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All the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Easter eggs in 'Christmas in the Spotlight'

12 December 2024 at 09:40
christmas in the spotlight
Bowyn and Drew in "Christmas in the Spotlight."

Lifetime

  • Lifetime released "Christmas in the Spotlight" this year.
  • It's about the world's biggest pop star falling in love with a football player. Sound familiar?
  • The movie is filled with Easter eggs and references to both Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

Many have said that the relationship between Taylor Swift, one of the most β€” if not the most β€” popular musicians in the world right now, and Travis Kelce, a hugely successful NFL player, feels straight out of a romantic comedy.

The holiday movie geniuses over at Lifetime certainly did β€” and that's why "Christmas in the Spotlight," a Lifetime Christmas movie about a pop star and a football player falling in love, has been brought into the world.

Screenwriter Eirene Tran Donohue told USA Today that Christmas and Taylor Swift are the "two great loves of my life."

"I think this movie does stand if you've never even heard of Taylor Swift or Travis Kelce," she said. "I think that Swifties will enjoy it and understand that it was made with love and that it is not an attack on her and it's not trying to be exploitative," she continued.

Although there are some key differences between our main characters, Bowyn and Drew, and Swift and Kelce, the references to their real lives abound.

Here are all the Easter eggs we found in "Christmas in the Spotlight."

This movie starts out strong, showing Bowyn directing her own music video, just like Swift.
bowyn hitting the flexed arm pose
Bowyn is played by Jessica Lord.

Lifetime

Swift has directed the videos for "I'm Only Me When I'm With You," "The Best Day," "Mine," the vertical version of "Delicate," Me!," "You Need to Calm Down," "Lover," "Christmas Tree Farm," "The Man," "Cardigan," "Willow," "Anti-Hero," "Bejeweled," "Lavender Haze," "Karma," "I Can See You," "Fortnight," and "I Can Do It with a Broken Heart."

Bowyn also flexes her bicep, which Swift did when she performed "The Man" on tour.

Bowyn's manager, Mira Vu, has had her bomber jacket since she was 15, an important number for Swifties.
mira's bomber jacket
Mira is played by Jeannie Mai.

Lifetime

Of course, "Fifteen" is a song from Swift's album "Fearless." Mira fittingly calls her jacket "a classic."

Bowyn also later notes she became famous when she was 15.

Next, we meet Drew "Gonzo" Gonville. His jersey number is 13.
drew's jersey
Drew is played by Laith Wallschleger.

Lifetime

The number 13 is basically holy in the Swift fandom.

Swift was born on December 13, and has since made it a huge part of her relationship with fans. For years, she even drew a 13 on her hand for every concert, which meant that fans still did it at the Eras Tour, years after she stopped.

Even Drew's name could be a reference β€” Swift sings about a Drew in "Teardrops on My Guitar."
taylor swift and tyler hilton in the teaerdrops on my guitar music video
Drew is played by Tyler Hilton in the music video.

YouTube

The very first lyrics of "Teardrops on My Guitar" are "Drew looks at me/I fake a smile so he won't see."

It's a reference to Swift's real-life classmate, Drew Hardwick, whom she had a crush on.

Of course, Drew has a brother, Rob, who also plays football.
rob and drew in christmas in the spotlight
Rob's a quarterback, unlike Jason Kelce, who was a center.

Lifetime

Unlike Jason and Travis Kelce, who never played on the same NFL team, Rob and Drew play for the same "NFO" team: the Bombers.

Rob has a nickname too: "Golden."
rob in christmas in the spotlight
Rob is played by Dennis Andres.

Lifetime

Is that a reference to the beloved Swift song "Daylight," which states that she "once believed love would be burning red" β€” or "black and white" β€” "but it's golden"? Perhaps.

Like Jason Kelce, Drew's older brother Rob is married with at least one daughter.
rob's daughter aileen
Aileen is played by Madeleine Cox.

Lifetime

In real life, Jason Kelce has three daughters, with one more on the way.

Bowyn's fans call themselves "Arrowheads," which is the name of the Kansas City Chiefs' stadium.
A fan holds up a Showtime poster in support of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during a week 7 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs on October 21, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium
Arrowhead Stadium was built in 1972.

Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

In-universe, they're called Arrowheads because of Bowyn's name containing the word "bow," as in bow and arrow.

