ST.“Grow Up And Move On” — Jason Kelce’s Brutal Podcast Mockery Of Joe Alwyn’s Backstage Bitterness Over Taylor Swift’s Music Playing Throughout The 2026 Golden Globes Sparked A Massive Online Backlash
The 2026 Golden Globes delivered no shortage of memorable moments, but one of the night’s most talked-about elements had little to do with who took home trophies. Instead, it was the music—specifically, the unmistakable presence of Taylor Swift—that quietly shaped the atmosphere inside the Beverly Hilton from start to finish.
Throughout the ceremony, Swift’s catalog served as the official soundtrack for walk-ups, transitions, and interludes. From older hits like Style to newer tracks that have dominated streaming charts, her voice became a constant thread woven through the evening. For many viewers, it felt like a reflection of her cultural dominance: even without attending, Swift’s influence was impossible to ignore.
According to multiple reports circulating after the event, however, the omnipresence of Swift’s music reportedly created discomfort for one particular attendee—her former partner, Joe Alwyn. Alwyn, who was present in support of his film Hamnet, was said by insiders to be visibly unsettled as Swift’s songs played repeatedly throughout the night.
While no on-camera incident occurred, backstage chatter quickly became the focus of speculation. Sources claimed Alwyn made several offhand remarks to colleagues, questioning the production’s decision to rely so heavily on Swift’s music. The comments, described as “bitter” and “snide,” contrasted sharply with the reserved, private image Alwyn has cultivated over the years.
The story might have ended there—another round of unverified backstage gossip—had it not been for what followed days later.
On a recent episode of New Heights, the popular podcast hosted by Jason Kelce and his brother Travis Kelce, the topic of the Golden Globes surfaced. While discussing awards-show culture and celebrity egos, Jason Kelce addressed the idea of performers or attendees feeling “pressed” by music choices at major events.
His response was blunt.
“Grow up and move on,” Kelce said—a seven-word remark that quickly went viral once clips began circulating online.
Although Kelce did not name Alwyn directly, listeners and fans immediately connected the comment to the reports surrounding the Golden Globes. The remark was widely interpreted as dismissive of what Kelce appeared to view as unnecessary bitterness toward an ex-partner’s success.
The internet reaction was swift and polarized.
Supporters of Kelce praised him for cutting through what they saw as petty resentment. Many argued that Swift’s music was used at the Golden Globes because of its popularity and cultural relevance, not as a targeted slight. To them, being unsettled by an ex’s professional success—especially years after a breakup—reflected immaturity rather than injury.
Others, however, criticized Kelce for weighing in at all. Some felt the comment escalated an already speculative narrative, while others questioned whether a public figure should mock alleged backstage behavior based on unconfirmed reports. The backlash underscored a familiar tension in celebrity culture: when commentary shifts from observation to judgment, even indirect remarks can fuel controversy.
Still, the moment highlighted a broader shift in how Swift’s circle responds to criticism. Historically, Swift often faced commentary about her relationships without public defense from those around her. In recent years, that dynamic has changed. With the visibility of the Kelce family—particularly Jason’s outspoken, unfiltered style—responses are no longer confined to silence or lyrics released months later.
Cultural analysts noted that Kelce’s remark resonated because it framed the situation in generational terms. Rather than rehashing relationship history, he focused on maturity and forward movement—values that resonate strongly in an era where success and visibility are difficult to escape.
Meanwhile, the Golden Globes themselves continued largely unaffected by the controversy. The ceremony celebrated film and television achievements as planned, and Swift’s music remained one of the night’s defining aesthetic choices. For many attendees, it was simply the sound of the moment: familiar, energetic, and reflective of current cultural taste.
As clips from New Heights continued to rack up millions of views, the discussion broadened beyond any single individual. The debate became less about Joe Alwyn and more about how former partners navigate shared cultural spaces long after relationships end.
Jason Kelce’s message—whether viewed as necessary bluntness or unnecessary provocation—crystallized that tension into a single phrase. In a world where success is public and unavoidable, his advice struck a chord with many: resentment rarely ages well, and achievement isn’t an attack.
Taylor Swift’s music will almost certainly continue to soundtrack major cultural moments. For those who find that uncomfortable, Kelce’s words now echo alongside the melodies: grow up and move on.
