The Met Gala, often referred to as fashion’s biggest night out, isn’t just a playground for the most avant-garde outfits and breathtaking couture. Over the years, it has served as the backdrop for something equally captivating — the debut of some of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples. Amid the glitz and glamour, these lovebirds chose the grandeur of the Met Gala’s red carpet to publicly confirm their relationships, leaving fans and fashionistas alike buzzing with excitement.
From the unexpected to the fairy-tale romances, these duos knew how to make an entrance. Remember when Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra stepped out together in 2017, turning heads and setting the rumor mill into overdrive? Or when tech mogul Elon Musk and musical artist Grimes surprised everyone in 2018 with their pairing, proving that opposites do attract?
Whether they’re still together, have since parted ways amicably, or remain etched in our memories for their unforgettable debut, the story of each celebrity couple’s first Met Gala red-carpet appearance is captivating in its own right.
Ahead of the 2026 Met Gala tomorrow, see which couples hard-launched their relationships at the Met Gala!
Callum Turner & Dua Lipa
Image Credit: Michael Buckner
Callum Turner and Dua Lipa debuted their relationship in style at the 2025 Met Gala.
The “New Rules” singer, who was wearing custom Chanel, also walked the carpet alone to let us all take it in. She and Turner have been together since January 2024.
Barry Keoghan & Sabrina Carpenter (2024)
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/MG24/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
While they walked the Met Gala carpet on their own, Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan confirmed all the romance rumors by posing together at the 2024 Met Gala. For the big night, which was themed “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” Carpenter rocked this strapless Oscar de la Renta gown with a billowing blue skirt while Keoghan wore this brown velvet Burberry suit.
The two were reported to be dating since late 2023, aka six months before their long-awaited red carpet debut. In December 2024, sources confirmed they had gone their separate ways. “They are both young and career-focused, so they’ve decided to take a break,” an insider told People.
Alexa Chung & Tom Sturridge (2023)
Image Credit: Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
At the 2023 Met Gala, the spotlight wasn’t just on fashion but also on the celebrities who chose this event to debut their relationships, including Alexa Chung and Tom Sturridge. The theme for that year, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” paid tribute to the complexity and diversity of American fashion history. Chung opted for a white bow-embellished dress, while Sturridge complemented her in a classic black tuxedo accented with modern details.
Chung first confirmed her relationship with Sturridge in July 2022, but their appearance at the Met Gala was the confirmation everyone was waiting for. Since their Met Gala debut, the couple has maintained a low-profile relationship.
Kaia Gerber & Austin Butler (2022)
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/MG22/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Kaia Gerber and Austin Butler confirmed to the world that they were truly one of Hollywood’s most gorgeous couples when they posed together during their red carpet debut at the 2022 Met Gala. For their big moment, the supermodel looked like a goddess in this sequinned Alexander McQueen gown with torso cutouts, while the Elvis star rocked this black tailored suit from Prada.
While they walked the Met steps solo, the pair couldn’t get their eyes off each other when they reunited up top.
Rumors of Gerber and Butler’s relationship started in December 2021 and were wholeheartedly confirmed in these love-up pics. They went their separate ways by January 2025 after three years of dating.
Brooklyn Beckham & Nicola Peltz (2021)
Image Credit: Lexie Moreland/PMC
Married lovebirds Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz made their first red carpet together in 2021. They got together in 2020 (and married in 2022). And who can forget Nicola’s hot pink Valentino gown?!
Elon Musk & Grimes (2018)
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In 2018, the Met Gala theme was “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” which invited a celestial array of interpretations from its star-studded attendees. Among the glittering throng, one couple truly caught the eye — tech mogul Elon Musk and musician Grimes. Their appearance together not only surprised many but also confirmed the swirling rumors about their relationship.
For the occasion, Grimes (born Claire Boucher) embraced the theme with a gothic twist. She wore a black gown adorned with a Tesla choker – a nod to Musk’s electric car company. Musk, on the other hand, kept it classic in a white tie and black tails, complementing Grimes’ look with understated elegance.
Their relationship timeline is as intriguing as their Met Gala debut. The pair reportedly met after connecting over a nerdy joke about artificial intelligence on Twitter. By the time they stepped onto the Met Gala red carpet, it was clear that this connection had blossomed into something serious.
They welcomed their son, X Æ A-Xii, in May 2020, and daughter Exa Dark Sideræl Musk van surrogate in December 2021, who has since been renamed Y. In September 2023, the couple surprised fans by revealing they had secretly welcomed a third child, a son named Techno Mechanicus, in 2022.