Drew notes that there are college courses taught about Bowyn's career.
US singer Taylor Swift delivers the commencement address to New York University graduates, in New York on May 18, 2022
Swift gave the commencement address at NYU in 2022.

ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images

There are plenty of colleges, including Harvard University and New York University, where you can take a class about the career and music of Taylor Alison Swift.

Drew also calls Bowyn a "feminist icon" and a "queer ally," which Swift has also been called in the past.

The stadium where the Bombers play is called National Corners.
a billboard showing bowyn's show is sold out
This art leaves something to be desired.

Lifetime

One of Swift's most important collaborators of the last four years has been Aaron Dessner, a member of the band the National.

The National has also appeared on Swift's "Coney Island." Conversely, Swift was featured on the National song "The Alcott."

She also appeared on two songs by Dessner's other musical project, Big Red Machine: "Birch" and "The Renegade."

Bowyn tunes into an Instagram live, and the usernames and comments are filled with references.
the instagram live bowyn looks at
This scene goes on for a minute or two, so there are a lot of comments.

Lifetime

The username "starryeyes23" could refer to a line from "Delicate": "Starry eyes sparking up my darkest night."

In fact, "starry eyes" have been mentioned a few times through Swift's discography. She says she thought she was "better safe than starry-eyed" on "loml," and that someone was "gazing at me starry-eyed" on "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived."

Another commenter, "joynoise89," references the year Swift was born, 1989, which is also the name of her fifth album.

A third commenter, "skyesnation43," might be a reference to Taylor Nation, an official account run by her marketing team.

Mira tells Bowyn that the "sky's not big enough" for her.
taylor swift singing at the piano at the eras tour
Swift played "Bigger Than the Whole Sky" at her show in Rio de Janeiro in November 2023.

Buda Mendes/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

There's a Swift song on "Midnights" called "Bigger Than the Whole Sky."

The stage at Bowyn's tour looks similar to Swift's stage at the Eras Tour.
bowyn performing
Bowyn likes sparkles as much as Swift.

Lifetime

Of course, Bowyn's is a bit more low-budget.

The beginning of Bowyn and Drew's relationship mirrors the beginning of Swift and Kelce's.
drew attends bowyn's concert
Drew is already a huge Bowyn fan before even meeting her.

Lifetime

Much like Kelce, Drew attends one of Bowyn's shows and decides to broadcast his crush on her on the internet. However, unlike Kelce, who did this on his podcast "New Heights," Drew posted on Instagram.

Here's what Drew wrote: "Thank you, Bowyn for an amazing show and making my niece's dream come true. Swing by Bay Springs someday to watch the Bombers rock the stadium. The beer is on me!"

And here's what Kelce said on "New Heights": "I've seen you rock the stage at Arrowhead. You might have to come see me rock the stage at Arrowhead and see which one's a little more lit."

However, unlike Kelce, Drew actually got to meet Bowyn backstage and took a picture with her, but not before asking if it was OK to touch her.
drew asks bowyn if he can take a photo
Their selfie leaves a lot to be desired, though.

Lifetime

Bowyn appreciates Drew asking before touching her first. You might remember that a radio DJ sued Swift in 2015 for defamation after she claimed he had inappropriately touched her at a meet-and-greet in 2013. She counter-sued for battery and sexual assault, eventually winning a symbolic $1.

In real life, Kelce never got to meet Swift at her Kansas City concert. He said on "New Heights" it was because Swift didn't meet anyone at her concerts because she had to save her voice.

Mira notes that Bowyn's type is "pretentious actors and indie rockers who have been breaking her heart for 15 years."
Taylor Swift and Matty Healy seen leaving 'The Electric Lady' studio in Manhattan on May 16, 2023
Swift briefly dated Matty Healy of The 1975 in 2023.

Robert Kamau/GC Images/Getty Images

Swift's publicly known exes include actors and musicians including Jake Gyllenhaal, Joe Alwyn, John Mayer, Harry Styles, and Matty Healy.

Mira notes that Bowyn has never headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Taylor Swift after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024
Swift has attended the Super Bowl, though.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Although Swift has a relationship with football, even debuting the second single from "Reputation," "…Ready for It?," on ESPN during a college football match, she has never performed at the Super Bowl.

Mira and Bowyn note that Rob has been in many commercials.
travis kelce in a state farm ad
Travis Kelce has appeared in ads for State Farm, Pfizer, Subway, Campbell's, and more.

