Best Music Performances in Met Gala History: From Madonna to Gaga

The Met Gala is all about the outrageous outfits. Celebrities work with designers for months trying to put together a look that wows and will fit into the theme of the gala. But once all the stars have made that long climb up the infamous stairs, that's the end of the line for us commoners. Inside, fashion's elite are not only treated to dinner, but some epic musical numbers as well.

We're not always privy to the performances unless an attendee captures a snippet on their cell phone. (Which, we're assuming, might earn them Anna Wintour's wrath.) That won't stop us from breaking down the best Met Gala musical performances of all time, though. From Madonna, who just closed out her tour with a record-breaking Rio de Janeiro show featuring over 1.6 million fans, to Rihanna and even Cher, we're talking legends giving legendary performances.

Keep reading to see who makes the list and if there's footage available.

Lizzo

Lizzo brought the house down last year sparkling in a bodysuit and flashy boots. She performed some of her most popular hits, including "Good as Hell" and "Truth Hurts." She even played the flute for Mozart's "The Magic Flute."

Kacey Musgraves and Lenny Kravitz

Kacey Musgraves shared the spotlight with Lenny Kravitz in 2022. Musgraves treated guests to her rendition of "Can't Help Falling in Love" from the Elvis soundtrack. Meanwhile, Kravitz had the crowd moving with "Are You Gonna Go My Way" and "American Woman."

Cher

Cher took everyone back to the 70s in 2019. She performed ABBA hits straight off her Dancing Queen album. She's one of those performers that can leave even the most famous celeb starstruck.

Madonna

If you're going to have a theme like "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination," Madonna's going to be your go-to. The icon sang "Like A Prayer" backed up by the prestigious Clarion Choir in 2018.

Rihanna

All eyes were on Rihanna at the 2015 Met Gala and not just because she wore a truly epic Guo Pei gown. After walking the red carpet, Rihanna headed inside to serenade gala goers to "Bitch Better Have My Money."

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga has a few Met Gala performances under her belt. She sure made an entrance in 2019 by shedding several layers while relying on props and backup dancers. Gaga joined forces with Mark Ronson in 2016 to perform "Burning Down the House." But it's her 2010 appearance that takes the cake. She sang everything from "Bad Romance" to "Alejandro" wearing a catsuit and boots by Armani Privé.

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