Kayla Nicole Breaks Her Silence After Taylor Swift’s New Album Release
Travis Kelce’s former girlfriend, Kayla Nicole, is sparking attention once again following Taylor Swift’s latest release, The Life of a Showgirl. The sports journalist, who dated the Kansas City Chiefs star for nearly five years between 2017 and 2022, appeared to subtly react to Swift’s track “Opalite,” which many fans believe references her.
On September 5, Nicole reshared a vintage clip from America’s Next Top Model Season 3 to her Instagram Story. In the video, host Tyra Banks asks contestant Eva Marcille how she compares herself to others, to which Eva confidently replies, “I don’t compare myself to other girls… I’m no comparison to anyone else.”
While Nicole didn’t mention Swift or Kelce directly, the timing of her post led fans to think it was a carefully crafted response to the speculation surrounding Swift’s new lyrics.
Fans Theorize “Opalite” Targets Kayla Nicole
Taylor Swift’s track “Opalite” from The Life of a Showgirl dives into her reflections on past relationships before meeting Kelce. The chorus depicts a man who endured turbulent love affairs before “making his own sunshine.”
Listeners quickly speculated that the song references Kelce’s dating past, with the second verse drawing particular attention:
“You couldn’t understand it / Why you felt alone / You were in it for real / She was in her phone.”
Swifties interpreted these lines as a thinly veiled nod to Kayla Nicole, recalling old clips that resurfaced of the former couple arguing about her being on her phone during dinner. In the video, Nicole quipped, “If someone would pay me attention, I wouldn’t have to seek validation from strangers online,” while Kelce asked her to “get off [her] phone.”
Though the pair’s relationship ended years ago, fans believe Swift’s lyrics may be reflecting Kelce’s emotional struggles before finding happiness with her.
Taylor Swift Explains the Meaning Behind “Opalite”
Swift addressed the inspiration for “Opalite” during an interview with Capital Breakfast on October 3. While she didn’t confirm the song was about Nicole, she did reveal that Kelce loves the track.
“I had written down the word ‘opalite’ because I learned it’s actually a man-made opal,” Swift said. “Opal is Travis’ birthstone, and I thought it was such a beautiful metaphor—that happiness, like opalite, can be something we create ourselves.”
The pop icon described the song as “upbeat yet deeply personal,” explaining that it celebrates resilience and renewal after emotional storms.
“The Life of a Showgirl”: A Deeper Look into Swift’s New Era
The Life of a Showgirl marks another evolution in Taylor Swift’s ever-changing artistry. The album combines theatrical storytelling with personal reflection, featuring tracks inspired by classic icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Shakespeare’s Ophelia.
The record’s opening song, “The Fate of Ophelia,” hints at the early stages of her romance with Kelce, while other tracks such as “Elizabeth Taylor” and “Honey” explore love, fame, and self-discovery.
Swift’s collaborator Sabrina Carpenter joins her for the closing number, “The Life of a Showgirl,” a track about mentorship, ambition, and the cost of stardom.
Kayla Nicole Keeps Moving Forward
Despite renewed media attention, Kayla Nicole appears to be focused on her own growth. Known for her work as a sports reporter and model, Nicole has maintained professionalism amid ongoing fan speculation.
She has yet to publicly respond to questions about The Life of a Showgirl or “Opalite,” but her social media posts continue to emphasize self-worth and independence.
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce remain one of pop culture’s most talked-about couples. The two announced their engagement in August 2025 after nearly two years of dating, with Kelce often praising Swift’s creativity and work ethic.
The Internet Reacts
Social media has exploded with mixed reactions. Some fans view “Opalite” as another example of Swift’s lyrical genius, connecting her storytelling to real-life experiences. Others believe the speculation unfairly drags Nicole into a narrative she left behind years ago.
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Taylor’s songs are metaphors—stop reading too much into them!” while another commented, “Kayla handled this with class. That Tyra Banks clip says everything.”
Final Thoughts
Whether or not “Opalite” truly references Kayla Nicole, the drama surrounding the track has reignited fascination with the intertwined lives of Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, and his former partner.
As Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl continues to dominate the charts, it’s clear that the singer’s ability to blend personal stories with universal themes keeps both fans and critics intrigued—and talking.
