Sabrina Carpenter was the star of a memorable moment at the 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5, where she shared a playful interaction with R&B legend Usher. The event took place at the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where Usher performed for the gala attendees after the red carpet festivities.
During his performance, Usher was seen dangling a maraschino cherry over Carpenter's open mouth, a move that has become a signature part of his live shows since his Las Vegas residency in 2022-23. The moment was captured in a photograph that quickly went viral, showcasing Carpenter tilting her head back with her tongue out, ready to accept the cherry. "It started with strawberries in Vegas," Usher explained on The Jennifer Hudson Show earlier this year. "So, you know, I just figured we try all the fruits until we figured out which one works the best. But cherries were something that I felt was fun and just kind of active. It was a bit erotic." He added with a cheeky smile, "That’s what R&B is all about, right? Being connected and making people feel something fun — I don’t mean to break up houses."
Following the gala, Carpenter took to Instagram to share a behind-the-scenes photo dump of her night, which included the now-famous cherry moment. Among the images, she included a screenshot of a text conversation with her father, David Carpenter, who reacted to the photo with a simple yet humorous, "? Weird." This reaction resonated with fans, many of whom found it hilarious, with one user commenting, "Glad to know parents don’t stop getting disappointed regardless of fame." Usher himself even chimed in on the post, commenting, "Apologies, Mr. Carpenter."
Carpenter, 25, also made headlines with her stunning outfit for the evening. She wore a custom burgundy tuxedo-inspired bodysuit designed by Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton, which featured a high-cut design that showcased her legs. The outfit was a bold choice that matched the playful nature of her interaction with Usher. In an interview, Carpenter revealed that Pharrell suggested she skip trousers due to her petite stature, stating, "You’re quite short, so no pants for you." This decision ultimately led to a standout look that turned heads on the red carpet.
The theme for the 2025 Met Gala was "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," and Carpenter's outfit exemplified the spirit of the event. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with Pharrell and the Louis Vuitton team, sharing her excitement about the design process. "This is Pharrell and this is Louis Vuitton," she told Vogue. "And I’m such a massive fan of Pharrell’s. And have been to the shows and I was just like ‘If I could go with him this year that would be my dream.’ And that came true."
After the gala, Carpenter continued to celebrate by attending after-parties with her friend and fellow actress Jenna Ortega, who starred alongside her in the music video for Carpenter's song "Taste." The two were spotted linking arms as they made their way to a local nightspot, showcasing their close friendship amidst the glamour of the evening.
The Met Gala is known for its extravagant displays of fashion and celebrity culture, and this year was no exception. Alongside Carpenter and Usher, many other stars made headlines with their outfits and interactions. From Rihanna and A$AP Rocky enjoying a stylish date night to Zendaya and Dua Lipa serving looks, the event was a showcase of creativity and bold fashion choices.
Despite the playful nature of her moment with Usher, Carpenter's outfit and demeanor at the gala reflected a confident and fashionable presence. The cherry-feeding tradition, while cheeky, was just one highlight of a night filled with memorable moments and stunning fashion statements.
As the evening concluded, Carpenter's unique blend of charm and style left a lasting impression on attendees and fans alike. Her ability to balance playful moments with high fashion speaks to her growing influence in the entertainment industry.
In reflecting on her experience, Carpenter expressed her gratitude for the night and the memories created, underscoring the significance of such events in the world of fashion and celebrity. The 2025 Met Gala not only celebrated style but also highlighted the connections and interactions that make these gatherings truly special.
