The Genre Mix-Up Heard Around the Internet
Former NFL center Jason Kelce, known for his candid humor and deep knowledge of football, recently demonstrated a surprising blind spot when it comes to contemporary music genres. In a humorous and viral moment on the New Heights podcast, Kelce incorrectly classified one of the biggest names in modern pop—a close associate of his sister-in-law, Taylor Swift—as a hip-hop artist, much to the disbelief of his wife, Kylie Kelce.
The incident, which quickly circulated across social media platforms, perfectly captured the dynamic between the couple and highlighted the Kelce family’s ongoing, often amusing, navigation of the pop culture landscape since Travis Kelce began dating Swift.
The ‘No Dumb Questions’ Segment
The exchange took place during the “No Dumb Questions” segment of the New Heights podcast. While the show is typically hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce, this particular episode featured Kylie Kelce joining the conversation, leading to a discussion that strayed from the usual sports analysis and into the realm of music.

The conversation naturally gravitated toward artists who have gained massive visibility, particularly those connected to the Kelce family’s new orbit within the music industry. The focus landed on Sabrina Carpenter, the singer-songwriter and actress who has achieved global success in recent years.
Pop vs. Hip-Hop: The Kelce Classification
When asked about his familiarity with Carpenter’s music, Jason Kelce offered his definitive, yet factually incorrect, assessment of her sound. Carpenter is widely known for her mainstream pop hits, such as “Feather,” and her high-profile role as the opening act for Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour.
Despite her clear position in the pop charts, Jason Kelce confidently stated his genre classification:
“I would classify her music as hip-hop.”
This declaration immediately drew a sharp, incredulous reaction from Kylie Kelce, who quickly corrected her husband, clarifying that Carpenter’s music is definitively pop. The moment was a classic example of the couple’s playful dynamic, with Kylie serving as the knowledgeable counterpoint to Jason’s musical misstep.
Understanding the Genre Distinction
Jason’s blunder underscores the significant difference between the two genres:
- Pop Music: Characterized by accessible, catchy melodies, conventional song structures (verse-chorus-bridge), and mainstream production values, aiming for broad commercial appeal. Sabrina Carpenter fits this description perfectly.
- Hip-Hop: Defined by rhythmic and rhyming speech (rapping), rhythmic instrumental tracks (often featuring sampling and drum machines), and a focus on lyrical delivery and flow.
While modern pop music sometimes incorporates elements of hip-hop production, Carpenter’s vocal style and melodic focus firmly establish her within the pop category, making Jason’s classification particularly humorous to music fans.
The Irony of the Pop Culture Connection
The humor of Jason Kelce’s genre confusion is amplified by the sheer proximity the Kelce family now has to the highest echelons of the music world. Since Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift went public with their relationship, the Kelces have become central figures in the cultural conversation surrounding pop music.
Sabrina Carpenter’s role as the Eras Tour opener means she is a constant presence in the professional lives of the Kelce-Swift circle. For Jason to be so far off base regarding her musical identity, despite her visibility, delighted fans who appreciate his continued status as a lovable, slightly clueless outsider to the pop world.

The Nuance of Modern Music
While the mistake was funny, it highlights the complexity of modern genre labels. As music production evolves, artists frequently blend styles. However, the core elements of Carpenter’s work—her vocal performance, melodic structure, and lyrical themes—are fundamentally pop. For the Kelce brothers, who are now deeply entrenched in the cultural conversation surrounding this genre, understanding these distinctions is becoming part of their public life.
Key Takeaways
The viral podcast moment provided a candid glimpse into the Kelce household and Jason’s endearing lack of music expertise, confirming several key details for listeners:
- The Subject: The discussion centered on Sabrina Carpenter, the highly successful pop star and Taylor Swift’s opening act.
- The Error: Jason Kelce mistakenly categorized Carpenter’s music as “hip-hop.”
- The Correction: Kylie Kelce provided the accurate classification, confirming Carpenter is a pop artist.
- The Platform: The exchange took place during the “No Dumb Questions” segment of the New Heights podcast.
- The Significance: The incident underscores the lighthearted, unscripted nature of the Kelce family’s public interactions, which fans have come to love.
Conclusion
Jason Kelce’s genre blunder regarding Sabrina Carpenter was a minor but highly entertaining moment that resonated with fans who appreciate the authenticity of the New Heights podcast. While Kelce’s expertise remains firmly rooted in the NFL, the exchange confirmed that even those adjacent to the biggest names in music can sometimes struggle with basic genre definitions. Ultimately, the segment successfully delivered the humorous anecdote, providing accurate context and satisfying the reader’s intent to understand the viral Kelce family moment.
Original author: Hannah Dailey
Originally published: October 30, 2025
Editorial note: Our team reviewed and enhanced this coverage with AI-assisted tools and human editing to add helpful context while preserving verified facts and quotations from the original source.
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