Saturday Night Live’s season 49 premiere on Oct. 14 was one for the books, thanks in particular to two surprise appearances from Taylor Swift and her new beau, Travis Kelce. But in the Oct. 18 episode of his podcast New Heights, the Kansas City Chiefs tight reflected on their viral cameos, and revealed that the his actually came together somewhat last minute.
“We showed up at SNL having the idea of going to support Ice Spice,” Travis told his brother and New Heights co-host, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. “Her and Taylor are good friends. I always wanted to meet Pete Davidson — been a fan of his for quite a while.”
“I didn’t know what the skit was, like, which skits were coming up,” Travis explained on his podcast. “I’m pretty sure it was just ironic they were doing a skit on Swiftmania. I thought it was hilarious when they asked me to be a part of it. I was like, ‘Man I’d be honored.’”
“I don’t even remember what I said — I blacked out,” he continued. “As soon as they cued to me, the entire place erupted, which was very overwhelming, and I’m not even sure if I said anything.”
Davidson, who hosted the program, starred in a skit that parodied the NFL’s Swift-centric coverage of the pop star’s recent attendance streak at Travis’ games. At the very end of the sketch, Keenan Thompson (playing NFL sportscaster Curt Menefee) declared, “When we get back, we are going to speak with someone who actually wants to talk football,” prompting cameras to pan to the Ohio native for the closing line.
“It was electric to be back in that place,” the tight end — who hosted SNL in March — added. “There is just something about being in that room and it just being their first episode this season. I had such a frickin’ blast, man!”
Later during the season premiere, Swift herself popped up to introduce Ice Spice, who made her debut as musical guest. “Absolutely killed it,” Travis added of the “Munch” rapper’s performance.
As jaw-dropping as Swift and Kelce’s unexpected appearances were, however, fans may have been even more excited to see the two holding hands on their way to the SNL afterparty. Photos and videos surfaced of the 6’5″ athlete pretty much taking over the role of Swift’s bodyguard, helping her in and out of the car and always keeping a hand or arm around her.
“I feel like whenever I’m on a date, I’m always having the sense that I’m a man in the situation,” Travis recalled to Jason. “I’m protective, yeah, for sure. You always have to have that feeling or self-awareness, I guess.”
Plus, the two brothers poked fun at their father over the much-talked-about moment Ed Kelce was spotted by NFL cameras making conversation with Swift at the Oct. 12 Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos game. “He shouldn’t be talking to Taylor Swift,” Jason said, laughing, as Travis added, “This is a terrifying conversation, I felt terrible for Taylor for being in this.”
“You can see in this picture all he’s doing is just pumping her up,” Travis continued. “He’s started listening to her music a little more.”
Watch the new episode of New Heights above.