State Farm Insurance

Both Travis and Jason Kelce have appeared in their fair share of ads, especially the former. iSpot.tv pointed out he's appeared in 130 ads β€” more than anyone else in the NFL.

Bowyn says "Let the games begin."
Taylor Swift performs onstage during the reputation Stadium Tour at AT&T Stadium on October 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas.
Taylor Swift during the Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018.

Matt Winkelmeyer/TAS18/Getty Images for TAS

"Baby, let the games begin," is a lyric from "…Ready for It?" and were the first words heard during the "Reputation" tour in 2018. During the "Reputation" segment of the Eras Tour, "…Ready for It?" was the first song.

Drew's niece answers the phone in a familiar way to any Swiftie.
aileen answering the phone
Aileen takes matters into her own hands.

Lifetime

When Bowyn finally calls Drew, his niece picks up and says, "Uncle Gonzo can't come to the phone right now. He's dead!"

In Swift's song "Look What You Made Do," she sings a similar phrase: "I'm sorry, the old Taylor can't come to the phone right now. Why? Oh, 'cause she's dead."

Bowyn calls Drew a "wild boy."
Taylor Swift performs onstage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at BC Place on December 06, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia
Swift performing "But Daddy I Love Him."

Kevin Winter/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

In "But Daddy I Love Him" from "The Tortured Poets Department," there's the lyric, "Me and my wild boy/And all of this wild joy."

During the Eras Tour, she mashed this song up with "So High School," which is thought to be about Kelce.

Bowyn says she was never a "cheerleader type," and was "more of a bleacher girl."
taylor swift performing you belong with me in 2009
Swift performing "You Belong With Me" in 2009.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

In Swift's inescapable hit "You Belong With Me" from "Fearless," she sings, "She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers."

Also, not for nothing, one of Swift's closest friends and collaborators, Jack Antonoff, releases music under the name Bleachers.

Bowyn and Drew's first date takes place in an airplane hangar.
bowyn and her private plane
Bowyn makes Drew dress up as Santa to avoid the paparazzi.

Lifetime

One of the most memorable parts of the music video for "Look What You Made Me Do" takes place in an airplane hangar. There, the different versions of Swift argue.

Swift has also been in the headlines in the past over the use of her private plane, which was also seen in the Netflix documentary "Miss Americana."

Bowyn and Drew reference "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" in their conversation.
Taylor Swift is joined on stage by Travis Kelce (R), during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at Wembley Stadium on June 23, 2024 in London, England
Kelce came out on stage during the Eras Tour to "help" Swift perform this song.

Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Bowyn calls herself a "tough kid," as in, "I'm a real tough kid/I can handle it." Drew notes that she looks like she's having the time of her life, as in "I can read your mind/She's having the time of her life."

Bowyn also references "But Daddy I Love Him" again.
taylor swift performs at the eras tour
"But Daddy I Love Him" was the first song from "The Tortured Poets Department" to be played on the Eras Tour.

Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

She tells Drew she can't remember if singing was ever fun. Swift sings a similar musing in the "TTPD" song: "I forget how the West was won/I forget if this was ever fun."

She also says she started performing at 13.

A running theme of the movie is Bowyn's love for puzzles.
taylor swift eras tour
When Taylor Swift performed "Mastermind" on tour, the stage was a giant chess board.

Mat Hayward/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

No one loves to leave secret messages, puzzles, Easter eggs, and anagrams more than Taylor Swift, who has self-identified as a "mastermind."

Mira says that after her date with Drew, Bowyn's color is back.
bowyn after her first date with drew
Bowyn drinks white wine, just like Swift.

Lifetime

As Swift sings in the song "So Long London," "And I'm just getting color back into my face/I'm just mad as hell 'cause I loved this place."

Mira also says Bowyn would rather be trapped in a pit of snakes than attend her ex-boyfriend's premiere.
Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift reputation Stadium Tour at Gillette Stadium on July 26, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Snake imagery was prevalent on the Reputation Stadium Tour.

Kevin Mazur/TAS18/Getty Images for TAS

Snakes were a huge part of the "Reputation" era, as Swift was called a snake by Kim Kardashian and then reclaimed the reptile for the album.

Mira also says Bowyn's ex-boyfriend Hudson would never walk the red carpet with her.
Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn at the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 5, 2020.
At the time, it seemed both wanted their privacy, but fans have since concluded it was more Alwyn's idea.

