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“I’m 89 and flew 5,000 miles to see Taylor Swift in Paris’: Elderly Swiftie Shares Their Emotional Journey to See Taylor Swift in Paris

My granddaughter, Jennifer, and I were visiting my brother in New York when tickets for the second leg of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour were released in Europe last fall.

It was the middle of the night because of the time difference. But we hit the internet the second they became available. “We’ve got to make this happen,” Jennifer said as we joined the virtual ticket line.

I stayed up for as long as possible before giving up and going to bed. Then, around 3 a.m., Jennifer burst into my room, threw on the lights, and yelled, “Grammy, Grammy — I got the tickets!”

Of course, I jumped out of bed screaming like crazy. It was stupid fun. We jumped up and down. We were going to Paris to see Taylor on May 9, 2024.

I’ve been a Swiftie since September 2009, when I watched the MTV Music Video Awards show at my home in Dallas.

Unfortunately, it was the infamous night that Kanye West jumped onstage, grabbed the microphone, and interrupted her acceptance speech.

At first, I was confused, thinking it was some kind of stunt. Then I realized it wasn’t. “How could he do that to that young, vulnerable, sweet girl? ” I thought.

I felt a connection to Taylor Swift

My last name is Strong, and I live up to it. I don’t like to see people bullied, and I admired how Taylor handled the situation.

The incident triggered my interest. I discovered she’d been born and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania. My husband, Asa, 93, and I lived in Reading during the 1960s — when our five sons were born — so I was very attached to the town.

It was a connection. The more I read about Taylor, the more I liked her. I was impressed that her parents were involved in her career, and she was all about family.

I’ve been blessed with 12 grandchildren, six of them girls. They told me how much they felt inspired by Taylor and related to her as a successful young woman.

 

Strong enjoyed every moment of the Taylor Swift concert in Paris.Courtesy of Jennifer Strong

We listened to her music together. We loved how she wrote about her own life in her music. She was relatable because she sang about loneliness, break-ups, and pure happiness. People understood her because her life experiences reflected theirs.

When Jennifer asked if I wanted to see Taylor with her in Paris, it was a no-brainer. I’ve run a travel agency for nearly 50 years and have flown worldwide. The only places I haven’t been are The Arctic, Antarctica, and a few countries in South America. I’ll be 90 in August but I can’t slow down.

I’m in love with Europe. After we purchased the Taylor tickets for €190 ($205) each, we booked a week-long vacation in Amsterdam and Paris. We paid for our business class flights with points, but splurged $2K per night on a five star hotel in each city. Five of us went to the concert, including Jennifer, 32, another granddaughter, Brianne Pattison, 36, and my daughter-in-law, Kay Strong, 66.

I was dancing so much, I thought I might tumble over

It was one of the most exciting nights of my life. Taylor has a great work ethic. She came on at 8 p.m. and left at 11 p.m., entertaining us the whole time. How she changed those costumes and showed up in those high boots is beyond me.

My favorite song is “The Man,” followed by “Shake It Off.” I went crazy when they came up. I was up on my feet so much, I was worried I was going to tumble over the seats. The atmosphere was amazing. I loved watching the audience scream their heads off.

As for my outfit, I wore a sparkly top over some pants that I bought from Anthropologie. The top covered up a multiple of sins for an 89-year-old lady. I felt great.

A few days after the show, someone posted an Instagram video of me dancing. You can’t see my face, but the clip went viral. I’m happy that the younger generation knows there are older people like me who love to have fun in their life.

Taylor Swift addresses her fans bluntly, stating the fact that, “You people might not realize the extent of my bond and feelings with Travis Kelce.” There is no other man on earth that can ever replace my true love than the Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce. He shows me everything I needed to know about how sweet love is and how much he loves me every minute, and our relationship is unbreakable and forever… The head of the department of communication studies at California State University in Los Angeles sent an email saying, “The eternal enthusiastic in me is saying that the public visualize marriage and want the best for the celebrities.” “The pessimistic in me asserts that fans feel obligated to see all the pictures, “get the measure,” and know everything about celebrities’ lives. The next thing they want to see is Swift and Kelce get tied the knot.”

 

Taylor Swift addresses her fans bluntly, stating the fact that, “You people might not realize the extent of my bond and feelings with Travis Kelce.” There is no other man on earth that can ever replace my true love than the Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce. He shows me everything I needed to know about how sweet love is and how much he loves me every minute, and our relationship is unbreakable and forever…

The speculations peaked just as Kelce was getting ready for the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl. Swift is not the first famous person to have encountered enthusiastic admirers eager to tie the knot as quickly as possible.

Both Swift and Kelce are 34 years old, and neither has tied the knot or gotten engaged. However, Swift’s admirers have been there for both her dating and breakups since they first became aware of her romances when she was a teenager.

