Olivia Dunne, known both for her social media presence and gymnastics, has become a trending topic among MLB fans after a viral moment led to her being compared to Taylor Swift. This new analogy emerged in early 2024 as fans noticed Dunne’s enthusiastic support of Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, echoing Swift’s public backing of NFL star Travis Kelce.
The comparison originated from Swift’s first appearance on Kelce’s podcast, New Heights, where she playfully commented on how male sports fans seemed eager to see her involved more frequently in sports-related settings. Clips of this podcast went viral and were later featured during a Minnesota Twins versus Detroit Tigers game at Target Field, where Dunne was spotlighted on the jumbotron alongside a lookalike in the audience during a Celebrity Look Alike segment.
How Olivia Dunne Came to Be Seen as Baseball’s Taylor Swift
Fans on social media quickly made the connection between Dunne and Swift, dubbing Dunne “The Taylor Swift of Baseball.” The excitement was especially noticeable on platforms like X.com (formerly Twitter), where supporters celebrated the blending of pop culture with baseball fandom. Comments reflected the enthusiasm around this crossover, with one fan calling the moment “awesome” and another highlighting the novelty of seeing Taylor Swift sporting a baseball cap.
Dunne’s support of Skenes isn’t just limited to social media buzz. The pair were spotted together at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, hosted at Caesars Superdome in February, where the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22. Dunne attended donning a red outfit in honor of the Chiefs, openly rooting for her boyfriend Travis Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes despite the team’s loss.
Tomorrow for the game I am rooting for the Chiefs,
Dunne shared on February 8, adding
But I’m very excited, and it’s my first Super Bowl, so it’s gonna be a great time. I’m a Swiftie.
Jeremy Clarkson Reflects on Taylor Swift’s Quiet Presence in the UK
While Olivia Dunne enjoys growing sports fame in the United States, celebrated British TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson recently recounted Taylor Swift’s low-key visit to the Cotswolds in the United Kingdom. Clarkson, owner of the Diddly Squat farm in Chadlington and a pub called The Farmer’s Dog in Asthall, described the singer’s discreet stay during her 2023 Eras Tour.
Clarkson contrasted Swift’s quiet time in Oxfordshire with exaggerated rumors about celebrity extravagances, such as Ellen DeGeneres supposedly drawing an entire village’s water supply or Swift’s property rentals during her tour stops. He wrote in The Times
Taylor is a long way from the Who’s drummer, Keith Moon, who used to own a hotel in Chipping Norton. Unlike Keith, she was so quiet, no one even knew she was there.
The Growing Intersection of Sports, Music, and Celebrity Culture
The parallels between Olivia Dunne and Taylor Swift highlight a unique cultural crossover where sports and music fandom intertwine, generating fresh public interest and media attention. Dunne’s embrace of baseball and her link to Skenes could echo the way Swift’s relationship with Kelce boosted his profile beyond football.
As Paul Skenes rises within MLB, the Paul Skenes Taylor Swift comparison underscores how star power in one arena can influence and elevate figures in another. Dunne’s increasing visibility at major sporting events and on social media suggests her growing role as a bridge between entertainment and athletics. This fusion not only expands fan engagement but also introduces new audiences to baseball through Dunne’s wide-reaching platform.
Looking ahead, the attention surrounding both Dunne and Skenes may continue to amplify, raising questions about how their joint public image could impact baseball’s popularity and cultural relevance. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Skenes can sustain this momentum in the same way Kelce’s fame soared through his connection with Swift.