I attended the Met Gala for the first time – here’s what it was really like

Along with Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, I attended the Met Gala for the first time on Monday, May 4. Unlike the two Heated Rivalry stars, I didn’t walk the carpet, but I had an eagle-eye’s view of the world’s most famous celebrities on fashion’s biggest night.

As HELLO!‘s news and features writer, and as someone who has always been obsessed with celebrities, I was more than elated to cover the 77th annual Met Gala from the top of the iconic Met steps.

I witnessed fashion history and was an arm’s length away from the likes of Beyoncé, Rihanna, Cher, and Madonna. While the annual fashion event was full of glitz and glamor, as a red carpet correspondent, the Met Gala was work.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Met Gala, from someone who was there.

Most of the stars don’t stop to talk

I was stationed at the top of the Met Steps, just across from LaLa Anthony who was a correspondent for Vogue. My spot on the carpet was amazing. I could see every single celebrity, made eye contact with Beyoncé, and waved to Gigi Hadid, but it was more difficult to get them to stop and chat.

© Tess Hill

The Met Gala is a party, with annual performances by pop icons – this year, Sabrina Carpenter performed with Stevie Nicks. So, the celebrities were in a bit of a rush to get inside. While I didn’t get to speak to a few of my favorites – I’m looking at you Anne Hathaway – I spoke with her Devil Wears Prada 2 co-star, Emily Blunt, as well as the model Karlie Kloss.

It’s an all day event, even for press

Before I attended the Met Gala, I watched dozens of “get ready with me” videos of my favorite celebrities. They often woke up early and sat in glam before walking the carpet. While I didn’t have a camera crew following my every move inside my apartment, I did rise early for my day.

Press were required to get to the Met before 3pm and were shuffled into a very organized process by the staff. We were given water and coffee, free wifi, and seats before we were sent to the carpet at 3:30pm, a cool six hours before Rihanna and A$AP Rocky arrived at the gala.

The press wanted to look good too

© Tess Hill

Yes, the event’s best dressed were the celebrities, but the press really showed up too. I saw press in everything from a football jersey gown to an architectural pink bubble dress.

I myself tried on seven dresses before choosing the outfit I’d wear to the event. I settled on a black asymmetrical dress from the Australian brand, Acler, paired with vintage Gucci kitten heels, and gold jewelry.

My real glam came from my makeup artist, Kate News. I wore icy blue eye shadow and eyeliner, along with peachy blush and lips, and pulled my hair into a messy up-do.

Best celebrity moments

Aside from my interactions with the celebrities on the carpet, I witnessed some pretty iconic celebrity moments too. Just before 8:30pm, Charli XCX and Connor Storrie snuck past me to the smoking section of the Met for a few cigarettes.

© Tess Hill

Kris Jenner, who walked the carpet with daughter Kim Kardashian, told the press that Kim took much longer than her to get ready. And Blackpink’s Lisa reunited with her White Lotus co-star, Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Katy Perry told us that she listened to “herself” while getting ready, and Sabrina Carpenter revealed that her favorite movie is Shrek 2. I could go through my hours of footage and pull even more moments that gagged me, but I think I’ll leave you with the moment Beyoncé looked into my eyes just before telling the carpet that her inspiration for the night was “family.”