Kylie Jenner & Travis Scott (2018)
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Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott made a striking appearance at the 2018 Met Gala, marking their first public debut as a couple. The event, themed “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” saw celebrities and icons in outfits that were nothing short of divine. Jenner was dressed in a sleek, strapless black gown by Alexander Wang, accessorized with a set of tiny sunglasses. Scott, complementing Jenner’s ensemble, opted for a military-inspired suit by Wang.
The couple’s relationship timeline began amidst swirling rumors in April 2017, after they were spotted together at Coachella. Their relationship quickly evolved, with the birth of their daughter, Stormi Webster, in February 2018, just a few months before their Met Gala appearance.
In February 2022, the on-and-off couple welcomed their son, Aire Webster, into their family. But by the end of the year, they went their separate ways, choosing to end their romantic relationship while still focusing on raising their children together.
Shawn Mendes & Hailey Bieber (2018)
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The 2018 Met Gala, themed “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” was a night to remember, not least for the red carpet debut of Shawn Mendes and Hailey Bieber (Baldwin at the time).
Bieber dazzled in an off-the-shoulder Tommy Hilfiger gown that cascaded down in a sleek, flowing manner, embellished with a high leg slit. Shawn Mendes, complementing Hailey’s divine attire, wore a dark, burgundy Tommy Hilfiger suit that was both sharp and sophisticated.
Rumors of Mendes and Baldwin dating began to swirl around the end of 2017. Their appearance at the gala, walking hand-in-hand and looking every bit the stunning couple, seemed to confirm their romantic connection. However, this relationship was as fleeting as it was fascinating; by the summer of 2018, they went their separate ways.
David Foster & Katharine McPhee (2018)
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David Foster and Katharine McPhee chose the 2018 Met Gala for their red carpet debut, and they definitely matched the theme of “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.” McPhee donned a sheer blue gown adorned with gold embellishments, embodying the celestial theme, while Foster complemented her in a classic, sophisticated tuxedo.
Their step onto the Met Gala carpet was more than just a fashion moment; it officially confirmed the rumors that they were a couple, after a year of speculation that started when McPhee appeared on American Idol, where Foster was a guest mentor. From quiet beginnings to saying “I do” in London in June 2019, their relationship has grown stronger by the day.
In February 2021, they welcomed their first child together, a son, Rennie. Foster’s five daughters from his previous relationships (Sara, Erin, Amy, Jordan and Allison Foster) have also bonded well with McPhee, who seems to have this blended family thing down to an art.
2 Chainz & Kesha Ward (2018)
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2018’s Met Gala, themed “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” marked the red carpet debut for 2 Chainz and Kesha Ward.
2 Chainz wore a classic, sleek black suit, but with a twist: a long, dramatic coat that swept behind him. Ward, beside him, looked nothing short of celestial in her gown. Her dress was a stunning creation that seemed to capture the very essence of the gala’s theme, with intricate detailing that sparkled under the event lights.
But what truly stole the show wasn’t just their outfits; it was the surprise proposal that 2 Chainz had up his sleeve. Yes, amidst the flashing cameras, 2 Chainz took a moment to bend the knee and ask Ward to marry him.
Even though 2 Chainz and Ward had been together for years, sharing a deep bond and three beautiful children (and yes, 2 Chainz had popped the question before), their public proposal at the Met Gala was more than just a reaffirmation of their love. The two tied the knot in August 2018 and have been going strong since.
Jennifer Lopez & Alex Rodriguez (2017)
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Oh, who could forget when Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez decided to take their relationship public at the Met Gala back in 2017? The theme that year was “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between,” celebrating the daring and boundary-pushing designs of the iconic Japanese designer. Lopez, known for her jaw-dropping red carpet choices, turned heads in a sky blue Valentino gown. Alex Rodriguez complemented her perfectly, looking dapper in a classic black tuxedo.
The duo reconnected in February 2017, but their initial meeting traces back to 2005 at a baseball game, where Lopez attended with her then-husband, Marc Anthony. Fast forward to a serendipitous encounter outside a Los Angeles restaurant in 2017, and Rodriguez made the first move by saying hello.
The couple officially announced their decision to part ways on April 15, 2021, stating they were better off as friends.
Nick Jonas & Priyanka Chopra (2017)
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In 2017, the Met Gala rolled out the red carpet under the theme “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between,” celebrating the bold and the boundary-pushing in fashion. That night, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra made an appearance together that set the rumor mills buzzing. They were both decked out in Ralph Lauren — Nick in a patterned tuxedo that added a modern twist to his classic charm, and Priyanka in a show-stopping custom trench coat gown with a sweeping train.
The reason behind their joint appearance? They were both guests of Ralph Lauren. At this point, whispers of a romance were just that – whispers. It wasn’t until the following year that these whispers turned into a torrent of confirmation as their relationship came into the spotlight.
