Kelly Clarkson has defended the comments she made about the NFL coverage of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s romance.
Clarkson, 42, rose to fame after winning the first season of American Idol in 2002 and has since had a successful singing career with hits like ‘Because of You’ and ‘Stronger.’
She now hosts The Kelly Clarkson Show, which offers ‘heartwarming stories, live musical performances, games, and surprises.’
Following one episode of her eponymous talk show, Clarkson faced a ton of backlash after she commented on the NFL’s coverage of Swift.
One outraged Swiftie said: “Kelly! Keep your opinion to yourself!”
Another added: “I didn’t know Kelly was a hater.”
“Kelly this makes you sound pretty jealous,” a third person commented.
Someone else wrote: “Taylor is breathing life into the league and getting it free global press – you’re welcome. Kelly Clarkson and others should be grateful.”
However, others took to the comments and defended Clarkson, with one person saying: “I don’t watch football, but if I did, I would watch it for the game.”
In agreement, a second said: “I love both the game and Taylor. But I’m tuning in for the game, not celebrities.”
“I’m a Swifite first and dabble in football, but the NFL is really doing too much,” weighed in a third.
Swift and football tight end Kelce began dating as early as September 2023 and on the daily, they make the headlines.
The ‘Cruel Summer’ singer can often be spotted attending Kansas City Chief football games as she supports her partner and cheers him on.
IDX reports that Swift’s attendance at the games has led to the NFL’s highest regular-season female viewership since it started collecting such data in 2020.
The NFL’s viewership has reportedly experienced a 53% spike among teenage girls, a 24% increase among women aged 18-24, and a 34% rise among women aged 35 and above.
Since romance rumors began swirling between Swift and Kelce, it’s been reported that the singer has effectively generated a $331.5m boost to the Kansas City Chiefs and NFL’s value.
Yet not everyone is happy about the NFL’s frequent coverage of Swift.
On one episode of her show, Clarkson brought it up when interviewing Saturday Night Live star Bowen Yang.
The ‘Since U Been Gone’ singer said: “It’s not hilarious how it is literally taking over the NFL for people that like watching sports now. It’s like you’re watching Housewives while you’re watching.”
She said it felt like the commentators were now ‘just talking about gossip’ during recent games, adding with a laugh: “And you’re like, ‘So, what about the play?’”
Referencing the power couple, she said: “They’re taking over.”
With Clarkson not being the only one who feels this way, the NFL released a statement last year defending its coverage of the couple.
It reads (per the BBC): “We frequently change our bios and profile imagery based on what’s happening in and around our games, as well as culturally.
“The Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce news has been a pop cultural moment we’ve leaned into in real-time, as it’s an intersection of sport and entertainment, and we’ve seen an incredible amount of positivity around the sport.”
Still, Clarkson decided to clarify that her comments were made lightheartedly.
She wrote on Instagram: “Just a quick public service announcement everybody since this seems to be breaking news… Do not fall prey to clickbait, trash reporters twisting the facts again. I did not bash anyone’s romance.
“I am pro romance. Yay romance, did y’all even watch what I actually said on my show? I just said I want to watch football when I tune in to watch football. Seems an appropriate request. Okay, carry on, and GO COWBOYS!”