Some NFL fans have expressed their frustration with the frequent appearances of pop star Taylor Swift on screen during Kansas City Chiefs games. They claim that the network is trying to promote her upcoming album, Red (Taylor’s Version), by showing her face and playing her songs every time the Chiefs score or make a big play.
However, a recent analysis by Sports Media Watch revealed that Swift’s screen time during Chiefs games is not as excessive as some fans might think. According to the data, Swift was shown on screen for a total of 2 minutes and 15 seconds during the Chiefs’ last three games, which amounts to an average of 45 seconds per game. This is less than the screen time of other celebrities who have been featured during NFL games, such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Drake, and Adele.
The analysis also found that Swift’s songs were played for a total of 3 minutes and 36 seconds during the same period, which is an average of 1 minute and 12 seconds per game. This is comparable to the average song length of other artists who have been played during NFL games, such as Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, and Coldplay.
The network that broadcasts the Chiefs games, CBS, has defended its decision to feature Swift, saying that she is one of the most popular and influential artists in the world, and that her music appeals to a wide range of audiences. CBS also said that Swift is a fan of the Chiefs, and that she has a personal connection with the team’s quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, who attended the same high school as her in Texas.
Swift herself has not commented on the controversy, but she has expressed her support for the Chiefs on social media, and has thanked them for playing her songs. She has also praised Mahomes for his performance and leadership, and has congratulated him on his recent engagement.
Swift’s new album, Red (Taylor’s Version), is set to be released on November 19, 2024. It is a re-recorded version of her 2012 album, Red, which features some of her most popular songs, such as “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”, “I Knew You Were Trouble”, and “22”. The album also includes 10 previously unreleased songs, and collaborations with other artists, such as Phoebe Bridgers, Chris Stapleton, and Ed Sheeran.
Swift’s fans, who are known as Swifties, are eagerly anticipating the release of the album, and have praised her for reclaiming her artistic ownership and creative control. Swift decided to re-record her first six albums after her former label, Big Machine Records, sold her master recordings to Scooter Braun, a music manager who Swift has accused of bullying and manipulating her.
Swift has already released two singles from the new album, “I Bet You Think About Me” and “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)”, which have received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. The latter song, which is an extended version of a fan-favorite track from the original album, has broken several records, such as the longest song to ever debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and the most-streamed song in a single day on Spotify.
Swift is also expected to perform some of the songs from the new album at the upcoming American Music Awards, where she is nominated for three awards, including Artist of the Year, Favorite Pop Album, and Favorite Pop Song. Swift is the most awarded artist in the history of the AMAs, with 32 wins out of 53 nominations.
Whether Swift’s screen time at NFL games will increase or decrease after the release of her new album remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Swift is not going anywhere anytime soon, and her fans are here for it. 🎶
