The Met Gala has long been the stage where fashion, music, and culture intersect in unforgettable ways. This year was no exception, as pop star Sabrina Carpenter found herself in a playful — and instantly viral — moment with R&B legend Usher during his performance. The interaction, which saw Usher feeding Carpenter a cherry in front of a star-studded crowd, wasn’t just flirty entertainment; it became even more iconic thanks to Sabrina’s father’s hilariously candid reaction afterward.
A Cherry on Top of the Night
The cheeky exchange happened on Monday night (May 5) inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. As part of the evening’s festivities, Usher, who has built a reputation for mixing sensuality with showmanship, took to the stage for a soulful performance.
Midway through his set, the “Yeah!” hitmaker revived one of his signature stage moves — feeding fruit to an audience member. This time, instead of a random guest, the lucky participant was Sabrina Carpenter, one of the most talked-about young stars in both music and fashion.
In photos and videos that quickly swept across social media, Usher can be seen with a microphone in one hand and a cherry in the other, holding it teasingly above Carpenter. The pop star leaned back with her mouth open and tongue out, playing along with the moment as the crowd erupted. It was flirty, lighthearted, and undeniably Usher — a blend of charm and provocation that has kept him an R&B icon for three decades.
The Tradition of Usher’s Fruit-Filled Serenades
For longtime fans, the cherry moment felt familiar. Usher’s fruit-feeding tradition first made headlines during his Las Vegas residency in 2022–2023, where he experimented with incorporating strawberries and cherries into his performances.
In a playful interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Usher explained:
“It started with strawberries in Vegas. We tried all the fruits to see which worked best. Cherries just felt fun and active — a little erotic. That’s what R&B is about. Making people feel something. It’s about connection.”
For Usher, it’s never just about the music; it’s about creating an atmosphere that lingers with the audience long after the lights go down. Feeding Carpenter a cherry at one of fashion’s most glamorous nights was the perfect crossover between music theatrics and high-society spectacle.
Dad’s Reaction: The Viral Twist
While the moment was playful and in good fun, it was Sabrina Carpenter’s father who stole the spotlight afterward. On May 7, Carpenter took to Instagram to share a screenshot of a text exchange with her dad, affectionately saved in her contacts as “Dadda.”
Her father had sent her the photo of the cherry moment, accompanied by just one word:
“? Weird.”
The simplicity of his reaction struck a chord with fans. In an evening filled with designer gowns, celebrity glamour, and dramatic performances, the most relatable reaction came from a dad who wasn’t entirely sure what to make of Usher feeding his daughter a cherry on national headlines. Social media lit up with comments like:
“This is every dad’s nightmare when your daughter becomes famous.”
“Protective dad energy activated.”
“He’s all of us watching this moment.”
The lighthearted response showcased the family dynamic that fans adore about Carpenter — no matter how famous she becomes, her father still keeps it real.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Big Met Gala Moment
Beyond the cherry spotlight, Sabrina Carpenter owned the 2025 Met Gala in her own right. The singer and actress turned heads on the red carpet in a custom brown Louis Vuitton leotard ensemble that perfectly matched her signature youthful yet daring aesthetic.
She was also seen mingling with fellow star Jenna Ortega, her co-star from the “Please Please Please” music video, sparking buzz among fans about a possible future collaboration. With her growing influence in both fashion and music, Carpenter continues to prove she’s not just part of the conversation — she’s shaping it.
Usher’s Role at the 2025 Gala
This year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrated the profound influence of Black fashion and culture throughout history. Usher’s presence was significant not only as a performer but also as a member of the official host committee. His performance symbolized the blending of culture, artistry, and history that the Met Gala thrives on.
By bringing one of his signature concert traditions to the gala stage, Usher reminded the audience that Black style isn’t just about clothing — it’s about presence, performance, and the power of cultural influence.
Why These Moments Go Viral
In today’s digital age, events like the Met Gala aren’t just about who wore what — they’re about the unscripted, human moments that cut through the noise. From Lady Gaga’s iconic costume changes to Rihanna’s unforgettable red carpet entrances, pop culture thrives on flashes of authenticity.
Sabrina Carpenter and Usher delivered exactly that: a moment equal parts playful, stylish, and unexpected. Add in a dad’s candid text message, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a viral sensation.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Met Gala once again reminded us why it remains the most-watched fashion event of the year. Between the dazzling red carpet, Usher’s magnetic performance, and Sabrina Carpenter’s rising star power, the night was unforgettable.
But if there’s one takeaway that fans loved most, it’s that even in the glitzy world of high fashion and celebrity culture, sometimes the funniest, most relatable reaction comes from a dad simply texting: “? Weird.”
