Shaquille O'Neal I Finally Got To Meet T-Swift ... But My Eye's On Ice Spice!!!

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Shaquille O'Neal got his wish by running into Taylor Swift at the Super Bowl ... but he seemed a bit more infatuated with the pop superstar's plus-one on Sunday -- revealing he has a big ol' crush on Ice Spice!!

The four-time NBA champ told TMZ Sports last week he wanted a seat right next to Travis Kelce's girlfriend for the Big Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers ... and while that didn't happen, he still got to rub elbows with her on at least two different occasions throughout the night -- even gifting her a Judith Leiber bag, which comes with a $4,500 price tag.

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Chiefs All The Way

Shaq made sure to show his appreciation for his run-in with Swift -- who ended up sitting with the "Think U The S*** (Fart)" rapper, Kelce fam and Blake Lively instead -- going to Instagram to share the interactions with his followers ... as well as his a special shoutout to 24-year-old IS.

"and @icespice is so dam fine thanks @taylorswift," Shaq said on social media ... which undoubtedly sounds like shooting his shot.

His comment section was flooded with similar takeaways ... with one user joking, "Shaq shot his shot… but it was a free throw 😞"

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Another added ... "The last thing I’d expect on my page is Shaq saying ice spice is fine."

Unclear what Ice thought of the gesture ... but gotta respect Shaq's courage to throw it all out there, even if it goes over like a "fart" in a windstorm.

We'll be talking all things Taylor on the new "TMZ Swift-Tea Podcast" -- available on all podcast platforms!

Katy Perry Moving On From 'American Idol' ... Announces New Music Plans

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Onto The Next Chapter

Katy Perry just made a stunning announcement ... she's dunzo with "American Idol."

The iconic singer appeared on Monday night's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" dropping the bombshell after 7 years as an 'Idol' judge alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

Jimmy kicked things off, asking Katy point blank if she was going to continue with the show.

At first, Katy didn't answer the question directly, responding that she was looking forward to performing in Brazil's Rock in Rio music festival this fall.

Then she delivered the 'Idol' shocker ...  "I think this will be my last show, my last season for 'Idol.' I love 'Idol' so much, it’s connected me with the heart of America. But I feel like I need to go out to feel that pulse of my own beat."

Many in the audience sounded bummed by the news, but Katy handled it like a seasoned pro with her smiles and upbeat demeanor, turning the mood back to a positive vibe.

Yet, Jimmy seemed a bit startled, pressing Katy on what her fellow judges -- Lionel and Luke -- thought about her exit.

Katy replied, "Well, they'll find out about it tonight," indicating the two were only aware she had some new projects in the works.

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Her last season is scheduled to start on February 18 as the singing competition TV series hits the 22-year mark.

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No word yet on who might replace Katy in the judge's chair ... but that should be coming down the pike at some point.

Super Bowl LVIII Massive Super Bowl Rating, 123+ Million Viewers ... Taylor Swift Effect!?

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Super Bowl LVIII was not JUST the most watched Super Bowl in the history of the game -- it was the most watched television show, period -- with an astonishing 123.4 MILLION fans tuning in for football, Taylor Swift, or both!

CBS and the National Football League just touted the ridiculous rating, announcing the Chiefs vs. 49ers game toppled last year's Chiefs vs. Eagles game (115.1 million) as the most viewed of all time.

It wasn't even close ... with 120 million people watching on CBS, and the remainder watching on Nickelodeon or streaming on Paramount+.

The NFL says if you factor in all avenues, over 202 million fans watched at least part of SB 58.

It's no surprise given Swift's proximity to the game. The Super Bowl, pop star or not, is always the biggest night in American television. Fold in the biggest star on the planet ... perfect ratings storm.

FYI, Super Bowls make up 29 of the top 30 most-watched TV programs in history -- and all of the top 10.

The ratings were also helped by the superstars playing in the game ... Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Christian McCaffrey, etc. -- and stars are a big factor when it comes to ratings.

Usher also put on an awesome Halftime show ... which presumably brought in many viewers.

Swift's effect on the NFL has been sizeable ... as even commissioner Roger Goodell admitted in the days before the game. How big of an impact has she had? TS has reportedly garnered the Chiefs and the league with over $330 million in free coverage.

That's manifested in a massive boost to the Chiefs fan base and a huge rise in popularity for Kelce ... and you can now add the most-watched Super Bowl ever to the list.

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History in Sin City!

CMT Host Cody Alan Beyoncé's Country Tunes ... More Than Welcome in the Genre!!!