Taylor Swift addresses her fans bluntly, stating the fact that, “You people might not realize the extent of my bond and feelings with Travis Kelce.” There is no other man on earth that can ever replace my true love than the Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce. He shows me everything I needed to know about how sweet love is and how much he loves me every minute, and our relationship is unbreakable and forever…

The head of the department of communication studies at California State University in Los Angeles sent an email saying, “The eternal enthusiastic in me is saying that the public visualize marriage and want the best for the celebrities.”

“The pessimistic in me asserts that fans feel obligated to see all the pictures, “get the measure,” and know everything about celebrities’ lives. The next thing they want to see is Swift and Kelce get tied the knot.”

Taylor Swift has given truck drivers incredible six-figure bonus as tour kicks off in UK

 

Truck drivers are essential for Swift to swiftly take the Eras tour on the road

Liverpool has been transformed into ‘Taylor Town’ as a horde of ravenous Swifties descend on the city to witness their idol’s concerts and soak up the atmosphere.

Taylor Swift last night performed her first gig in Liverpool at Anfield, and she’s got two more shows on the way in the next couple of days.

Not every seat in the stadium is great, but that hasn’t stopped the Swifties from having a great time and Swift acknowledging everyone who showed up.

With that in mind it’s useful to remember the small army of people involved with getting the Eras tour on road and making sure everything is where it ought to be.

Drone footage outside Anfield showed rows of trucks that carry all the equipment Swift needs to set up her stage and the amount is staggering.

Taylor Swift has brought the Eras tour to the UK. (Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

Of course, it seems like it’s pretty good work if you can get it, and truck drivers tasked with carting the Eras tour around Europe might be hoping they’re in line for rewards similar to those received by other truckers who’ve worked for Swift.

Last year, it turned out that Swift had given all of the truckers who ferried her show from place to place in the US a stonkingly huge bonus.

If you were a truck driver for the Eras tour then you were in line for a $100,000 (£79,000) bonus as a ‘thank you’ for guaranteeing that the show would go on.

There were a total of 50 drivers involved in the US leg of the tour, and it sounds like other bonuses were paid out to the rest of the crew.

And Swift can afford to be generous as in the US alone her shows have brought in about $1 billion (£783 million) in revenues alone.

It takes a pretty hefty logistical effort to cart all of Swift’s gear around. (Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

Swift certainly had reason to thank her security as they’ve been pretty responsive to her mid-song requests to get help for various members of the audience that need it.

Last night (13 June) Swift explained to her fans a system she’s got with security for communicating how a situation with a stricken fan is going.

“We got help. So when you see that there’s like, one of our guys has them, you see that green there? That means they have got to them, which is good,” she told her Anfield audience.

If you’re ever at a Taylor Swift concert and see a member of security holding up a green glowstick it means they’ve reached the person who’s been spotted as needing a helping hand.

Featured Image Credit: Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Jon Bon Jovi hails Taylor Swift, calls her ‘absolutely incredible’

Jon Bon Jovi credits Taylor Swift for creating a music industry

Jon Bon Jovi dubs Taylor Swift as ‘absolutely incredible’

 

Jon Bon Jovi showered Taylor Swift with accolades, hailing her as “absolutely incredible.”

The legendary rocker, 62, in a recent interview with Variety, praised Swift’s impressive career, stating that she has single-handedly “created an industry.”

Bon Jovi’s glowing endorsement of the 14-time Grammy winner highlights the Bad Blood singer’s immense impact on the music industry.

“She utilised what she does best,” Bon Jovi explained, emphasising how Swift, 34, has always stayed true to her roots.

“She sings like Taylor Swift. She plays guitar like Taylor Swift,” the musician— sounding almost like he was quoting her Tortured Poets Department song Clara Bow — added.

“She’s not trying to be something that she’s not, and it is connected with an audience that is unique.”

 

For many years, Swift and Bon Jovi were considered colleagues in the field.

Swift joined the Runaway rocker on stage during his 2013 rendition of Livin’ on a Prayer at Kensington Palace, and Prince William accompanied her right up.

In an earlier interview with The Independent, Bon Jovi credited Swift with initiating the impromptu on-stage collaboration, revealing that she took charge and led the way.

He recalled how Swift “grabbed [him] by the arm” and rushed onto the stage, with both of them seamlessly singing along to the lyrics.

Bon Jovi has frequently praised Swift in recent interviews, including while promoting his Hulu docuseries, Thank You, Goodnight.

A Timeline of Taylor Swift’s Generosity

The musician has a long history of donating her earnings.

Taylor Swift durante un concierto de la gira “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” en el SoFi Stadium, el 3 de agosto de 2023 en Inglewood, California.

Emma McIntyre/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Taylor Swift is one of the world’s richest and most powerful women, crossing over into billionaire territory in 2023 thanks to her blockbuster Eras Tour and record-selling Taylor’s Version releases. In fact, Billboard estimated in December 2023 that Swift earned nearly $2 billion that year through her music, tour and accompanying tour film and merch — before even accounting for additional revenue from things such as synchs and sponsorships.

