The Met Gala is back, and you already know the Instagram feed is about to be in shambles. It’s all going down on Monday, May 5th at the legendary Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. It’s one of those nights where celebs trade subtle for stuntin’, and the red carpet becomes a full-on cultural event.
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Over the years, we’ve seen everything from Rihanna arriving to Serena Williams revealing her pregnancy, and even a cockroach stealing the show like it had a glam team. Don’t forget Doja Cat meowing in couture, and Zendaya’s dramatic double-look return with Law Roach popping out like he never left.
Let’s take a look back at some of the most viral, chaotic, and legendary Met Gala moments — because when the culture shows up, the carpet becomes history.
The 2023 Met Gala Cockroach That Ate (Literally)
The girls came to slay, but the roach came to stay. A bold lil’ bug pulled up to the 2023 Met carpet like it was on the guest list — dodging paparazzi flashes, sliding across the steps, and becoming a viral star in seconds. Security tried to step in, but that roach was more agile than a Fashion Nova model on Shein delivery day. RIP to the most famous insect of all time.
Rihanna’s Fashionably Late Flex That Shut Down The Met (2021)
Listen, if the Met Gala starts at 6, Rihanna gon’ pull up at 9:37 like the main event. In 2021, we were all refreshing Twitter like “Where is sis?” Then BOOM — she arrived in all black Balenciaga, looking like fashion royalty with A$AP Rocky wrapped in grandma’s quilt. Queen Rih shut it all the way down in a sculptural black Balenciaga moment, serving goth glam like only she can. When Rih arrives, the Met officially starts. Period.
@theshaderoom #Rihanna & A$APRocky finally arrived to the #MetGala2021 🔥 #Fyp #blacktiktok #viral #Theshaderoom #foryoupage 📹:(@variety)
Doja Cat Meowing Through Met Gala Interviews (2023)
Sis really committed to the bit. Dressed as Karl Lagerfeld’s cat Choupette in full prosthetics, a sparkly Oscar de la Renta gown, and a hood with ears — Doja Cat meowed her way through interviews. Not answered — meowed. It was high fashion meets furry cosplay, and we’re still not over it. Confused? Yes. Entertained? Absolutely.
Keke Palmer Hosting & Shading The Food (2021)
Keke Palmer gave the Met Gala what they didn’t know they needed. While covering the 2021 carpet, sis delivered style, jokes, and a little shade. When she said “This why they don’t show y’all the food,” before adding, “I’m just playinnnn,” sis wasn’t lying. That dry little salad plate that later went viral? Yeah, Keke warned us. Book her for every award show, immediately.
@voguemagazine Will this moment ever not be iconic? Ahead of the 2025 MetGala, we’re taking a look back at this moment between #megantheestallion and #kekepalmer that will forever live rent free in our head.
Zendaya At The Met Gala? Say Less (2019 & 2024)
When it comes to the Met Gala, Zendaya doesn’t dress — she performs. From her 2019 Cinderella transformation, complete with a light-up gown and Fairy Godstylist Law Roach, to her 2024 return, where she gave us a gothic Sleeping Beauty in Margiela, followed by a floral fairytale in vintage Givenchy — every look is a storyline. Law “I’m retired… just kidding.” Roach popped out right on cue, and together they reminded the timeline: this is theater.