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Beyoncé's decision to go country -- for at least one album -- is stirring fan excitement, but within country music, perhaps no one's more thrilled about it than CMT host Cody Alan!

The 38-year-old, who also hosts SiriusXM's "Highway Mornings," tells TMZ he's all for the pop/R&B icon opening the Beyhive to a new genre with Super Sunday surprise drop of "Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages" ... 2 singles on her upcoming "Renaissance Act II" album.

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Cody says having someone as big as Beyoncé shine the spotlight on country music is a big deal -- and he's totally embracing it.

A turn to country appears to be a bit of a trend recently as Cody reminds us of the success rapper Jelly Roll has had going back to his country roots -- and while Cody isn't certain Queen Bey's country foray will translate to the masses, he thinks it super cool she's even giving it a go.

Alan also notes that the music biz usually categorizes artists -- but it's a genius move on Beyoncé's end to step out of the box 'cause that's usually where the best music is found.

Good music is good music at the end of the day, according to Alan -- but he's adamant that Beyoncé kickin' it in cowboy boots will have the Beyhive buzzin' to new heights.

ICONIC MOVIE PROPS STAR WARS ITEMS & MORE Up for Grabs In Potential $8M Auction!!!

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Calling all movie buffs ... this one's for you! Props worn by the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Michael J. Fox and Olivia Newton-John are expected to fetch more than $8 million during the largest film and TV memorabilia auction ever.

Propstore, one of the nation's leading prop auction sites, will be auctioning off 1,700 rare and iconic lots this March, and if you've got seriously deep pockets, you can get your hands on some super cool vintage film mementos.

For instance, every Star Wars fan would leap at Anthony Daniels' light-up C-3PO head from 1983's "Return of the Jedi" -- but, it could go for a whopping $1 million. Like we said, deep pockets, baby!

Captain Picard's 'Stark Trek' command chair is estimated to go for $100,000, while Sandy's "Grease" drive-in costume is expected to rake in up to $50K.

The screen-matched stunt leather jacket from "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" -- which was worn by Vic Armstrong AKA, the world's greatest stuntman -- could go for between $200,000 and $400,000.

Vintage items from other movies such as 1969's "Easy Rider," 1985's "Back to the Future" and 1967's James Bond flick "You Only Live Once" will also be up on the auction block.

The most recent movie prop featured will be Harry Potter's wand from "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban."

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The entire catalog of props is available to the public, so you can browse ahead of time to see what you'd like to splash some $$$ on when 3 days of bidding begins on March 12 at L.A.'s Petersen Automotive Museum.

TMZ's Last Minute V-Day Cards

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Dear Lovers And Friends,

With Super Bowl LVIII seemingly flooding your feeds, there's a high probability Valentine's Day slipped through the cracks ... Don't fret though, TMZ has got your back with the sweetest celeb custom cards!

Click through this cool collection of cards and pick your top faves ...

Of course we've got Taylor and Trav, but Ice Spice, Jacob Elordi, Jeremy Allen White and a plethora of other all-star celebs have come to play ... there's something and someone for everyone!

All you gotta do is take a look through our adorable and cheeky V-Day cards, and when you find your perfect match click on the link to download a printable version. Yes, it's that easy!

With Love,

TMZ

Camille Kostek, Lindsey Pelas B. Mahomes' S.I. Debut ... Can Kickstart Modeling Career!!!

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You Never Know

Brittany Mahomes' Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut might just be the beginning ... 'cause two big-time models tell TMZ Sports the Kansas City Chiefs superstar's wife could use the opportunity to launch a modeling career!!

Camille Kostek -- who graced the popular magazine's cover in 2019 -- said she's always loved how women use the platform to showcase themselves to the world ... and that's something Brittany can do now, too.

Despite being in the S.I. fam for years, Rob Gronkowski's girlfriend said folks kept things under wraps right up until the announcement ... so she found out the big news just like everyone else.

But now that the cat's out of the bag, Camille is welcoming Brittany with open arms ... and thinks there could be more time in front of the camera moving forward for Mahomes -- if she so wishes.

As for anyone hating on Brittany's moment, fellow model Lindsey Pelas has a bit of advice for the mom of two.

"There's gonna be haters in every job and any industry, but who gives a s***. F*** haters!!"

As we previously reported, Mahomes was named an S.I. Swimsuit rookie for 2024 last week ... something she said was a wish come true.

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"I want people to know that they can accomplish anything, even things you never thought would be possible in your wildest dreams," Brittany said after the reveal.

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Sunbathin' Brittany

Sounds like she's got two mentors to hit up if she ever needs some pointers!!