The “Anti-Hero” singer has put her hard-earned wealth to personal use. She’s spent hundreds of millions of dollars on properties in New York City, California, Nashville, Rhode Island and more. She frequently travels via private jet, reportedly owning not just one, but two Dassault Falcon aircrafts. And her much-studied sense of style is aided by pricey, oftentimes designer pieces.

But for those who have crossed her path, Swift has also long been generous with her riches. Through the years, the pop superstar has supported various causes, donated to charities and struggling individuals alike, and showered her fans with lavish presents in a 2014 gift-giving extravaganza known by her fandom as “Swiftmas.”

She’s also been known to be generous with her time, whether it’s meeting fans after almost every show of her pre-Eras tours completely free of charge, or making surprise appearances at unsuspecting Swifties’ weddings, bridal showers or engagement parties. There have also been times where fans have opened their front doors to find the musician waiting outside, as well as days spent dropping in to cheer up patients at hospitals. Not to mention, she donated generously to various food banks around the globe where her Eras Tour touched down.

Keep reading to see some of Swift’s most notable acts of generosity below:
October 2011: Donates $70,000 in books to her hometown library

Taylor Swift performs live on stage at Ahoy in Rotterdam, Netherlands, during her Speak Now World Tour on March 7, 2011.

Photo : Rob Verhorst/Redferns

In the midst of her Speak Now tour, the star donated 6,000 books to the Reading Public Library in Pennsylvania. The books were all new and geared towards children and teens, according to the local Reading Eagle.

September 2012: Ronan

Swift wrote and released the song “Ronan” in honor of a little boy of that name, whose life and struggles with fatal neuroblastoma were documented in a blog by his mother, Maya. In September of 2012, the then country star performed the song on that year’s nationally televised Stand Up 2 Cancer event and pledged all of her proceeds from the track to cancer charities.
January 2015: Offers a lucky fan some help paying for student loans

Swift spread the holiday cheer by sending personalized “Swiftmas” presents to fans all over the world. Rebekah, a college graduate who wrote via Tumblr about her student loans concerns, got a donation of $1,989 (like her 2014 album name) to help her start payments.

February 2015: Gives $50,000 in song proceeds to NYC schools

At the time, the singer just moved to New York and released the ode to her new home, the 1989 opener “Welcome to New York.” In celebration, she announced that she would donate proceeds from the single to the city’s schools.

September 2015: Gives “Wildest Dreams” video proceeds to animal foundation

Taylor Swift performs on The Voice in 2014.

Photo : Tyler Golden/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

In another 1989 song-related donation, Swift gave money made from her wildlife themed “Wildest Dreams” video to the African Parks Foundation of America (APFA), which focuses on eradication of poaching, nature conservation, community engagement and the development of sustainable tourism.

February 2016: Supports Kesha with $250,000

Two days after a judge ruled against the “Tik Tok” singer in a case in which she asked to record music independently of producer Dr. Luke, Swift gave money to her fellow star singer-songwriter during the “trying time.”

August 2016: Gives donation in thanks to doctors who saved Jaime King’s son’s life

“At 20 weeks our son was diagnosed with Transposition of the Great Arteries AKA TGA,” Jaime King wrote on Instagram at the time. “He had a major heart surgery, that was terrifying, and traumatic for us as parents, for our family.” She then continued to thank Swift. “As the Godmother of Leo Thames for his birthday she gave an incredible donation to the people that saved his life Dr. Allistar Phillips and his brilliant team.”

August 2016: Pledges $1 million to Louisiana flood relief

Swift pledged $1 million to Louisiana flood relief after torrential rains caused massive flooding in the state, killing at least 11 people and damaging at least 40,000 homes. “We began The 1989 World Tour in Louisiana, and the wonderful fans there made us feel completely at home. The fact that so many people in Louisiana have been forced out of their own homes this week is heartbreaking,” she said in a statement at the time.

“I encourage those who can to help out and send your love and prayers their way during this devastating time.”

August 2017: Donates to Joyful Heart Foundation for survivors of sexual assault
After winning a countersuit against a former Denver DJ who allegedly groped her in 2013, she gave back by making a “generous” pledge to actress Mariska Hargitay’s Joyful Heart Foundation, which helps those victimized by sexual assault.

September 2017: Gives Hurricane Harvey survivors a helping hand
Following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, which led to multiple deaths and extreme damages, Swift donated to the Houston Food Bank in honor of her mother, Andrea Finlay Swift, who graduated from the University of Houston. The organization soon thanked her for her “very sizable” donation.

April 2018: Thanked by RAINN for donation during Sexual Assault Awareness Month
“Thank you @TaylorSwift13 for always standing with survivors,” the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network wrote on Twitter. “Your generous donation this week during #SAAPM ensures that survivors and their loved ones get the help they need and deserve.”

