Few things are as entertaining in the world of celebrities as seeing them pulled off in complex pranks. This was the exact subject of discussion in a fascinating episode of “New Heights,” a podcast that the brother Jason and tight end Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs host. This episode, which aired on April 24, focused on an iconic practical joke starring none other than pop phenomenon Taylor Swift. The guest sharing this captivating story was comedian and actor Andrew Santino, who played a pivotal role in the prank during an episode of the classic MTV series “Punk’d” back in 2012.
Travis Kelce, at 34, and his brother Jason, at 36, were all ears as Santino, 40, recounted the details of the prank that had Taylor Swift, then 34, in a mix of disbelief and amusement. The episode in question featured Justin Bieber as the host, a role that entailed orchestrating pranks on fellow celebrities. Santino began his tale by highlighting the sheer disbelief people expressed when the clip resurfaced online. Comments ranged from outrage at the perceived cruelty of the prank to dismissals labeling it as just another scripted TV show spectacle.
The prank unfolded with Bieber inviting Swift to his Malibu house under the pretense of setting off fireworks he had supposedly brought back from Japan. Santino chuckled as he recalled the setup, noting how Swift was lured with the promise of visiting a new recording studio only to find herself in a significantly more explosive situation. Despite Swift’s initial reluctance to partake in the firework fun, citing concerns that are probably well-founded when considering the combination of Bieber, fireworks, and a rented luxury property, the prankster team had a plan.
They engineered a scenario where Swift would accidentally trigger a fire by pressing a button on a rigged setup, believing it to be harmless. Santino detailed how they had positioned the device so that when Swift, innocently fiddling with it, would inadvertently set off a chain reaction. The result was a supposed fire directed at a boat floating nearby, creating a scene straight out of a slapstick comedy, except with potentially higher stakes.
Santino’s depiction of the aftermath was where the story took a turn for the dramatic. He revealed that he posed as the groom of a wedding party onboard the boat that Swift supposedly set ablaze. In a twist worthy of a daytime soap opera, the prank culminated with Santino, along with the actress playing his bride and a supposed pastor, confronting Swift on the shore, accusing her of ruining their wedding. The tension was palpable until it was diffused by the bride questioning her marital choices, prompting a response from Swift that underscored her perennial grace under pressure.
Listening to Santino’s recount, Travis Kelce could not contain his amusement, especially at the thought of discussing this bizarre episode with Taylor Swift herself. His reaction underscored the surreal nature of celebrity interactions, where worlds collide in the most unexpected ways, often leaving the rest of us in stitches.
The conversation on “New Heights” shed light not only on a humorous chapter from Swift’s past but also provided a glimpse into the camaraderie and shared experiences that define celebrity culture. It serves as a reminder of the humor and tender moments that can occur in the stressful situations these people deal with on a daily basis.
This “New Heights” episode was more than simply a walk down memory lane; it was evidence of “Punk’d’s” lasting popularity and cultural impact. For Travis Kelce, it was a chance to bond over similar experiences and maybe even provide him and Swift something to giggle about. Overall it was an ode to the pleasures of telling stories and the bonds it is able to make, and the laughs it can bring in proving yet again the value of a well-written story and especially one that is filled with so many layers as this one.
“New Heights” never stops offering listeners a fascinating look into the life and stories of celebrities, no matter if they’re talking about music, football or even pranks that are intricate. This creates a sense of community and mutual delight. As for Travis Kelce, his anticipation to ask Taylor Swift about her “Punk’d” episode adds another layer to the rich tapestry of narratives that celebrities share with their fans, bridging the gap between the glittering world of fame and the everyday lives of those who look on with keen interest.