Rihanna expressed her admiration for Sheinelle Jones in the middle of the garden-themed carpet of the 2026 Met Gala.

In a new video shared by Today on Instagram, the Grammy-winning hitmaker was seen stopping by the Today with Jenna & Sheinelle co-host while she was making her way up to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

"You deserve to be poured into,” Rihanna said to Jones, holding her hands, as seen in the video. “And you're beautiful, you're a Black journalist. And I respect you. I love you for this."

Before she continued walking towards the biggest night of fashion, Rihanna added, "And by the way, your outfit is f---ing fire."

"When Rihanna affirms you mid interview," the clip added the caption.

Following the post, Jones made sure to add the sweet encounter to her own Instagram handle with a selfie of Rihanna's kissy face.

"When you try to celebrate her, and she sends love right back your way," she wrote in the caption.

At the Costume Art gala, Jones stepped out in a shimmering metallic Lafayette 148 gown designed by Emily Smith, delivering understated glamour with a polished finish. 

Meanwhile, Rihanna commanded attention in a dramatic Maison Margiela creation, featuring a sculpted bodice that formed a dress-within-a-dress illusion. The liquid-metal fabric shimmered under lights, while jewel-like detailing at the centre added depth. She completed the look with statement ear cuffs and stacked rings.