July 2018: Donates Reputation tour tickets to mourning Massachusetts police departments

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on October 9, 2018 in Los Angeles.

Photo : Kevin Winter/GI For dcp

After Weymouth Sgt. Michael Chesna was shot and killed while investigating a car crash, Swift tried to ease the pain by donating “a significant number of tickets” to the police department for her shows in Foxborough, according to The Patriot Ledger.

October 2018: Meets boy with autism she donated $10,000 to for a service dog
Two years after she donated $10,000 to a boy with autism for a service dog, Swift invited eight-year-old Jacob Hill, his dog Reid and his family to her show at NRG Stadium in Houston.
September 2019: Donates $10,000 to help fan battling cancer cover medical bills

Trinity Foster was diagnosed with stage four osteosarcoma, which spread to her lung. The 16-year-old’s GoFundMe page asked for help paying her medical bills, with a $10,000 goal. Swift donated $10,000 and left a sweet note for her fan.

“I saw photos of your album release party that you did in your hospital room and wanted to say thank you for being so kind and supportive!” she wrote. “I hope I can give you a hug in person soon, but in the meantime I wanted to send you this and all my love. Your friend, Taylor.”

March 2020: Donates $1M to Nashville tornado relief efforts

The superstar made a donation to help those impacted by the tornadoes that destroyed homes and killed at least 24 people in Tennessee. “Nashville is my home and the fact that so many people have lost their homes and so much more in Middle Tennessee is devastating to me,” she wrote in an Instagram Story. “I’ve made a donation to the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund.”

March 2020: Quietly donates to fans amid coronavirus crisis

Several Swifties took to social media to share that the superstar had personally sent them stimulus checks to help them get through the crisis.

“Erin, I saw your tweets about the financial and emotional stress you’re under right now and it made me want so badly to help. I’m so sorry about your job and the uncertainty of what’s going on right now. I hope this gift of $3000 will help. I loved meeting you in New York and I hope you’re safe and healthy! Your pal, Taylor” Swift wrote in a private note to one fan, who tweeted, “Literally how is this an actual thing that has happened??? I will shut up never I’m so grateful for this woman.”

June 2020: Sends $1,300 to Minneapolis fundraiser

Taylor Swift

Photo : Beth Garrabrant*

After seeing two fans post a video set to her song “Only the Young” asking for donations to help families in need in Minneapolis, Swift gave $1,300 toward purchasing haircare and skincare products for people of color. “Yasmine and Grace, thank you SO MUCH for everything you’re doing to help people. Here’s a gift for this run, please let me know about anything in the future! Love, Taylor,” she wrote in a note attached to the donation.

August 2020: Helps out an aspiring math student

Swift donated about $30,000 to a GoFundMe college fund campaign started by European Swiftie Vitoria Mario, an aspiring mathematician. “Vitoria, I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality,” Swift noted in her contribution. “I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount. Good luck with everything you do! Love, Taylor.”

December 2020: Donates rent help

The star donated $13,000 to two mothers’ GoFundMe pages after reading a Washington Post article spotlighting Americans who are behind on rent due to the government’s lack of stimulus agreement amid the COVID-19 crisis.

One Nashville-based woman, Nikki Cornwell, is a single mother and shared that she is $5,000 behind on rent, and that she isn’t sure her kids will have a Christmas this year. “this has been a horrible year for us,” she wrote on her fundraising page, noting that she was supposed to start a job in May, but that was sidetracked when she tested positive for coronavirus.

Swift, alongside her donation, wrote: “Nikki, I read about you in the Washington Post and thought it was really brave of you to share your story. I’m so sorry for everything you’ve had to go through this year and wanted to send you this gift, from one Nashville girl to another. Love, Taylor.”

December 2020: Donates to Ohio food bank

An Ohio Swiftie named Sarah J. Bailey brought the star’s “Christmas Tree Farm” to her front yard, setting up an elaborate holiday light display to the song alongside a box for food bank donations.

Swift herself ended up seeing the video, and messaged Bailey personally this week to thank her. “Sarah, I loved your family’s Christmas lights show!!! Thank you (and your dad) so much for using Christmas Tree Farm to create such a fun spectacle,” the message Bailey shared to Twitter reads. “I really love how you’ve chosen to give back by mentioning your local food bank. I’ve made a donation to Our Community Hunger Center in your hometown. Happy Holidays! Love, Taylor.”

March 2021: Donates $50,000 to mother of five whose husband died of COVID-19

A GoFundMe dedicated to Vickie Quarles — a mother of five daughters, whose husband, Theodis Ray Quarles, died of COVID-19 — asked for $50,000 to offer the family financial relief and alleviate their “worry from things associated with basic immediate needs as well as for their continued growth, goals and asperations.”

