Zendaya caught on camera reacting to Diana Ross stealing the spotlight on Met Gala 2025 red carpet

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: When Diana Ross shows up, everyone else steps aside — and that includes Zendaya.

The 81-year-old music icon made a dazzling return to the Met Gala on Monday, May 5, proving age is just a number. As she ascended the famous steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, all eyes were locked onto her larger-than-life entrance.

Draped in a jaw-dropping, floor-length white gown covered in crystals, Diana donned a massive feather-trimmed cape that made it virtually impossible for anyone to walk beside her.

And that's exactly what happened. In a clip posted by Marie Claire on Instagram, a visibly respectful Zendaya was seen stepping aside to let Diana have her moment at the top of the stairs, the Daily Mail reported.

Zendaya bows to Diana Ross on a night of hits and misses

Zendaya, 28, looked sharp in her own right, wearing a crisp white suit and a matching wide-brimmed hat. 

But even her modern glam had to make way for the queen of Motown.

Diana’s look was completed with a halo-like headpiece perched over her voluminous, dark curls. According to Harper's Bazaar, the cape that swept up half the stairs was embroidered with the names of her five children and eight grandchildren.

She wasn’t rolling solo. Her son Evan Ross, 36, trailed respectfully behind her. Daughter Tracee Ellis Ross, 52, was expected to arrive later in the night.

This year’s theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," celebrated the elegance and creativity of Black fashion, with the dress code billed as “Tailored for You.” It is safe to say that Diana nailed it.

To top off her stunning outfit, Ross wore chandelier earrings that danced as she moved and a shimmering gem at the center of her forehead. Her makeup featured warm, rosy tones with a matte pink lipstick. It’s been more than two decades since she last attended the gala, back in 2003 alongside designer Tom Ford for the Gucci-sponsored soiree.

Meanwhile, the red carpet was noticeably lacking in star power. Heavy-hitters like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Blake Lively, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, and Katy Perry were nowhere to be found. 

Where were all the celebs?

Despite being invited by Vogue’s own Anna Wintour, Taylor Swift skipped the gala — even though her calendar looks pretty free now that her billion-dollar Eras Tour wrapped last year. Her boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce, is also in the off-season, but the couple was still a no-show. 

The co-chairs this year included Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo, F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky, and musical genius-slash-Louis Vuitton creative director Pharrell Williams. While LeBron James was the honorary chair, he skipped the event due to a knee injury. 

But despite a theme that begged for bold, daring fashion, the carpet turned out to be a bit of a snoozefest. “Boundary-pushing” was promised, but instead, guests delivered a parade of uninspiring black and gray outfits. 

Even fashion favorites like Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and Hailey Bieber showed up in looks that barely stood out.

Thank god for Gigi Hadid, who saved the day in a slinky gold Miu Miu gown that actually turned heads.