Taylor Swift Unrecognized by Judge in Her Own Music Video Cameo
For a global superstar who commands adoration from millions, being unrecognized is a rare occurrence. Yet, this exact scenario unfolded during the filming of Taylor Swift's "Opalite" music video. Barrie Reynolds, an 83-year-old who appeared as a judge in the video, gave Swift and her partner, NFL star Travis Kelce, a "zero" for their dance performance, but more surprisingly, he admitted he had no idea who Swift was at the time.
Barrie Reynolds' Unexpected Role and Reaction
In an interview with BBC Radio Kent, Reynolds shared that his granddaughters were thrilled about his cameo in the pop sensation's video. However, when asked about his own feelings, he confessed, "I'm afraid I have no idea who she [Travis Kelce's betrothed] was." Reynolds, who participated through an acting and modeling agency, only learned about Swift after reading about her tour in a newspaper. Due to early morning filming at 07:00 GMT in north London, where trains were unavailable, the production team arranged a taxi for his transportation.
Despite his initial lack of recognition, Reynolds praised Swift's demeanor on set. He noted that Travis Kelce's fiancée was exceptionally kind and compassionate, taking time to chat with everyone involved in the music video, even amidst tight security measures. This highlights Swift's down-to-earth nature, contrasting with her immense fame.
The Story and Significance of 'Opalite'
The song "Opalite" narrates a tale of two lonely individuals living parallel lives, separated by distance, with inanimate objects as companions. They connect through Opalite, a revolutionary spray that transforms problems into paradise, bringing both the people and their objects together. The duo decides to enter a dance competition, where judges, including Reynolds, are instructed to appear bored and award them a zero. Interestingly, Reynolds mentioned he found the song catchy, despite giving the low score.
This track holds special significance for Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end. During a September 2025 episode of the "New Heights" podcast, Kelce revealed that "Opalite" is his favorite song from Swift's album "The Life of a Showgirl." He admitted to dancing around his house to the album's tracks, with "Opalite" standing out as a particular favorite. Kelce shared, "I think Opalite might be my favorite, though... at least now, every time it comes on, I always catch myself."
Personal Connections and Birthstone Inspiration
Taylor Swift further elaborated on the song's personal connection during an appearance on "The Graham Norton Show." She mentioned that her father, Scott Kingsley Swift, was excited about "Opalite," especially since it was Travis' favorite. Swift explained that the inspiration came from Kelce's birthstone, opal, which falls on October 5. She said, "I had written down the word 'opalite' because I learned that it's actually a man-made opal. Opal can be man-made just like diamonds. Travis' birthstone is an opal." This detail adds a layer of intimacy to the song, blending artistic creativity with personal sentiment.
The incident with Barrie Reynolds underscores the unpredictable nature of celebrity interactions, where even the most famous can go unnoticed in certain contexts. It also showcases Swift's humility and Kelce's genuine appreciation for her music, reinforcing their bond both personally and artistically. As "Opalite" continues to resonate with fans and the couple alike, this story adds a charming, humanizing twist to their high-profile relationship.
