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How to Watch Met Gala 2026 and Live From E! on TV and Online
The Met Gala steps have always been euphoric.
After all, with stars making their way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City for the biggest night in fashion—with the stars honoring the "Costume Art" theme at the May 4 event— it's the perfect backdrop to show out in the best looks.
Take, for instance, Zendaya's Joan of Arc-inspired outfit for the 2018 Met Gala. Donning a silver ensemble featuring a knight-like neck plate and shoulder guards and a chainmail skirt. She completed her interpretation of the "Sunday Best" dress code with silver platform heels and Joan's micro bob with bangs.
Although the Euphoria star slayed the "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" theme, it wasn't an easy task making it up those steps.
"Typically, I can handle a night out, with my heels and everything," she told Vogue in 2024. "I've worn heels for a long time. But I don't know, something about a mixture of wearing these platforms and the heaviness of my dress, I was struggling."
Cardi B knows exactly how difficult, yet incredibly rewarding, it can be to turn heads at the Met Gala. For the 2019 soirée—which had a "Camp: Notes on Fashion" theme—the "Bodak Yellow" rapper stepped out in a massive, jaw-dropping burgundy gown.
With the help of stylist Kollin Carter, Cardi has continued drippin' in finesse since her 2018 debut.
"We always try to make sure that everything goes right, that everything be iconic," the rapper told The Hollywood Reporter in May 2024. "We want everything to be iconic. I know people sometimes be like, 'Oh, it's not about who is there and who is not,' but it's like, no, you need to remember us forever."
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
But sometimes, the most unforgettable looks aren't because of the clothes themselves. Case in point? Rihanna showed off her baby bump alongside partner A$AP Rocky—with whom she shares kids—while posing in her Marc Jacobs pinstripe skirt-suit at the 2025 Met Gala.
With the "L$D" rapper being co-chair of the event, it was the perfect place for the couple to put her bump on display.
"It feels amazing, you know?" the dad of three said to The Associated Press at the gala. "We were tired of holding that, and it was time to show the people what we was cooking up. I'm glad everybody's happy for us, because we're definitely happy."
As celebs wait to make their appearance at the 2026 Met Gala May 4, keep reading for the most jaw-dropping looks over the years.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Rihanna
Rihanna made everyone gasp when she entered ascended the Met stairs in this bright yellow haute couture piece by Guo Pei at the 2015 event.
Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic
Beyoncé
One word: iconique! The Homecoming star made fans ooh and aah with her bedazzled (and barely-there) design by Givenchy in 2015.
Theo Wargo/WireImage
Billy Porter
Now this is how you make an entrance. The Pose star wore a custom "Sun God"-inspired getup by The Blonds.
John Shearer/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter
Cardi B
Let's all take a moment of silence for this angelic and over-the-top ensemble by Moschino. The "Press" rapper showed up and showed out for the 2018 event.
Richard Corkery/NY Daily News via Getty Images
Princess Diana
The late British icon turned heads for all the right reasons with her simple, yet striking royal blue slip dress by Dior at the 1996 fashion event.
Evan Agostini/Getty Images
Karolina Kurkova
The model made a fashion statement, literally! Celebrating Chanel at the 2005 gala, Karolina turned heads with her white-hot "I Love You" gown.
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock
Blake Lively
The Simple Favor actress took a fashion risk in Versace and it paid off! From her gold headpiece to the intricate embroidery and beading to the larger-than-life train, this lewk still takes our breath away.
John Shearer/Getty Images
Bella Hadid
Sleek and chic! The 23-year-old supermodel hit the red carpet in a show-stopping catsuit by Alexander Wang. The skintight piece caught everyone's attention... and it's easy to see why.
Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Cher
The living legend made fashion history with this divine and decadent number. From its lavish diamond beading to its voluminous feathers to its skin-like material, this Bob Mackie design was so grand that others have imitated it for decades.
Rabbani and Solimene Photography/WireImage.com
Amber Valletta
Looking like royalty! The supermodel followed the theme in 2004—Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century. From her towering wig to massive earrings and a voluminous quilted bottom, Amber spared no detail.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Lady Gaga
The pop star put on a show with her dramatic outfit changes... that she pulled off on the red carpet! From her bright and bold Brandon Maxwell ensembles to her larger-than-life props, this is one for the Met Gala history books.
John Shearer/Getty Images
Cara Delevingne
In 2018, the supermodel followed the theme (Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination) with a cheeky Dior design that resembled a confession box. From the cross-stitch pattern to the peek-a-boo material, this is taking us to church!
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Gigi Hadid
The 25-year-old supermodel exuded elegance and grace at the 2018 affair with her ethereal Versace design. If anything, her dress looked like stained glass with its multicolored jewel embellishments.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Cardi B
A reported $250,000 worth of rubies adorned the hip hop star's 2019 creation from Thom Browne.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Jennifer Lopez
J.Lo dazzled in a drool-worthy Versace piece that featured sheer material, a body-hugging structure and fiery design of a dragon—which is made out of red, black and silver jewels (of course!).
Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Solange
The singer brought a Giles fashion fantasy to the annual extravaganza in 2015. From the otherworldly pattern to the fan-like structure of her dress, this is one to remember!
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Christina Ricci
This is not your basique LBD. In 2011, the actress dropped jaws with her goth-glam design, which featured massive tulle, a sheer bodice and a spider-like pattern.
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock
Katy Perry
Red hot! The American Idol judge lit up the room with her fiery red Maison Margiela gown, matching veil and whimsical headpiece in 2017.
Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images
Diana Ross
The songstress was the definition of glamour at the 1981 event with her vivacious and voluminous gown.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Ashley Graham
Flower power! Ashley sashayed onto the red carpet with an eye-catching dress by H&M. From the bouquet of roses to the body-hugging corset, the supermodel stuns at the 2017 event.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Zendaya
Joan of Arc in Versace! In 2018, the Euphoria actress blinded us with her head-to-toe silver ensemble, which featured armor-like pieces, diamond embellishments and chainmail cuffs.
James Devaney/WireImage.com
Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron looked effortlessly elegant in her dramatic black gown at the 2004 fashion affair. Her lavish fuzzy boa and grand diamond necklace tie her ensemble together.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Halle Berry
Hot damn! The Oscar winner pulled out all of the fashion stops for the special occasion with her sheer, bedazzled gown by Versace. The massive flowers and gold details were a chef's kiss.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Kim Kardashian
Hate it or love, this custom Givenchy gown is unforgettable! The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star showed off her growing baby bump with her romantic long-sleeve design, which featured an explosion of flowers.
Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Naomi Campbell
Celebrating the late Alexander McQueen, the legendary supermodel traipsed down the red carpet with an enchanting feathered gown.
James Devaney/WireImage
Cate Blanchett
Gilded in gold! The Hollywood star looked statuesque in her flashy fringe gown in 2007.
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