The Japan Times - Global celebrities pay court at Swift, Kelce "royal wedding"

Global excitement has swirled around America's "royal wedding," which is happening on United States' 250th birthday weekend amid a record-breaking heat wave, a near-total news blackout and a security lockdown of the kind typically reserved for heads of state.

A crowd of Swifties -- as the megastar's fans are known -- cheered and sang her songs outside the arena as a line of black SUVs dropped off those with coveted invitations.

"I grew up with her music and I'm really excited to get to be in New York today for her wedding day," Mayan Menahem, 31, told AFP in Manhattan.

"I'm really happy that she ended up finding someone she loves and getting married to someone who seems like a great guy."

Some 1,000 guests, reportedly banned from carrying phones and having signed non-disclosure agreements, are expected to attend the secretive wedding.

Stars heading to the venue included model Gigi Hadid, actors Hugh Grant, Bradley Cooper and Dakota Johnson, and pop figures Benson Boone and Camila Cabello.

Frenzied reporting has included unidentified sources telling New York Post gossip column Page Six that the billionaire singer and three-time Super Bowl champion had already tied the knot in front of "a tiny group of loved ones."

The Empire State building said it will have a 'light blue sparkle' to celebrate the wedding.

- All night party -

The main event comes after an initial rehearsal dinner late Thursday for 100 guests at Madison Square Garden.

Singer Selena Gomez, reportedly a bridesmaid, shared a photo of herself in evening finery with her 405 million Instagram followers. "Girls" creator Lena Dunham and actors Bradley Cooper and Adam Sandler were photographed near the arena, which was ringed by barricades and police.

Entertainment outlets said Swift and Kelce gave guests black velvet boxes etched with the couple's initials, apparently containing a champagne flute adorned with diamonds.

Friday's party reportedly kicks off with mid-afternoon cocktails, before a reception going late into the night.

Stevie Nicks and Tim McGraw will perform, while Ed Sheeran is also rumored to be among those taking the stage, according to Page Six.

By midday, police had closed off streets surrounding the Garden, where journalists have been sniffing out clues -- such as the arrival of trucks with deliveries of donuts and lobster.

Some New Yorkers were miffed about the disruption.

"The police officers who work so hard to keep the peace and to keep crime down in this city don't need to be standing around thinking about Taylor Swift and the people coming to her wedding," Natalie Reed told AFP.

- 'Royal wedding' -

Meanwhile, Swifties have flocked to Big Apple locations mentioned in their idol's lyrics, including the Bus Stop Cafe in the West Village.

"She is the biggest thing in America -- like, she is our royalty, she is our queen, she is everything," said Alyssa Heinen, 24, from Manhattan. "It feels like a royal wedding to us."

Ahead of the big day, Swift's spokesperson said the couple were donating $26 million to various US charities, including in New York and Kansas City.

Swift's marriage to Kelce comes after a string of high-profile failed relationships -- including with British actor Joe Alwyn, and singers John Mayer and Harry Styles -- which became fodder for her songs.

She revealed her engagement to the hulking, bearded Kelce last August in an Instagram post announcing that "Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married."

The 14-time Grammy winner is coming off a banner year with the success of her album "The Life of a Showgirl," induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and a new song on the "Toy Story 5" soundtrack.

Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has signed on for a 14th season in the National Football League. He is also a co-host of the popular "New Heights" podcast alongside his brother Jason.

K.Abe--JT