Travis Kelce unable to attend MTV VMAs 2026 with Taylor Swift

Travis Kelce was unable to attend the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony with his wife Taylor Swift due to his busy schedule. At that time, his team, the Kansas City Chiefs, was playing against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where the Chiefs won 24−10.

Taylor Swift, who was expected to attend the event solo, will be the first recipient of the new MTV VMA Artist Director Honor. This award was established to recognize artists who have demonstrated significant influence and creativity in their work. Swift, who has seven nominations and four wins in the Best Director category, is also the record holder for the most VMA awards—she has 31 wins, surpassing Beyoncé, who has 30.

MTV and CBS announced the awarding of this honor to Swift on September 21. This year, she was also nominated for Best Director for the music video for «Opalite», - as well as for Video of the Year and Artist of the Year for her album Life of a Showgirl. During the ceremony, she premiered a new music video for the single «Patient Zero», - which will be included in the expanded edition of her 2025 album. The ceremony took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and was broadcast live on MTV, CBS, and Paramount+. A replay of the ceremony will be available on September 28 on Paramount+.