Swift and her mother Andrea proceeded to quietly donate the entire $50,000 goal amount, raising the total north of $60,000.
December 2022: Supports pet rescue foundation

Taylor Swift

Photo : Beth Garrabrant

Beth Stern revealed that Swift had made a “sizable donation” to her pet rescue foundation Beth’s Furry Friends, after which the animal advocate named a foster cat for the superstar singer-songwriter. “Welcome new foster from Oman!!” Stern wrote on Instagram at the time, sharing a photo of the new kitty. “Her name is Angel Taylor in honor of recent birthday girl, Taylor Swift who sent me a sizable donation to Beth’s Furry Friends to help me save more lives.”

March 2023: Gives back to food banks on Eras Tour route

Swift quietly donated to local food banks in Glendale, Ariz. and Las Vegas ahead of her Eras Tour stops in both cities, with a rep from one of the recipients, Arizona Food Bank Network, telling media that the pop star had vowed to leave a “positive impact” on all of the cities she planned to visit.

“We don’t know about you, but we’re feeling grateful on this day, March 22!” wrote Nevada’s Three Square organization on Instagram. “@TaylorSwift has made a generous gift to Three Square, allowing us to provide thousands of meals to families and individuals struggling with hunger. Thank you to Ms. Swift for supporting our mission and the local community.”

Swift proved she’s an-extra generous boss when she reportedly gave $100,000 bonuses to her Eras Tour truck drivers after the 2023 trek proved unprecedentedly lucrative. With about 50 drivers with her on tour, the total amount in bonuses likely equaled around $5 million.

November 2023: Supports the Mahomies Foundation

Swift helped out Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, retired soccer player Brittany Mahomes — two friends she made shortly after she started dating tight end Travis Kelce — by donating signed merchandise to the couple’s auction benefiting their Mahomies Foundation. The charity serves to improve the lives of children via initiatives focusing on health, wellness and communities in need of resources, according to its website.

December 2023: Donates $1 million to Tennessee tornado relief

Taylor Swift

Photo : Beth Garrabrant

The pop star contributed a $1 million donation to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee after tornadoes left at least six people dead and dozens hurt with hundreds of buildings damaged on Dec. 9, 2023. In response, CFMT CEO Hal Cato said via statement: “The Swifts found their original Tennessee home in Hendersonville and Sumner County and remain deeply committed to its continued well-being. Taylor’s incredibly generous gift sends a message to her hometown — and the communities around it — that she has their backs during the long road to recovery following this devastating event.”

February 2024: Gives $100K to GoFundMe for Chiefs Parade Shooting Victim’s Family

Days after the Kansas City Chiefs won the 2024 Super Bowl, which Swift attended to cheer on boyfriend Travis Kelce, a shooting broke out at the team’s hometown victory parade on Feb. 14. Radio DJ Lisa Lopez-Galvan was killed, and 22 others injured.

In response, Swift donated $100,000 to a GoFundMe set up for Lopez-Galvan’s family. “Sending my deepest sympathies and condolences in the wake of your devastating loss,” she wrote in her donation note. “With love, Taylor Swift.”

October 2024: Donates $5 million to hurricane relief

As back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton tore through Florida and nearby states in October 2024, Swift sent a donation of $5 million to Feed America to help sponsor relief efforts in the affected areas. “This contribution will help communities rebuild and recover, providing essential food, clean water and supplies to people affected by these devastating storms,” read a statement from the organization’s CEO, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, at the time.

December 2024: Season of giving

Swift spent at least an hour meeting children and fans on the hematology and oncology floors of Children’s Mercy Hospital on Dec. 12, with some witnesses saying she sang for and with patients in the facility, according to local news network KCTV5. Pictures of her visit have also started circulating on X; in one photo, the pop star poses with a service dog in a children’s hospital room.

In other pictures, she smiles next to hospital employees and wraps her arms around young patients, at one point laughing while looking at a “Go Taylor’s boyfriend!” Kansas City Chiefs towel. Later in the month, she gifted one fan named Naya, whom she had visited with, the exact same outfit that the young patient had admired during the pop star’s time at the hospital.

And as Christmas neared, Swift continued in the spirit of giving, donating $250,000 to a Kansas City children’s non-profit organization called Operation Breakthrough. “Thank you, @taylorswift, for making our holiday season shine even brighter!” Operation Breakthrough captioned the Instagram post which featured kids sharing their gratitude for the pop star’s gift. “Your kindness and thoughtful 250K donation means the world to our children and families.”

January 2025: Donates to L.A. wildfire relief

On Jan. 16, the “Anti-Hero” singer shared in her Instagram Stories that she had donated to multiple organizations that were helping with wildfire relief efforts. “The fires in California have devastated so many families, and it’s been heartbreaking to see these stories unfold,” she wrote. “So much suffering, loss and destruction.”

ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky suggested he could be done with The Worldwide Leader in Sports on Monday, having made a shocking announcement on live television.

‘First Take’ (Photo via ESPN)

The former NFL quarterback appeared on Monday’s post-Super Bowl episode of ‘First Take’ and later signed off, noting he would be off television for a while and wasn’t sure how things would pan out in the future.

