Taylor Swift thanks Travis Kelce for bringing ‘fun and magic’ to her VMA Video of the Year
A night after she stepped onto her political platform to endorse Kamala Harris for president, Taylor Swift continued to dominate the music world with seven MTV Video Music Award wins, tying Beyonce’s record for the most of all time.
Swift’s wins Wednesday night included the coveted Video of the Year award, as well as Best Pop and Artist of the Year.
An essential ingredient to the success of the video for “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone, which won video of the year — her boyfriend and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Swift said he charmingly — and loudly — cheered her and the crew on throughout production.
“When I would finish a take I’d say cut and we’d be done with that take, I would always just hear someone cheering from across the studio where we were shooting it,” Swift said. “And that one person was my boyfriend Travis… everything this man touches turns into happiness and fun and magic.”
“Fortnight” was Swift’s third VOTY win in a row. The crowd’s shouts of Swift’s name reached a fever pitch as she took the stage in a bedazzled silver gown with a nature motif to thank her fans and collaborators Wednesday night, including actors Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles and cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto.
Swift directed the music video for “Fortnight,” which she described as “the most wonderful experience.”
“The themes of this video seem very sad when you watch it, but it actually was the most fun video to make,” Swift said.
Remarking on her victory in the fan-selected award category of Video of The Year, Swift also used her acceptance speech to encourage listeners to vote in the upcoming presidential election.
Swift’s other VMA victories Wednesday included Best Collaboration, Best Editing, Best Direction and Song of Summer for “Fortnight” (featuring Post Malone). The song won five of the eight awards for which it was nominated.
Swift went into the evening with 23 VMA awards, second only to Beyonce, who holds 25 as a solo artist and 30 total. The Cowboy Carter singer, now tied with Swift for overall wins, did not clinch any of her three 2024 VMA nominations.
In speeches throughout the night, Swift paid tribute to those who died in the 9/11 attacks and highlighted her co-collaborators. Swift and collaborator Malone celebrated a mutual admiration, with Swift praising the rapper’s constant politeness in the studio.
“It has taken him forever to stop calling me ma’am,” Swift said.
For his part, Malone complimented Swift’s work ethic, telling stories about her directing music video shots while strapped to an operating table during filming.
“(Swift is) absolutely one of the most kind and talented people I’ve ever had the honor of knowing,” Malone said. “Just the amount of work and care and love that she puts into everything she does….I love you very much.”
Swift appeared at ease as she piled up wins, dancing with Colombian pop star Karol G during an early set.
Swift was also nominated for Song of the Year, which Sabrina Carpenter won with her flirty earworm “Espresso.”
This story was originally published September 11, 2024 at 10:53 PM.