TMZ TV Recap Taylor & Travis' Fairytale Ending Kanye's SB Ad, WWE & NFL Unite

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The Super Bowl has come and gone -- but with it came one of the most well-documented high-profile relationships in modern history ... and the photo finish was one to remember.

TMZ Live

Let's start off with the biggest story we covered on 'TMZ Live' -- namely, the fact that the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII ... but more importantly, Taylor Swift won.

Indeed ... the pop star had, perhaps, the biggest night out of everyone -- not only did her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, help propel his team to a back-to-back victory ... but she got to celebrate every high and low from the game in her sweet suite. Win-win-win!!!

TMZ on TV

On 'TMZ on TV,' we were also talking Super Bowl ... but only here, as it pertained to Kanye.

Lots of companies bought ad space to run commercials during the big game -- and Ye did too ... only his commercial was a little bare-bones compared to the others. Actually, by a lot.

TMZ Sports

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TAKIN' OVER THE CITY

Finally, over at 'TMZ Sports' ... Mike and Mojo talked about WWE stars at Super Bowl LVIII.

Check your local listings for when TMZ is on in your area or catch up on past episodes!

Guess Who This Lil' Champ Turned Into!

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Before this sweet kiddo cheesin' for the camera turned into a popular TikToker, he was growing up in Washington D.C., hittin' the pool and swimming his way to metals and ribbons!

Gaining popularity on TikTok back in 2020, perhaps his most viral vid is convincing his ex to cook for him and then bailing on eating the meal. He's also heavily featured in Meghan Trainor's TikToks. And, to say he's a big Swiftie is a huge understatement!

When he's not dancin' away on social media ... he's an advocate for mental health and the LGBTQ+ community.

Can you guess who he is?

Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco Snuggle Up In New PDA Photos ... Benny Grabs a Handful!!!

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Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are laying it on thick as their romance progresses ... they're packing on a ton of PDA, only here -- it's Ben who can't keep his hands to himself.

The singer just posted some new shots with her music producer boyfriend, and they're completely boo'd up and snuggling together in just about all the pics. One photo, in particular, is eye-popping ... you see Benny boy grabbing a hold of her breast.

This was among the 4 new photos with Benny she shared on Instagram, captioning the post ... "My bes fwend." Of course, it's very clear -- they are much more than just pals.

Besides Benny's boob grab ... there are images of them hugging in a kitchen and being goofy together. On its face, they make a really cute couple -- and seem head over heels.

Selena and Benny clearly aren't shy ... in the last photo, they're kissing in front of a couple friends of theirs, including "The Bear" star Matty Matheson. This is just the latest example of them leaning into their love fest, BTW ... in fact, they're kinda giving Taylor and Travis a run for their money these days!

Bottom line -- they look genuinely happy together ... especially Selena, which is great to see.

The last time we saw these two lovebirds out in public, they were on a date at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, CA ... holding on to each other tightly as they waited for a ride. She's been bringing Benny along to more events lately ... including award shows.

At first, some believed this relationship was fake as can be -- incredulous, almost -- but nah, they're for realsies ... which is becoming more and more evident with each new photo dump.

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As for the firm grasp Benny has here ... hey, hold on to what you got, we suppose.

Kanye West I Don't Take Back the Antisemitism ... 'Vultures' Proves I Can't Be Canceled

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SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

Kanye West says he hasn't been canceled yet for a couple different reasons -- and he also explains why he's not backing down from some of his antisemitic statements.

We got Ye Monday at LAX -- after he'd returned from Super Bowl festivities in Vegas -- and the guy talked to us about a bunch of topics. As his finally released new album "Vultures" hit #1 on iTunes, he marked that success by digging into why he survived his "cancelation."

Check it out ... Kanye tells our photog he weathered the storm last year, and came out the other side perhaps even more successful than ever ... at least in his eyes.

That's debatable, of course, because he lost out on a lot of business deals, not to mention hundreds of millions of dollars. And yet, Kanye thinks he's landed on his feet pretty well ... and he explains why.

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FROM THE MOUTH OF KANYE

Kanye says he's got a few different things in his utility belt that have helped him remain popular, even in a mainstream capacity ... and he says a lot of it has to do with the fact he's incredibly talented with unique, interesting ideas.

Of course, his devoted fans also love that he's outspoken ... something KW's well aware of too. All that is why he says he's been able to survive a modern-day teardown.

He cites his feud with Adidas in making this point, and also lays out why he was in Europe for so long last year. It was actually more business than pleasure after all.