“I’m taking a break, won’t be on TV for a long time,” he said, “never know what the future holds but I’m taking a break… just want to say thank you. Appreciate you guys so much.”

Check him out in the video below:

Of course, ESPN has a host of analysts under contract, so some of them could afford to take breaks after a busy football season. However, it does seem like Orlovsky will be out for much longer than just a break, as he hinted at an uncertain future.

Dan Orlovsky Confirms That There Are Decisions To Be Made

We’ve seen on-air talent tell everyone goodbye before heading on vacation in the past, yet Dan’s farewell sounded like his time at ESPN could be over.

He has since confirmed, in response to an X user, that his future is up in the air.

“Lotta decision to be made. See what happens. I’m grateful for it all,” he wrote.

Dan Orlovsky joined ESPN in 2018. If his time really is up, it’s been a good run. We imagine lots of fans will be sad to see him go.

“I Shouldn’t Do That And Call People That” – Dan Orlovsky Forced To Appolgize For His Disgusting Comments About Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews (VIDEO)

Dan Orlovsky, Stephen A Smith, and Shannon Sharpe (Photo via ESPN)

ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky wanted to deliver a stern apology over his words that involved Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews.

Following Sunday’s epic game between the Ravens and Bills, one where Orlovsky watched as the two AFC powerhouses punched back and forth until a two-point conversion from Jackson to tight end Mark Andrews fell to the ground, the former QB had a lot to say.

Orlovsky was in awe of the game he’d just watched, but he couldn’t help but notice that people were blasting Jackson and Andrews over the failed conversion.

“If you put the loss on Lamar tonight, respectfully, you’re a loser,” Orlovsky said in part.

He continued, “Mark Andrews is one of the all time ravens—he had a brutal drop and fumble yes. If you’re gonna use that to trash him, respectfully, you’re a loser.”

On Tuesday morning on First Take, Dan Orlovsky was apologetic for how he handled critics of Lamr Jackson and Mark Andrews.

“I shouldn’t do that and call people that… it’s hard to be a little bit overly critical in that moment of Lamar, if I’m just being real — and it’s our job — but having talked with him, you know how much he wants it.”

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson committed a couple of uncharacteristic turnovers, and it hurt his team in the end.

During the 27-25 loss to the Bills, Jackson finished with 254 yards and one interception on 18-for-25 throwing while gathering 39 yards on six carries and a fumble.

Mark Andrews had five catches for 61 yards in the game, but the fumble and dropped two-pointer were absolutely devastating to the Ravens’ chances to win.

Lamar Jackson Was Heated After The Game

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens suffered yet another heartbreaking playoff loss; this time, he let his emotions out.

A visibly “angry” Jackson placed the blame for Sunday night’s loss on turnovers.

“Turnovers,” Jackson told reporters. “We can’t have that (expletive). … Hold onto the (expletive) ball. I’m sorry for my language. This (expletive) is annoying. I’m tired of this (expletive).”

Now, the Ravens head into the offseason looking to find another answer to their playoff woes.

Kendrick Lamar had one of the most talked about Super Bowl halftime shows in recent memory.

Kendrick Lamar (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

It was certainly the most talked about once it was announced.

Earlier this week, Lil Wayne announced he wouldn’t be in New Orleans for the Super Bowl after being passed over as the halftime performer for Kendrick.

Days after finding out he wouldn’t be performing, Wayne took to social media with a message for his fans. “It hurt a whole lot. I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown and for automatically mentally putting myself in that position like somebody told me that was my position. But I thought there was nothing better than that spot and that stage and that platform in my city, so it hurt,” he said at the time.

One man who chose not to watch the performance was sportscaster Skip Bayless, who reminded the entire football world that he decided to boycott the Super Bowl halftime show “out of respect for my brother Lil Wayne.”

In a recent episode of “The Skip Bayless Show,” he dropped a bombshell about the league feeling so bad that they supposedly apologized to Lil Wayne over Kendrick Lamar being picked over him.

“The NFL immediately sent Wayne a letter of apology,” Bayless revealed. “From nobody in particular, just from the league on NFL letterhead. A letter that thanked him for his years of supporting the league, not just the Packers, his favorite team, but supporting and promoting the NFL, in general, which he has.

“I mean, he makes weekly appearances on the NFL Sunday pregame show,’ NFL GameDay Morning’ on the NFL Network. But, he will not play Sunday’s halftime show, and he definitely will not watch a second of Sunday’s halftime show. He will watch the game; just not the halftime show. Not one second.”

A special guest during Lamar’s set was tennis legend Serena Williams, who did the crip walk while the Compton native performed his song ‘Not Like Us,’ which is a diss song directed to rapper Drake.

Viewers Brand Kendrick Lamar As Having The ‘Worst Ever’ Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show

Kendrick Lamar‘s 2025 Super Bowl LIX halftime show had a lot going on, but it left many viewers feeling robbed.

