If you thought the Met Gala was all about who wore what, think again. This year, the real drama was about who didn’t even show up. Fans were left clutching their pearls as a stack of A-listers were nowhere to be seen on the blue orchid carpet. Let’s get into the no-shows that had everyone gagged, confused, and frantically refreshing their feeds.
Where is Billie Eilish?
Billie Eilish, usually a red carpet wildcard, was nowhere to be found. After her iconic looks in previous years, fans were ready for another headline-grabber. Instead, they got radio silence. No word from Billie or her team, just a Billie-shaped hole in the Met’s guest list.
Ariana Grande was nowhere to be seen
Ariana Grande’s absence was another shocker. The pop powerhouse, who’s known for turning the carpet into her own personal stage, skipped the event entirely. Even her Wicked bestie Cynthia Erivo made an appearance and I now officially miss seeing them holding space for each other 24/7.
No reason was given by Ariana’s team leaving a lot of disappointed Arianators and not a single high ponytail in sight.
Why was influencer Wisdom Kaye missing from the Met Gala this year?
Wisdom Kaye, the TikTok style icon who absolutely owned last year’s Met, didn’t even get an invite this time around. Fans were “absolutely baffled” by the snub, especially since this year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, seemed tailor-made for him. Kaye himself explained on TikTok, “The only reason I was there last year was because TikTok actually purchased a table. That’s the sole reason I attended.”
Fashion experts weren’t impressed. AK Brown told TODAY.com, “Given that this theme directly pertains to our culture, there should have been more attention to ensure that the right Black celebrities and tastemakers were present.”
Fashion commentator Mandy Lee (aka @oldloserinbrooklyn) summed up the mood perfectly in her TikTok while reviewing Emma Chamberlain’s look as Vogue‘s red carpet correspondent: “However, I really think that this job should have gone to Wisdom Kaye, he was not invited this year. It’s a tragedy… Wisdom could have done phenomenal. He has the background. He is a modern day dandy. So truly, no shade to Emma, it’s just the Met will be missing a very special person tonight.”
Naomi Campbell sits this one out
Naomi Campbell, who always brings a dose of elegance, was another no-show. While she’s not as much of a Met mainstay as some others, her absence was still noticed and she posted a statement about it:
“I have to say, what perfect timing for the ‘Superfine:Tailoring Black Style’ theme. It really celebrates how black dandyism has shaped fashion and how fashon has been a way for Clack people to express who they are and claim their power.”
She continued, “Even though I can’t be there in person, I’m with you all in spirit, carried by the legacy of my beloved friend, the late Andre Leon Talley.”
Talley was Vogue‘s first Black creative director and the epitome of Black Dandyism.
Although Naomi seemed pretty chill about the reasons why she did not attend today’s Met, it’s hard not to look at the possible influence of a reported feud between her and Anna Wintour. Campbell and Wintour reportedly were equally messy to each other at an event last September and have been icy ever since. Learn more HERE.
Olivia Rodrigo was also missing
Olivia Rodrigo, my favourite pop girly, had everyone hoping for a pop-punk moment, but was sadly also missing. Fans were left to speculate. Hopefully this means that she was busy in the studio writing another song to sob to.
The Met Gala is famously secretive with its guest list, but this year’s absences were impossible to ignore. Whether it was scheduling conflicts, snubs, or just a case of “can’t be bothered,” fans were left with plenty to talk about — and a blue orchid carpet that felt just a little emptier than usual.
Lead image: Getty Images
