source added. “Taylor knows that infatuation can quickly become exhausting. She doesn’t hide her marriage. She protects it from being overexposed.”
Travis Kelce’s Presence Is Still Felt
While Swift may be avoiding bringing up her husband, Kelce’s presence is still felt. A viral video showed a photographer getting Swift’s attention on the red carpet by yelling “Mrs. Kelce” at her. Swift smiled in return.
Kelce also had a big influence on the winning music video. Reporter Ariana Brockington of the Today Show said Swift worked in some Easter eggs about Kelce in the video.
“Taylor Swift included some sweet and subtle nods to boyfriend Travis Kelce that eagle-eyed Swifties spotted in the music video for her song ‘The Fate of Ophelia,'” the report says, adding, “Although she doesn’t name Kelce as the knight in shining armor in the middle of the song, a few moments seem to be a reference to Kansas City’s ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ music video.”
Nathan Dougherty is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. He previously wrote for the Rochester Business Journal and served as assistant editor of the athletic trade magazines Coaching Management, Athletic Management and Training & Conditioning. He is based in Rochester, New York, and loves all things football. More about Nathan Dougherty