So many complained that it was ultimately branded the “worst ever” by some viewers.

PHOTO: Everyone Noticed Kendrick Lamar’s Special Item He Was Wearing That Was A Direct Shot At Drake

Kendrick Lamar (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show was as controversial as many expected it to be.

Fans think Kendrick threw shade at Drake with his chain during his Super Bowl halftime performance.

Lamar brought the house down at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, performing a slew of hits from “HUMBLE” and “DNA.”

Despite what was said, he would also play “NOT LIKE US” as well.

Kendrick donned an eye-catching blue jacket, with the word “Gloria” printed across the front. He also sported blue jeans, black gloves, and a black backward cap.

It would be his dazzling choice of jewelry that had fans talking.

For the show, Kendrick Lamar wore a series of thick silver chains, with a large diamond “a” in lowercase hanging from his necklace.

That was a shot at Drake.

The “a” stands for “a minor,” a lyric in Kendrick’s Grammy Award-winning song “Not Like Us.”

Kendrick Lamar Added Serena Williams To Halftime Show

Kendrick Lamar brought his Drake diss track “Not Like Us” to the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show and made sure to add a special person to it.

Taking the field at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday, Lamar had fans going crazy as he performed the song.

To make matters worse for Drake, Kendrick had Serena Williams crip walking to the song.

Adam Levine is back as a coach for season 27 of “The Voice” — and oh, how we’ve missed him! Levine was an OG coach who started in season 1 and left after season 16. So, why did he return?

Adam Levine’s Return on ‘The Voice’ Has Been a Long Time Coming

Fans have long hoped that Levine would return to “The Voice,” but it was just a matter of when.

After 16 seasons on the show, he felt it was time to leave. Now he’s revealing the reason he finally came back.

In a January 2025 interview with E! Online, Levine revealed, “I just felt like it was time. I had some time to reflect and do my thing and be with my family.”

The Maroon 5 singer added, “I was ready to do it, then the stars aligned and here I am.”

He clearly had no regrets with stepping away. “It’s funny, I actually didn’t miss it while I was gone,” he explained. “But I became more nostalgic about it once I came back.”

Levine didn’t miss a beat and got into the groove rather quickly. “It feels like no time has passed, but then it also feels so different in an amazing way,” he shared. “I’m just super happy and pumped. I love these guys so much,” he said of her fellow “Voice” coaches.

During a January 2025 interview with “Extra,” Levine gave a bit more insight into his return. “I kind of just re-explored the idea of doing this again,” the singer shared. He also explained that he wanted his kids to see him in action on the show, “so that years from now, when I’m not cool anymore, they can remember that I once was cool.”

He added, “I need to build up my cool dad cred now because it’s going to be disappearing.”

Adam Levine Said He and Blake Shelton ‘Were Slinging Hate at Each Other’

Levine and Blake Shelton famously were frenemies when they served as coaches on “The Voice” at the same time. It definitely made for some entertaining moments.

In a January 2025 interview with Billboard, Levine admitted, “It used to get so ugly.”

He told his fellow judges — John Legend, Michael Bublé, and Kelsea Ballerini, “You guys don’t even know. We used to scream over each other.”

According to the singer, “The Voice” is a lot less wild than those early days.

“I have realized through this process, which has become therapy of some sort, that I was in such a chaotic environment. Me and Blake were slinging hate at each other,” he noted. “Everyone’s yelling and screaming. It was so different.”

Levine added, “I wouldn’t be able to stomach or handle that at this point. This is the perfect place, I’m in the right place. This is a safe space.”

Woman Was Spotted Holding A Patrick Mahomes Voodoo Doll And Poking It With A Needle During The Superbowl Game!

In a scene that defies belief and has left fans reeling, the energy of the Super Bowl reached an unforeseen climax when a woman was captured on video performing an act so bizarre it has ignited a firestorm of speculation across social media.

Amid the roar of the crowd and the crackling intensity of the game, the mysterious figure appeared with a handcrafted voodoo doll unmistakably modeled after the Chiefs’ star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. With deliberate, almost ritualistic precision, she produced a needle and began poking at the doll, an act that instantly transformed a routine sporting event into a spectacle of mystique and controversy.

Eyewitnesses describe the moment as surreal. Phones were whipped out in unison, capturing every detail as the woman’s actions unfolded near the heart of the action. The sight of the needle piercing the doll sent shockwaves through the stadium, mingling disbelief with a morbid fascination.

Spectators, already on edge from the high stakes of the game, found themselves grappling with a cascade of emotions—curiosity, alarm, and a profound sense of unease. Rumors and theories quickly spread like wildfire, with many questioning whether the act was a symbolic protest, a manifestation of extreme fandom, or something altogether more sinister.

