Were Harry and Meghan NFI in the NFL? While the Sussexes miss the Super Bowl, SARAH VINE watches Taylor Swift's star power outshine everyone and everything in Las Vegas… including her nemesis Kanye

Twelve thousand dollars for a single seat; three million for a box; 1.4 million chicken wings; Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian and Ben Affleck are selling donuts – it can only be one thing: the Superbowl.

We were also teased by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. At one point we were told they might be “in the building” (the building was Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas), but there was no hair in sight.

Not that they'll miss the opportunity to play with some of America's greatest players, both on and off the field. It must have been a previous engagement, or perhaps a childcare emergency. Surely they couldn't be an NFI for the NFL?

Does not matter. The evening was a glorious reminder that America, despite being led by a man who doesn't know the difference between Egypt and Mexico, is still damn good when it comes to putting on a show for the watching world.

Approximately 115 million viewers, including yours truly, watched as the Kansas Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in a thrilling showdown. That's more than Swift's monthly private jet bill.

Taylor Swift, 34, was joined by boyfriend Blake Lively, 36, as she cheered on her boyfriend Travis Kelce, 34

At one point the audience was told that Harry and Meghan might be 'in the building' (the building is Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas), but that did not appear to be the case

I must confess that before last night I had never heard of either team and was only vaguely aware of the existence of one Travis Kelce, friend of the aforementioned.

Having never seen a game of American football before, I was also somewhat blown away by the action on the field, which to me was much more reminiscent of rugby than football, but I guess that's just semantics. As for the rules, they seemed even more baffling than cricket.

If the British have Wimbledon, the Americans have the Superbowl, both in their unique way expressions of national culture as well as sporting events.

We like to show the world what we stand for, against the polite backdrop of strawberries and cream, rain and soft applause on the court; the Americans go crazy with Dunkin Donuts, dry ice, scantily clad dancing girls and a headache-inducing soundtrack.

Last night's spectacle started with the somewhat bizarre spectacle of rapper Post Malone, complete with facial tattoos and metal teeth, warbling a light-hearted version of “America” ​​on acoustic guitar.

That was followed by veteran country and western star Reba McEntire singing the national anthem (cut to Taylor holding her chest), a task she performed admirably considering her entire face seemed almost unable to move .

We were told that Swift's presence would attract a whole new audience of 'Swifties' to the game, intent on keeping an eye on their idol. Her legions of fans aren't very happy with her romance with Kelce, and given his general attitude, it's not hard to see why.

At one point during the first half, frustrated with the way the match was going, he shoved his 65-year-old coach in a very unsportsmanlike manner. In her box, Taylor drank her drink in one – and the crowd went wild.

Once a player herself, she took the opportunity to do some networking of her own, fangirling over Paul McCartney (who wouldn't?) and spreading rumors of a rift with Lana del Rey, who some thought had recently had turned down the Grammys.

As a result, there has been quite a spat between Lana and Taylor fans online, so it was smart of her to be seen arm in arm – despite the fact that they were supporting other teams.

No wonder Kanye West, along with his new “wife” Bianca (who actually wore some clothes for once), arrived wearing a face mask, presumably to protect his eyes from her power beams, writes Sarah Vine.

Stars in the audience also included Beyonce and Jay-Z, pictured, Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian and Ben Affleck

Besides the 'football', the big event of the evening is the halftime show. Last year it was Rihanna, in an iconic performance in which she revealed her latest pregnancy; a few years before, Dr. Dre, Eminem and Snoop Dog an unforgettable set.

Last night it was R&B star Usher's turn, and I'm afraid it wasn't quite in the same league. There were quite a few sound issues and despite his impressive dance moves it all felt a bit flat.

Yes, he took off his sparkly tank top to show off his pecs, yes, he rolled with sequins, yes he made all the right noises and moves – but even with Alicia Keys, Will.I.Am and a whole circus troupe of performers to show him support, he still couldn't win the evening.

That win undoubtedly went to Swift, whose blinding star power is such that it seems to eclipse everyone around her. No wonder Kanye West, along with his new “wife” Bianca (who actually wore some clothes for once), arrived wearing a face mask, presumably to protect his eyes from her power beams.

If the presence of her former nemesis bothered her at all, it didn't show. She ended the night in the arms of her new lover, kissing him passionately after his team narrowly stole the trophy from the 49ers in a move that would have sent her fans into a frenzy.

It was absolutely gladiatorial: he was the undisputed champion in the arena, mighty in victory; she is his muse, his inspiration, his good luck charm. Honestly, her own agent couldn't have written it better. Swift makes history again by becoming the first woman to win the Superbowl.