Taylor Swift once again skipped the Met Gala this year, continuing a nearly decade-long streak of absences from fashion’s biggest night.

Despite fans hoping to see her return to the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art — perhaps alongside boyfriend Travis Kelce — the couple chose to stay out of the spotlight.

Their decision disappointed some, especially after other celebrity couples like Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens made high-profile appearances in coordinated outfits.

Swift hasn’t attended the Met Gala since 2016, and based on recent reports, it seems she doesn’t plan to anytime soon. Sources say both Swift and Kelce are placing a high priority on privacy, especially after months of intense public attention.

With Kelce in his NFL offseason and Swift currently on a break from touring, the couple is focused on spending quiet, uninterrupted time together. Attending an event as high-profile as the Met Gala doesn’t align with that goal — especially given the overwhelming media attention it brings.

A winner in hiding

Taylor had a major win this week. While she may not have turned heads on the red carpet, her music continues to dominate the charts.

On Tuesday, her album folklore surpassed 600 million streams on Spotify in 2025 alone. She’s reportedly the only artist this year to have three different albums each cross that milestone, further cementing her legacy as a music industry powerhouse. It’s a reminder that even in a quieter year, Swift’s work continues to resonate deeply with fans around the world.

Her most recent release came in October 2024 — a seven-track live performance EP from The Eras Tour.

Since then, she’s taken a step back from recording, choosing to focus more on her personal life and relationship. And while fans are always eager for new music, it’s clear that Swift is embracing a slower, more intentional pace.