Christopher Polk/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

Before Kelce (and Matty Healy), Swift was in a six-year relationship with actor Joe Alwyn. They were intensely private and rarely photographed together. The two never walked a red carpet together, though they did sit together at the 2020 Golden Globes.

At one point, Bowyn wears a cardigan.
bowyn in her cardigan
She wears it on their second date.

Lifetime

Sure, cardigans are popular, but no one has been more associated with the cardigan in recent years than Taylor Swift.

The lead single from her 2020 album "Folklore" was "Cardigan," which peaked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and was nominated for both song of the year and best pop solo performance at the Grammys.

Since then, Swift has released various era-specific versions of the cardigan she wore in the music video for Swifties to purchase.

Drew's best friend, George, is dating a woman named Cassandra.
george in christmas in the spotlight
George tells Bowyn that his girlfriend is a huge fan.

Lifetime

On "The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology," there's a song called "Cassandra."

The film features news coverage of their relationship. The newscasters are Aimee Hannah and Chad Marcus.
newscasters in christmas in the spotlight
The newscasters' names are not random.

Lifetime

Aimee is a reference to the song "Thank You Aimee," while the name Hannah is mentioned in "But Daddy I Love Him," in which Swift sings, "Sarahs and Hannahs in their Sunday best/Clutching their pearls crying 'What a mess.'"

Chad is a nod to something Swift said about people who were mad the NFL was showing her too much during football games β€” she called them "dads, Brads, and Chads" in an interview with Time.

And Marcus is a nod to another "Anthology" song, "Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus."

Bowyn shows up at a Bombers game, which excites Drew.
bowyn and mira on the jumbrotron
Just like Swift, Bowyn is always on the big screen.

Lifetime

There's a popular video of what seems to be Kelce spotting Swift at a Chiefs game and lighting up.

Drew's mom notes he has a "bit of a reputation."
bowyn with drew's mom
Swift also sits with Kelce's family during games.

Lifetime

Of course, this is a nod to "Reputation."

Drew hits the same archer pose that Kelce does when he scores a touchdown.
drew doing the archer pose
Swift's song "The Archer" is a reference to her zodiac sign, Sagittarius.

Lifetime

This also connects to Swift β€” she has a song from "Lover" called "The Archer." During performances, she also does the same archer pose.

Bowyn says she wants someone to "like me for me."
bowyn at thanksgiving
Bowyn attends Thanksgiving with the Gonvilles.

Lifetime

Swift sings about a similar desire in "Delicate" from "Reputation": "This ain't for the best/My reputation's never been worse, so/You must like me for me."

Bowyn and Drew both love to say "Let's freaking go."
bowyn and drew
It's something of a catchphrase for them both.

Lifetime

This movie aired on Lifetime, so no profanity allowed, but there is a video of Swift attending a Chiefs game where she screams a more R-rated version of this phrase after Kelce scores a touchdown.

The newscasters note that the "alchemy" between Drew and Bowyn is off the charts.
bowyn and drew
"The Alchemy" is one of two songs that are thought to be about Kelce on "TTPD."

Lifetime

On "TTPD," there's a song called "The Alchemy" that's widely believed to be about Kelce. The newscasters also reference a winning streak, which could be referencing a lyric from the song: "These blokes warm the benches/We've been on a winning streak."

George tells Drew that Bombers fans are explaining football to Bowyn's fans, which Drew loves.
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with his brother Jason Kelce after a 17-10 victory against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024
Jason and Travis Kelce in 2024.

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The Kelce brothers have been vocal about how much they love that Swifties have been getting into football due to their relationship, and they even dedicate a segment on their podcast, "No Dumb Questions," to explaining rules to them.

People online claim their relationship is a PR stunt, but Drew shuts it down.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are seen in SoHo on October 11, 2024 in New York City.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in October 2024.

TheStewartofNY/GC Images/Getty Images

According to this movie, Bowyn is a billionaire and doesn't need the PR, just like Swift.

Drew says "All right" just like Kelce does.
travis kelce
It's another one of his catchphrases.

Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Drew tells Bowyn, "You're the best thing at this party."
drew tells bowyn she's the best thing at this party
It's a lyric from a song.

Lifetime

"Frontlines, don't you ignore me/I'm the best thing at this party," Swift sings on the song "You're Losing Me."

When Bowyn runs into her ex Hudson, he calls her the Alice to his Mad Hatter.
hudson in christmas in the spotlight
Hudson is played by David Pinard.

