Ariana Grande's fashion and red carpet choices often spark conversation, but her absence from the 2025 Met Gala left fans and the fashion world buzzing. From her unforgettable past appearances to her current artistic journey, let's explore why Ariana Grande skipped this year's biggest night in fashion and what she has been focusing on instead.
Ariana Grande has long been celebrated for her impact on music and pop culture, but she has also made some memorable entrances at the Met Gala. She made her debut at the prestigious event in 2018, wearing a Vera Wang gown inspired by Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgement.” In 2024, Grande returned to the Met in a Loewe gown with subtle nods to her role as Glinda in the upcoming "Wicked" film. These appearances set a high bar for fans expecting her looks at each event.
Despite high anticipation, Ariana Grande was not among the celebrities walking the blue carpet at the 2025 Met Gala. While her "Wicked" costars, including Cynthia Erivo and Jeff Goldblum, attended, Grande focused her public appearances elsewhere. Although no official reason was given for her absence, reports suggest that her attention remains on the upcoming film "Wicked: For Good," set to premiere this November.
Supporting this, Town & Country notes that Ariana skipped the event possibly due to her current focus on method dressing for her role as Glinda. Her latest red carpet moments have been in direct support of the "Wicked" franchise, further fueling this speculation.
Ariana Grande’s artistic journey has taken a transformative turn with her leading role in "Wicked." In an interview highlighted by ELLE, she revealed how portraying Glinda has changed her perspective and allowed fans to connect with her on a deeper level. Grande shared, “At a certain point, you get tired of that [pop star] character … it gets away from you. And beneath all of it is just a girl from Boca Raton who loves art.” (Read more from the ELLE article)
This shift is also reflected in how she selects which public events to attend. With her recent album, "Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead," and her ongoing movie promotional activities, Ariana is clearly prioritizing her creative commitments.
Though Ariana Grande missed this year's event, her previous Met Gala appearances remain a source of style inspiration. In 2024, she wore a gown with opalescent pink and green accents—a nod to both her birthstone and her character Glinda. In 2018, she embraced the "Heavenly Bodies" theme with a dramatic, art-inspired look. Her strong sense of style continues to influence red carpet trends and music video aesthetics alike.
While Ariana Grande was absent, the 2025 Met Gala still offered its fair share of headline-making moments. Highlights included Rihanna’s pregnancy reveal and Diana Ross’s dramatic entrance. For a full rundown of what happened on fashion’s biggest night, check out the USA TODAY Met Gala highlights.
Ariana Grande’s absence from the 2025 Met Gala may have disappointed some fans, but it underscores her commitment to her evolving career. As she prepares for the release of "Wicked: For Good" and continues to make waves in music, Grande proves that her artistry transcends the red carpet. Stay tuned for more updates on her projects and future appearances.