The Met Gala 2025 brought together a dazzling mix of international stars at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Celebrities from across the world, including Asian music sensations, Bollywood legends, and top Hollywood names, graced the blue carpet. However, one unexpected star stole the spotlight — a 28-year-old newcomer who generated the most buzz among global icons.
Lisa Becomes the Star of the Night
On Tuesday, The Hollywood Reporter shared data from Launchmetrics, which analyzed which celebrities and fashion brands gained the most media attention at this year’s Met Gala. These Power Rankings are based on Media Impact Value (MIV), a metric that estimates how much revenue a celebrity or brand generates through online exposure.
Leading the 2025 Met Gala rankings was K-pop star Lisa, who rose to fame as part of BLACKPINK. Lisa earned a staggering $21.3 million in MIV, all from her red carpet presence alone. This marked her debut appearance at the prestigious event.
Lisa Beats Global Icons
Lisa’s impact overshadowed several major global stars. Zendaya came in second with $14.3 million, followed by Rihanna at $13.5 million. Surprisingly, Kylie Jenner didn’t make it to the top five this year. Instead, Thai actor Sarocha Chankimha (Freen) secured the second spot overall with $19.5 million MIV, while Jennie, Lisa’s BLACKPINK bandmate, ranked third with $17.6 million.
In the men’s category, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan made a strong debut by earning $19 million in MIV. His performance not only made him the top male celebrity on the list but also placed him in the overall top three rankings.
Lisa’s Rise to Global Fame
Lisa, originally from Thailand, gained international recognition with BLACKPINK’s success since 2016. Over the past few years, she expanded her presence outside of music. In 2025, she appeared in season 3 of HBO’s The White Lotus, marking her entry into American television.
At the Met Gala, Lisa wore a bold Louis Vuitton outfit. However, she faced backlash because the design included a print of civil rights activist Rosa Parks on her underwear. After criticism, Lisa apologized to her fans and followers. Despite the controversy, the incident sparked massive online attention, which may have contributed to her topping this year’s power rankings.
A Night of Unexpected Winners
The 2025 Met Gala wasn’t just about fashion; it highlighted the power of digital influence. Newcomers like Lisa and Freen proved that fresh faces can rival — and even surpass — seasoned celebrities in global impact.