In the days following the incident, discussions have erupted in locker rooms, online forums, and the corridors of mainstream media. The questions are many: Was this a misguided attempt to influence the outcome of the game through superstitious means, or a deliberate act of performance art meant to convey a deeper message? The ambiguity of the woman’s intent has only deepened the mystery. No official statement has been released by the league or the team, leaving room for endless conjecture and debate among fans and experts alike.

Observers point out that sports, with their inherent mix of passion and performance, often serve as a backdrop for behaviors that blur the lines between fervent support and outright eccentricity. Yet, few moments in the storied history of the Super Bowl have captured the public’s imagination quite like this. The deliberate poking of a voodoo doll—an object traditionally associated with ritualistic practices—has added an unexpected twist to a game already laden with tension and national significance.

As the digital age churns out memes, heated commentaries, and heated debates, the incident has become a cultural touchstone, emblematic of the unpredictable nature of live sports events. Psychologists and cultural critics alike have weighed in, suggesting that the act might be an expression of the overwhelming pressure and idolatry that sometimes accompany athletic hero worship. Whether it was an impulsive act of protest or the work of someone seeking to capture a fleeting moment of notoriety, its impact is undeniable.

In the grand theater of the Super Bowl, where every moment is etched into the annals of sporting history, this event stands out for its sheer audacity. The image of that needle, piercing a doll bearing the likeness of one of football’s most revered figures, will linger in collective memory long after the final whistle. It is a stark reminder that in the realm of high-stakes competition, reality can sometimes take a detour into the unexpected—and in doing so, leave us all questioning the boundaries between fandom and farce.

In the realm of basketball superstars, few names stand out like Giannis Antetokounmpo. Celebrated for his remarkable skills and athletic prowess, Giannis recently surprised fans by showing up at a local street basketball court. This article explores the inspiring moments from this encounter, as Giannis shares valuable techniques and insights with young aspiring players, leaving a lasting impact on their basketball journey.

Picture the thrill and disbelief that enveloped the neighborhood when NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo arrived at their local court. For these young basketball enthusiasts, it was a moment they would never forget, having the chance to learn from one of the best players in the world.

Giannis didn’t just make a brief visit; he fully immersed himself in the experience, interacting with the young athletes and demonstrating key techniques that have contributed to his rise to superstardom. From perfecting shooting form to honing footwork and defensive strategies, Giannis offered invaluable insights that could elevate their game to new levels

Beyond the technical skills, Giannis stressed the significance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He shared personal anecdotes from his own journey, shedding light on the challenges he encountered and the sacrifices he made to reach greatness. His words resonated deeply with the young players, rekindling their determination and reinforcing the belief that dreams can be achieved through relentless effort.

Giannis’ surprise visit to the street court left a lasting impression on the aspiring athletes. His humility, approachability, and genuine love for the game motivated them to push the limits of their potential. The experience of learning from a basketball icon will remain a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished with passion, hard work, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s powerful 2-word Khris Middleton message after Bucks trade

Giannis Antetokounmpo shows respect for his traded teammate.

Khris Middleton has played nearly his entire NBA career thus far with the Milwaukee Bucks. On Wednesday, his stint with the team he played for 11-plus seasons came to an end after Milwaukee decided to send him to the Washington Wizards before the 2025 NBA trade deadline.

Along with AJ Johnson and a pick-swap, the Bucks traded Middleton to the Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr. and a second-round NBA draft compensation. The New York Knicks, who were also part of this three-team deal, sent Jericho Sims to Milwaukee and got Delon Wright and cash in return.

Middleton’s trade to the Wizards marked the end of an era for the Bucks, who acquired the former Texas A&M Aggies star via a 2013 trade with the Detroit Pistons. In other words, Antetokounmpo doesn’t know what it’s like to play in the NBA without Middleton as his teammate.

Antetokounmpo, who earlier sent out a post on X as an apparent reaction to the Middleton trade before deleting it, entered the NBA in 2013 when he was taken in the first round as that year’s 15th overall pick. Since then, he won two Most Valuable Player awards and won a league title — achievements Middleton had his fingerprints on.

Giannis Antetokoumpo declares Khris Middleton his “GOAT”

© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

In the aftermath of Middleton’s departure from Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo sent out a short but powerful message about his now-former teammate.

“My GOAT 🐐💯” Antetokounmpo shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter) as a caption for two images of Middleton during the Bucks’ NBA championship win in 2021.

During his over-a-decade tenure in Bucks uniform, Middleton averaged 17.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 46.1 percent from the field across a total of 735 games, including 657 starts. A three-time All-Star, Middleton is going to be missed by Antetokounmpo and the Bucks locker room. Injuries have slowed him down in the 2024-25 NBA season, but even then, he still brought plenty of value to the Bucks, including the intangibles.

The jury is still out on whether Kuzma will be the type of udrapgrade the Bucks thought he would be when they pulled the trigger on the trade. As for Middleton, he goes from an NBA title contender to the worst team in the league, at least from a records standpoint. Middleton joins a Wizards squad with still only nine wins deep into the first week of February.