Anyway, Kanye says business is booming for him yet again ... despite the industry's best efforts. That's how he sees it anyway.

You can tell from this interview, he's in full us-versus-them mode right now. He attacks the music industry and record labels, saying the streaming structure isn't fair to artists -- and vows to speak up on these issues on behalf of all artists.

Interestingly, he even puts himself in the same boat as his archenemy, Taylor Swift! Yes, he speaks her name, and not in a disparaging way.

On the subject of antisemitism ... he offers a non-apology apology for some of his hate speech but believes other comments were spot-on.

He also cites an oft-used defense of his as to why he can't be antisemitic.

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Watch it for yourself, but really the only apology he offers is to the Jewish kids who had to hear a "grown-up conversation."

One last thing ... Ye dodges any real position on the Israel-Gaza conflict -- surprising, perhaps, considering all his attacks on Jewish people -- but, says there are more pressing issues in his hometown.

Taylor Swift I'm Cashing Out ... Private Jet Outta Sin City

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Taylor Swift is joining the max exodus in Las Vegas ... flying out of the desert after her boyfriend Travis Kelce's big Super Bowl win.

The singer hopped on her private jet Monday for a short flight to Los Angeles ... and she was joined by good friend Blake Lively. We're hearing there might've been other stars in the mix as well -- but hard to make anyone out specifically ... including TayTay.

Taylor's team was definitely trying to shield her from the cameras behind a wall of black umbrellas as she climbed the stairs onto the plane ... we gotta say, blocking like this would make Jason Kelce proud!

Blake herself boarded the plane in a red outfit without too much fuss ... and one passenger had on a Kansas City Chiefs jacket. Just like how she arrived from Tokyo -- it was a straight cover-up attempt ... and considering everything that's been going on with her lately, we get it.

Anyhoo ... it's been a whirlwind 24 hours for her. Taylor, Travis and co. partied deep into the night after the Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers in double overtime in Super Bowl LVIII for Travis' second straight championship ... and it looks like she's had her fill of Sin City.

After a short flight, Taylor and co. touched down at LAX ... where they hopped into a fleet of waiting SUVs and took off yet again. She's been getting dragged here and there a lot these past few days ... and Monday proved no different.

Taylor's travel ain't stopping here, BTW ... she's gotta be in Australia later this week for another string of 'Eras' tour shows -- so she'll be back on a plane in no time.

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The life of an A-list pop star, y'all ... busy, busy, busy!

Patrick Mahomes Super Bowl Hero Hits Disney Parade ... After All-Night Rager!

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AT THE MOUSE HOUSE

Patrick Mahomes might not have gotten a wink of sleep last night, but that didn't stop the 3x Super Bowl champ from linking up with Mickey and Co. at the Happiest Place On Earth!

Just hours after the post-game festivities wrapped, Mahomes hopped aboard a jet and flew to Disneyland on Monday -- a tradition for the big game's MVP.

While the Kansas City Chiefs superstar once again led his team to a game-winning drive in overtime vs. the Niners, the more impressive feat may be the NFL superstar actually making it to the parade following a night of partying.

Wifey, Brittany, was there, too ... though the newly minted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model didn't hitch a ride on the float.

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As we previously reported, the after-party was insane ... Patrick and his bestie Travis Kelce had an all-time rage fest with Taylor Swift, The Chainsmokers, and Post Malone at Zouk at Resorts World before finishing the night at XS.

In fact, Mahomes was seen chugging Coors Lights at the party ... here's hoping he also sprinkled in a few bottles of aqua.

And some Advil ... congrats!

Usher Got Hitched on SB Sunday ... Mom Was His Witness!!!

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update

3:33 PM PT -- Usher didn't go to the Little White Wedding Chapel in Vegas to get hitched -- as so many celebs before him have done -- but he did another quick-wedding spot nearby ... and his mother on hand to watch it all go down.

TMZ has obtained the full marriage certificate ... and it shows Mr. Raymond married Jenn at Vegas Weddings, which is literally right down the street, and only slightly lesser known.

It confirms he got hitched Sunday ... and his mom, Jonnetta Patton, served as his witness. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Ronald Joseph Pokrywka. One other interesting tidbit -- Usher seems to be claiming Sin City as his permanent home for right now ... whereas Jenn is still claiming Atlanta. The cert lists Usher as ... Usher Raymond IV of Las Vegas, NV.

Melody Willis-Williams, president of Vegas Weddings, tells TMZ … "Congratulations to the Newlyweds! What a great game and Usher’s performance was phenomenal! We were beyond thrilled to host in this epic day for Usher and his new wife. As much as we love, love, this is the couple’s news to share any further details on. We’ll always be fans of Usher! Yeah!"

