Taylor Swift sets record straight on Super Bowl Halftime Show

Taylor Swift, who is currently headlining shows in support of her 12th studio album The Life of a Showgirl, has finally revealed the real reason she’s turning down the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

The 35-year-old pop superstar shot down rumours she rejected the gig over “performance footage” issues, insisting it’s simply because she’s too invested in watching Travis Kelce play for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, she said: “Jay Z has always been great to me. Sometimes his team will ask, ‘How does she feel about...?’ But honestly, I’m in love with a guy who does that sport on that actual field.”

Jay-Z’s Roc Nation has produced the halftime show since 2020, but Taylor admitted she couldn’t handle performing while worrying about her man taking hits on the pitch. 

“That’s violent chess,” she said.

 “Gladiators without swords. I’m locked in on what that man is doing out there. Can you imagine if I was thinking about my choreography while he’s risking his life every week?”

The Fate of Ophelia singer stressed the decision was entirely her own, adding: “This has nothing to do with Travis. He’d love me to do it – I’m just too locked in.”

NFL boss Roger Goodell has since said the league would “always love” to have Taylor perform, but for now, it seems she’s cheering from the stands, not the stage.

How long has Taylor Swift been with Travis Kelce?

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have been together for around two years. 

The couple first went public with their romance in September 2023, when the Lover singer was spotted cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs tight end at Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri. 

Their relationship began months earlier, after Travis had openly expressed his admiration for Taylor following one of her concerts.

In August 2025, the power couple confirmed their engagement, sharing the happy news through a joint Instagram post featuring photos from a romantic garden proposal. 

The caption playfully read, “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married.”

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