Sheinelle Jones got a seal of approval from one of the world’s biggest pop stars at the Met Gala on May 4.
While reporting from the red carpet in New York City for TODAY on fashion’s biggest night of the year, Sheinelle received some serious words of encouragement from Rihanna, who attended with her longtime partner, A$AP Rocky.
Revisit all the best moments from the 2026 Met Gala
“So, what was your day like today?” the singer asked.
“Today was, honestly — hoping that I could meet the moment and catch somebody’s eye contact,” Sheinelle answered.
Rihanna, who wore a sculpted gold and silver gown by Maison Margiela FW25 Couture with crystals and beads wrapped in a gold floor-length circular shawl, then replied with a strong dose of affirmation that touched on Sheinelle’s career, as well as her sense of style.
“Well, you deserve to be poured into, as well. And you’re beautiful. You’re a Black journalist. And I respect you. I love you for this. And, by the way, your outfit is f—— fire,” she told Sheinelle.
“I love you, Rihanna,” Sheinelle replied.
The theme for this year’s Met Gala was “Fashion Is Art,” which went hand in hand with the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s spring exhibition of “Costume Art.” This year’s gala once again featured a litany of A-list stars, from Anna Wintour and Dwayne Johnson to Amanda Seyfried and Beyoncé, who was making her first appearance at the event in a decade, while co-chairing this year’s festivities.
Sheinelle was determined to see the Grammy-winning star, who wore a custom Olivier Rousteing gown covered in a silver crystals and was accompanied by husband Jay-Z and their 14-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy.
“Beyoncé, can I just tell you that we celebrate you?” Sheinelle shouted to her as the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer posed for photos. “We celebrate you.”
It appeared as if Beyoncé mouthed something to Sheinelle, which delighted her.
“All I wanted was eye contact and a loving gaze — I’m happy,” Sheinelle said.
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