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As celebrities lit up the red carpet at the 2025 American Music Awards in Las Vegas, many fans were looking out for one of pop culture's most-watched couples: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. But instead of stepping out for the high-profile event, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end was seen nearly 2,000 miles away - in Florida.
Newly released photos of Kelce showed that he was in the Sunshine State, which effectively put to rest rumors that the football star might Swift for the awards show. It also turned out that Swift herself didn't make an appearance either, despite being nominated in several major categories.
On Sunday, Kelce was photographed in Jacksonville, Florida, ahead of the AMAs, which were held on Memorial Day at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. While fans speculated whether he'd make a surprise appearance at the awards to his superstar girlfriend, his Florida sighting confirmed that wouldn't be the case.
The photos, which surfaced online, showed Kelce casually dressed and appearing relaxed, likely enjoying a break during the NFL offseason. He was reported to be in Florida for personal downtime and possibly light training as he gears up for another season with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Meanwhile, Swift - who was nominated for Artist of the Year and Favorite Pop Artist - was also notably missing from the Vegas festivities. Her absence alongside Kelce's solidified that the couple opted to skip the entertainment industry's big night.
Fans react to their AMAs absence
The buzz around Kelce and Swift not attending the AMAs picked up speed quickly. For weeks, social media had been flooded with speculation about a red carpet appearance, with fans excited to see them together in a more public setting.
One fan summed up the sentiment on Twitter: "Travis being in Florida all but confirms what we were wondering - no Tayvis at the AMAs tonight."
Another posted, "Not surprised they're skipping. They've both been insanely busy. A little low-key time makes sense."
Kelce's decision to stay out of the spotlight this time is hardly out of character. Although he and Swift have made public appearances together, including at NFL games and afterparties, they've also maintained a balance between public life and personal privacy.
Staying focused during the offseason
As Kelce keeps a lower profile during the NFL's offseason, it's clear he's still prioritizing preparation for the season. After a long, demanding stretch that saw the Chiefs win another Super Bowl, some downtime - especially away from media-heavy events - seems well-earned.
Neither Kelce nor Swift has commented publicly on missing the AMAs, but their absence appears to have been a deliberate choice to enjoy some private time. While their fans may have been hoping for another iconic red carpet moment, it looks like the couple is focused on recharging for their respective careers.
For now, the spotlight at the AMAs belonged to the artists who showed up, but the quiet absence of one of America's favorite power couples didn't go unnoticed.