Usher and his longtime girlfriend, Jennifer Goicoechea, did in fact get married this weekend -- and did so on the same day he performed for the Super Bowl halftime show.

The singer said "I do" Sunday in Sin City ... according to Usher's marriage records, obtained by TMZ. The wedding date is listed as Feb. 11, 2024 -- and for now, no other details were immediately available.

No word on when exactly Sunday they got hitched ... presumably, it was after the show.

Remember, Usher had actually obtained a marriage license with Jenn on Feb. 8 -- just a few days before the Super Bowl -- and while they technically had a year to get it done from then ... it's now clear their hearts were set on walking down the aisle sooner than later.

Usher and Jenn have been an item since 2019 ... and they've welcomed 2 kids together.

The newlyweds were getting a lot of praise and congratulations at his Super Bowl after-party -- and as it turns out, they hit up the shindig as a newly-minted bride and groom.

At first, it was hard to see whether they were rocking their wedding bands then and there, but he eventually flashed some fresh hardware on his left ring finger later on in the evening while posing next to his bride, and there it was front and center -- all gold, too.

This marks Usher's third marriage ... he's been hitched twice before, to Tameka Foster and Grace Harry, respectively ... and he shares children with the former.

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Nothing left to say here other than ... congratulations!!!

Originally Published -- 2:38 PM PT

BEN AFFLECK Dunkin' Tracksuit Sold Out In Minutes ... SB Ad Sweetens Deal!!!

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Dunkin' Donuts has clearly found a sweet spot with their Ben Affleck partnership ... 'cause their clothing merch has flown off the shelves following his SB commercial.

As everyone saw Sunday, Ben repped his beloved donut company in their latest Super Bowl ad wearing their outrageously orange signature tracksuits alongside Matt Damon and Tom Brady as they hilariously debuted their band, The DunKings.

As it turns out, the SB spot worked -- because we're told Dunkin' sold out of their new tracksuits in just 19 minutes after going up on sale on their site Monday.

In addition to the DunKings track jacket and track pants, the DunKings bucket hat was also in high demand ... and is currently sold out on their site -- with the sales marking a record-breaking milestone as the fastest collection to sell out in Dunkin' history.

DD says they're currently working on a restock of the sold-out merch ... but for fans of the new boyband, hurry to stores cause The DunKings Iced Coffee, Munchkins Skewers, and more items are available for a limited time.

Evidently, Ben and Dunkin' is a match made in donut heaven ... and no doubt, the Hollywood star is having the last laugh after thousands of memes mocking his unwavering love for the baked good store.

Ben raked in a whopping $10M for last year's commercial with DD, so his paycheck for his 1 minute SB commercial this year would've obviously been one heck of a sweet deal.

BTW, the sold-out effect was happening on the ground as well here in L.A. -- we sent a photog to various Dunkin' Donuts locations ... and the staff told us, they're busy as hell!

Whether it's on their online shop or in the stores themselves -- people seem to be flipping out for Dunkin' all over again.

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Just goes to show ... a funny ad in the right spot (and with the right celebs) can go a long way.

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Honeymoon Phase at SB After-Parties ... First-Hand Account

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce look like a high school couple who have fallen in love for the first time ... at least that's the vibe they put out at Super Bowl after-parties in Las Vegas.

Nitish Kannan, a film producer who partied with Taylor and Travis in Sin City, joined us on "TMZ Live" Monday and painted a picture of what it was like celebrating the Kansas City Chief's big win alongside Hollywood's "it" couple.

Taylor and Travis started the postgame festivities with a private party at Zouk inside Resorts World Las Vegas before moving over to XS at the Wynn ... and when they weren't singing her hit songs to each other, they were making out.

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Baby Just Say Yes

Nitish tells us Tay Tay and TK seemed to be having the times of their lives ... and looking like they're in the honeymoon phase of their relationship.

While the singer and football player commanded the spotlight all night, Nitish says Taylor and Travis wanted to just have a normal night out in public with friends, family and teammates.

It's kinda the exact opposite of Taylor's last relationship -- looking at you, Joe Alwyn -- and that might be one reason why this is all working so well.

Travis, Nitish noticed, isn't very clingy or needy ... and Taylor's very into him. The whole night TK would be hanging with Taylor, then suddenly with his teammates ... and was just generally nice to everyone. That's what Nitish here is saying.

After spending the night in Taylor and Travis' orbit, we asked Nitish how long this relationship is gonna last ... and his answer is pretty interesting.