Rihanna has been a whirlwind of activity lately, balancing her roles as a mother of two children, Riot and RZA, and managing her Fenty brand. Amidst the demands of family life and the mental strain from ASAP Rocky's trial against ASAP Relli, the pop star has found it challenging to focus on her music career. However, after nearly nine years since the release of her acclaimed album ANTI, there are signs that a musical comeback may be on the horizon.
In a recent interview with Harper's BAZAAR, Rihanna revealed the intricacies of her creative process. “I've been in the studio the whole eight years. But it didn't hit me. I was searching for it. I went through phases of what I wanted to do. 'This kind of album, not that album.' I know it's not going to be anything that anybody expects. And it's not going to be commercial or radio digestible. It's going to be where my artistry deserves to be right now. I feel like I've finally cracked it, girl!” she shared with excitement.
As 2025 unfolds, Rihanna hinted that fans could expect new music soon, possibly even a single or at least an announcement regarding her upcoming album. During a brief interaction with Entertainment Tonight at the Met Gala on May 5, she confirmed that despite the big family news, she remains committed to her career. “No… maybe a few videos, but… I can sing,” she quipped.
Rihanna's announcement of her third pregnancy was a highlight of the Met Gala, where she showcased her baby bump in a form-fitting ensemble. “I’m good. I’m shockingly feeling OK and not too overwhelmed at the moment. […] I’m tired. I’m excited,” she told ET.
Meanwhile, the Met Gala itself was a spectacle of fashion and celebrity. The theme for this year’s event, “Tailored for You,” celebrated personal interpretations of dandyism and classic tailoring. Celebrities arrived in a variety of stunning and creative outfits, with many choosing to wear extravagant trains that flowed behind them.
Megan Thee Stallion’s hairstyle was reminiscent of the iconic Josephine Baker, drawing inspiration from Baker’s 1951 beehive. Anna Sawai, making her Met Gala debut, wore a chic white blazer and trousers from Dior, complemented by a wide-brimmed hat. “The Met is the place where you can have the most fun,” Sawai said, excited to express her androgynous side at the event.
Rihanna’s late arrival at the Met Gala, around 10 p.m., sparked speculation about her pregnancy. Her partner, ASAP Rocky, who co-chaired the gala, wore a suit that referenced the film Harlem Nights. When asked about Rihanna's baby bump, he playfully responded, “I don’t know, whatever, just don’t really cover her baby bump, you dig?”
The evening was filled with memorable moments, including the arrival of former Vice President Kamala Harris, who wore a dramatic black silk gown designed by Ib Kamara. Harris’s appearance was not only a fashion statement but also a political one, aligning with the gala's theme and honoring her roots in the Black community.
Other notable attendees included Janelle Monáe, who embraced the dandy theme with a creative ensemble designed by Thom Browne. Monáe described her look as a time-traveling dandy, reflecting on how dandyism transcends gender. “I want to deconstruct respectability politics around suiting and around how Black people can show up in the world,” she said.
Diljit Dosanjh, the first Punjabi musician to perform at Coachella in 2023, made his Met Gala debut in an outfit inspired by Sir Bhupinder Singh, the Maharaja of Patiala. His ivory and gold sherwani, designed by Prabal Gurung, paid homage to the rich sartorial history of the subcontinent.
The atmosphere of the gala was electric, with attendees showcasing a mix of traditional and modern styles. Celebrities like Shakira, wearing a bubble-gum pink ensemble, and Ryan Coogler, who donned a cummerbund for the first time, added to the night’s glamour.
As the night unfolded, the influence of past fashion icons was evident, with many guests sporting hairstyles that paid tribute to the likes of Josephine Baker. From slicked-back curls to dramatic swoops, the hairstyles complemented the evening's theme and showcased the creativity of the attendees.
With Rihanna’s appearance and her pregnancy reveal, the gala was not just a celebration of fashion but also a moment of personal significance for the artist. Her ability to captivate the audience, even amidst significant life changes, reinforces her status as a cultural icon.
The Met Gala continues to be a platform for artists and public figures to express themselves through fashion, while also making statements about identity and culture. As the night came to a close, it was clear that the event was a celebration of not just style, but also the stories and histories that shape the individuals who grace its red carpet.
