Taylor Swift Accepts “Tour of the Century” Award at iHeartRadio Music Awards with Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes in Attendance

Taylor Swift Accepts “Tour of the Century” Award at iHeartRadio Music Awards with Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes in Attendance

On March 17, 2025, Taylor Swift added yet another milestone to her illustrious career as she accepted the prestigious “Tour of the Century” award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The star-studded event celebrated the best in music, and Swift’s recognition for her record-breaking Eras Tour was a highlight of the evening. Among the notable attendees cheering her on were Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany Mahomes, whose presence underscored the growing intersection of Swift’s music empire and the NFL world.

A Night of Triumph for Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift, unable to attend the ceremony in person due to her packed schedule, delivered a heartfelt pre-recorded acceptance speech that resonated with fans and peers alike. The “Tour of the Century” award was bestowed upon her in recognition of the Eras Tour, a cultural phenomenon that spanned 2023 and 2024, breaking records for ticket sales, attendance, and global impact. The tour, which concluded its final show in Vancouver on December 8, 2024, showcased Swift’s evolution through her musical eras, captivating millions across multiple continents.

In her speech, Swift reflected on the challenges and triumphs of the ambitious production. “People often say that sometimes the greatest challenges in life end up being something you’re so proud of, or end up being the most gratifying feeling in the end, if you can rise to the occasion,” she said. “And this tour was absolutely the most challenging thing I’ve ever done in my life.” She went on to credit her fans for making it possible, noting, “The only reason I was able to take on those challenges—the ambition of the production, the length of the show, the amount of shows, all the different countries we played in—that’s all because of the fans.”

The Eras Tour’s scale was unprecedented, with over 150 shows, intricate stage designs, and a setlist that spanned her 11 studio albums. Its success not only solidified Swift’s status as a global superstar but also had a ripple effect beyond music, boosting local economies and even influencing NFL viewership through her high-profile relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes: A Supportive Presence

Among the familiar faces in the audience were Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes, who have become close allies of Swift amid her romance with Kelce. The couple’s attendance at the iHeartRadio Music Awards highlighted their burgeoning friendship with the pop icon, a bond that has grown stronger through shared moments at Chiefs games and social gatherings. Patrick, the Chiefs’ star quarterback, and Brittany, a former soccer player and co-owner of the Kansas City Current, have embraced Swift as part of their extended Chiefs family.

Their presence at the awards show was fitting, given the overlap between Swift’s tour and the Chiefs’ 2024-2025 NFL season. Swift has attended numerous Chiefs games since going public with Kelce in 2023, often spotted in luxury suites alongside Brittany, cheering on their partners. The Mahomeses’ support at the iHeartRadio event was a testament to the mutual admiration that has developed between them and Swift, who has praised Patrick’s leadership on the field and Brittany’s entrepreneurial spirit off it.

Patrick Mahomes, fresh off leading the Chiefs to Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025 (where they fell to the Philadelphia Eagles), has spoken fondly of Swift’s influence. In a February 4 press conference, he credited her with inspiring his daughter Sterling to take an interest in football, saying, “It’s been awesome to showcase her bringing light to the sport that I love and getting little girls like my daughter interested in watching the game.” Brittany, meanwhile, has forged a close friendship with Swift, with the two often seen exchanging friendship bracelets—a nod to the Eras Tour tradition—and coordinating outfits at games.

A Shared Spotlight: Travis Kelce’s Connection

While Travis Kelce was not mentioned as being in attendance at the awards show, his connection to Swift added an extra layer of significance to the evening. Kelce and Swift also won an iHeartRadio award together in the “Favorite Surprise Guest” category for his memorable cameo during the Eras Tour’s London stop in June 2024. Dressed in a tuxedo and top hat, Kelce joined Swift on stage for a skit, delighting the 89,000-strong crowd at Wembley Stadium and sparking a frenzy among fans. The moment, which saw him playfully “revive” Swift before her performance of “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart,” became one of the tour’s most iconic highlights.

The couple’s win in this category edged out another nomination featuring Kelce alongside Mahomes and Chiefs teammate Chris Jones for their appearance at a Morgan Wallen concert at Arrowhead Stadium. Swift’s team, Taylor Nation, had rallied fans to vote for Kelce’s Eras Tour moment, underscoring the synergy between her music career and his NFL stardom.

The Broader Impact of the Eras Tour

Swift’s acceptance of the “Tour of the Century” award was more than a personal victory—it was a celebration of her fans, known as Swifties, and their unwavering dedication. The tour’s influence extended far beyond music, with friendship bracelets and elaborate outfits becoming symbols of community and creativity. It also brought Swift into the NFL spotlight, where her presence at Chiefs games drew new fans—particularly young girls and women—to the sport, as Mahomes has noted.

Her crossover appeal was evident at the awards show, where her six fan-voted wins, including Best Lyrics and Best Music Video, further cemented her dominance in 2025. The “Tour of the Century” title, however, stood out as a tribute to her ability to connect with audiences on a massive scale, a feat that Patrick and Brittany Mahomes witnessed firsthand as part of her inner circle.

A Night to Remember

As Taylor Swift’s pre-recorded speech played on the Dolby Theatre’s screens, the audience—including Patrick and Brittany Mahomes—erupted in applause. The moment encapsulated Swift’s journey from a country music prodigy to a global icon whose influence transcends industries. For the Mahomeses, it was a chance to celebrate their friend’s achievements, a friendship forged through football and strengthened by shared moments of triumph.

The iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 17, 2025, will be remembered as a night when Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was rightfully crowned “Tour of the Century,” with Patrick and Brittany Mahomes standing as proud witnesses to her legacy. As Swift continues her break from touring and Kelce prepares for the Chiefs’ offseason, the bonds between these cultural titans promise more unforgettable chapters ahead.