From speculative beginnings at the Met Gala, their relationship quickly blossomed. By December 2018, they were celebrating their love through a series of wedding ceremonies, blending their cultures and families in a beautiful testament to their bond. Today, Nick and Priyanka are more than just a captivating celebrity couple; they’re proud parents to their daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, born via surrogacy in January 2022.
The Weeknd & Selena Gomez (2017)
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The 2017 Met Gala, themed “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons,” was the backdrop for Selena Gomez and The Weeknd’s first public appearance as a couple, an event fans had been buzzing about since rumors of their connection surfaced in January.
Selena, in a stunning cream Coach dress, and The Weeknd, in a sharp black tuxedo, were the picture of elegance. Their affectionate red carpet kiss sealed the deal, making their relationship official in a moment that was as stylish as it was sweet.
By October 2017, Selena Gomez and The Weeknd had called it quits, citing the familiar strains of long-distance and busy schedules as the culprits behind the split.
Cole Sprouse & Lili Reinhart (2018)
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Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart made their relationship public when they graced the red carpet together at the 2018 Met Gala. The event’s theme, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” saw Sprouse in a polished black suit and Reinhart in a striking silver H&M dress, complemented by a headpiece, making them one of the most talked-about couples of the night.
The actors, who met on the set of Riverdale, quickly became a fan-favorite duo with their real-life romance beginning to bloom in early 2017. Their appearance at the Met Gala not only confirmed their relationship but also put them in the spotlight as a couple to watch.
The pair eventually split up in March 2020.
Alex Rodriguez & Anne Wojcicki (2016)
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At the 2016 Met Gala, famously themed “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” Alex Rodriguez and 23andMe co-founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki decided it was prime time to strut their stuff as the event’s newest dynamic duo.
This power couple had the rumor mill churning since March 2016, but it was their grand entrance at the Met Gala that officially sealed the deal.
However, as is often the case with tales of romance under the Hollywood spotlight, their story was a fleeting chapter. They parted ways later in the year.
Zayn Malik & Gigi Hadid (2016)
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The theme for the gala in 2016 was “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.” Malik embraced the theme with a metallic arm sleeve paired with a classic black tuxedo, while Hadid complemented him in a custom Tommy Hilfiger gown. Their coordinated outfits not only captured the essence of the theme but also solidified their status as a power couple in the making.
At the time of their Met Gala debut, Malik and Hadid had been romantically linked for about six months, following speculation that began in late 2015. Their on-and-off relationship dominated headlines, frequently captured the media’s spotlight. Despite the ups and downs, the arrival of their daughter, Khai, in September 2020, seemingly turned a new leaf for the couple.
Malik and Hadid ended their romantic relationship for good in October 2021, but they remain united in co-parenting their daughter.
Robert Pattinson & FKA Twigs (2015)
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Back in 2015, when “China: Through the Looking Glass” was the theme of the Met Gala, Robert Pattinson and FKA Twigs decided it was the perfect moment to step out as the newest it-couple on the block. FKA Twigs rocked a Christopher Kane gown that was as much a piece of art as her music. Pattinson, in his effortlessly cool black tux, was the perfect counterpart to Twigs’ avant-garde style.
The whispers about Pattinson and Twigs started floating around in September 2014, making their gala debut highly anticipated.
But like all tales of star-crossed lovers, theirs took a turn, and by 2017, they had called it quits.
Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds (2014)
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In 2014, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds took the Met Gala by storm and became one of the most memorable couple debuts in the event’s history.
With the theme “Charles James: Beyond Fashion,” the pair embodied old Hollywood glamour — Lively in a breathtaking Gucci gown and Reynolds in a sharp Gucci tuxedo. Their coordinated attire not only stole the show but also set a new standard for Met Gala elegance.
Their romance began on the set of Green Lantern and blossomed into a marriage by 2012. Since then, they’ve become one of Hollywood’s most adored couples, balancing their successful careers with a growing family — now parents to three daughters and a son.
Sarah Silverman & Michael Sheen (2014)
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Among the glittering sea of celebrities in 2024, Sarah Silverman and Michael Sheen made their first official appearance as a couple. For the occasion, Silverman donned a sleek, burgundy Zac Posen gown, while Sheen kept it dapper in a traditional black tuxedo.
The timeline of their relationship stretches back to early 2014, when rumors of their dating began to surface. Over the years, they graced many events together, sharing snapshots of their life on social media and giving fans a peek into their compatibility and mutual respect for one another’s careers.
Sadly, Silverman and Sheen ended their relationship in 2018. Citing the long-standing issue of geographical distance, with Silverman based in Los Angeles and Sheen in the UK, they chose to part ways on friendly terms.