It may be simple to overlook the fundamental purpose of the Met Gala as a tremendously successful charity event. Like similar occasions, it features a cocktail reception succeeded by a formal dinner and a musical act. Yet, considering the grandeur of the Met, this conclusive performance typically reaches monumental heights. Under the inventive direction of visionary Baz Luhrmann in the past, Met Gala acts have varied from the Billy Elliot ensemble executing ballet movements to Bruno Mars delivering flawless authenticity and Diana Ross gently singing in a feathered strapless garment. On the Met stage, musicians have united, released new records, and performed unique tracks never heard again. It’s reassuring that, given the venue, no one has physically brought the building down. (Not yet, anyway.) Presented here are some of the finest Met performances to date.
During her breathtaking medley at the 2024 Met Gala, Ariana Grande artfully merged “Once Upon a Dream,” from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, with a collection of her most captivating pop tunes—both contemporary and well-known. The finale? A heartrending version of “When You Believe” alongside her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo. Not to forget, the ensemble included 30 dancers, a choir of 40, and two distinct Maison Margiela Artisanal outfits.