Lifetime

"Alice in Wonderland" is an important text to Swift. She has a song called "Wonderland" on "1989."

She also references "Alice" in the "Evermore" song "Long Story Short." "And I fell from the pedestal/Right down the rabbit hole," she sings.

Bowyn calls Drew a "better man" than Hudson.
Recording artist Taylor Swift performs with the band Little Big Town during The 1989 World Tour live at Heinz Field on June 6, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Swift performed with Little Big Town during the 1989 World Tour in 2015.

Jason Merritt/LP5/Getty Images for TAS

Swift originally wrote the song "Better Man" in 2016, but decided to give it to the country band Little Big Town, who went on to win a Grammy for it.

When Swift began re-releasing her albums, she included "Better Man" as a bonus track on "Red (Taylor's Version)" in 2021.

Mira references "You Need to Calm Down" and "All Too Well."
taylor swift yntcd
Taylor Swift in "You Need to Calm Down."

Taylor Swift/YouTube

After Bowyn has a minor freakout about her relationship with Drew, Mira says, "You gotta calm down," a sly reference to this "Lover" track.

She also tells Bowyn "you know all too well" about bad relationships, β€” Swift's most beloved song by fans is probably the "Red" song "All Too Well."

Drew, on the other hand, references "Never Grow Up" and "Fearless."
taylor swift during the fearless tour
Taylor Swift during the Fearless World Tour.

Don Arnold/WireImage/Getty Images

On his side of the freakout, Drew tells his family, "I am calling my own shots." Swift sings "And you can't wait to move out someday and call your own shots" on the "Speak Now" song "Never Grow Up."

He also says Bowyn "gets rid of my doubts and fears."

In the album booklet for "Fearless," Swift wrote about what being fearless actually meant to her.

"To me, 'fearless' is not the absence of fear. It's not being completely unafraid. To me, 'fearless' is having fears. 'Fearless' is having doubts," she wrote.

Drew and Bowyn break up over an edited conversation, a sensitive subject for any Swift fan.
Taylor Swift, Kanye West and tv personality Kim Kardashian attend The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards at the STAPLES Center on February 8, 2015
Taylor Swift, Kanye West, and Kim Kardashian in 2015.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS

Bowyn's ex-boyfriend Hudson leaks a taped conversation the two had, which he heavily edited to make it seem like Bowyn insulted Drew.

An edited recording of a conversation between Swift and Kanye West regarding his song "Famous" re-started their feud in 2016 (which began at the VMAs in 2009) and led to the public turning on Swift and declaring that she was "over."

In both cases, the unedited versions of the conversation eventually were released, vindicating Bowyn and Swift, as Variety reported.

Drew's niece gives him a friendship bracelet with Bowyn's lyrics.
the friendship bracelet
Friendship bracelets are forever part of Swiftie lore.

Lifetime

The bridge of the "Midnights" song "You're on Your Own Kid," goes like this: "'Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned/Everything you lose is a step you take/So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it/You've got no reason to be afraid."

Fans seized onto the "friendship bracelet" line and began trading bracelets at the Eras Tour, usually with references to lyrics or inside jokes in the Swift fandom. These bracelets became so associated with Swift that a giant bracelet began moving from stadium to stadium during the tour.

Drew and Bowyn attend a fundraiser together.
bowyn at a fundraiser
The fundraiser in the movie, of course, is at Christmas.

Lifetime

Swift and Kelce also attended a fundraiser together in April, and footage of them went viral. It's also when Kelce called her "my significant other" for the first time.

Bowyn says that as long as she's holding on to Drew, she won't "fumble again."
bowyn singing
Bowyn plays guitar, just like Swift.

Lifetime

Obvious football reference aside, "Hold on to the memories/They will hold on to you" is a fan-favorite lyric from "New Year's Day" off "Reputation."

She also sings "Say you'll never let 'em tear us apart/And I'll hold onto you while we run" on the "Red" song "Run."

After newscasters begin insulting her, she jokingly asks her team, "Why they gotta be so mean?"
Musician Taylor Swift performs onstage at the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 12, 2012
Swift then went on to perform "Mean" at the 2012 Grammys.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

That's a direct reference to a lyric from the "Speak Now" song "Mean," which asks why a music critic who wrote negatively about Swift's performance at the 2010 Grammys "gotta be so mean."

Two years later, she performed "Mean" at the Grammys, and it won best country solo performance and best country song.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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