Why Kim Kardashian, Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid and Others Could Skip This Year’s Met Gala
With the 2026 Met Gala just around the corner, many people are taking guesses of who will make an appearance and what creations we’ll see on the carpet for “fashion’s biggest night.”
One expert is predicting that a few stars who have had some of the most memorable looks may skip the event this year.
Kayley Cornelius is a celebrity PR specialist and brand strategist. Her commentary and analysis on celebrity branding, reality TV stars, influencers, and high-profile relationships have been featured in the New York Post, Elle, the Daily Mail, the BBC, and more.
Speaking on behalf of Covers about Beyoncé‘s involvement this year, Cornelius told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “Beyoncé stepping back in as co-chair for the Met Gala for the first time in a decade is set to completely shift the energy of the night. When someone of her status is involved, it instantly raises the bar and turns the event into a must-attend moment. Expect to see a wave of A-listers returning to the carpet.”
However, the PR expert believes that even with Bey as the co-chair, there could be a few big-name celebrities who might not attend.
“Not showing up can be just as powerful as making an entrance. For Met regulars like Kim Kardashian, Gigi Hadid, and Bella Hadid, skipping a year keeps that element of mystery alive,” Cornelius opined. “It stops overexposure and makes their next appearance feel like more of an event. In 2026, it would not be surprising to see at least one of these names sit it out, especially if the theme does not quite align with their current image.”
We’ll just have to wait and see who shows up and who doesn’t on May 4.