Obama’s birthday bash draws big names

Michelle Obama. File picture: Charles Dharapak

Michelle Obama. File picture: Charles Dharapak

Published Jan 20, 2014

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Washington -

Michelle Obama's 50th birthday bash featured performances by singers Beyonce and John Legend, and appearances by a host of A-list celebrities, one prominent guest said on Sunday.

“Amazing. Incredible party,” political analyst Donna Brazile told CNN the morning after the festivities, about which few details were revealed by the White House.

“Childhood friends there. People from the administration,” she gushed about Saturday's exclusive celebration.

“The most important thing is, Beyonce performed, and I have to tell you, John Legend sang Happy Birthday,” said Brazile, a longtime Democratic Party operative who ran Al Gore's unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2000.

“The most moving tribute came from (President) Barack Obama, who talked about the woman he met and fell in love with.”

CNN reported that the party lasted until around 2am, and was attended by actor Samuel Jackson, singer Smokey Robinson and basketball legend Magic Johnson.

The Washington Post, meanwhile, wrote that actress and singer Jennifer Hudson was also on hand.

The VIP guest list, The Post reported, also included former president Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary, former Beatle Paul McCartney, former Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan and folk music legend James Taylor.

Michelle Obama turned 50 on Friday to great national fanfare, including magazine interviews and television profiles of her life and her role in history as America's first African-American first lady.

Closely watched as a fashion icon and praised for social causes that include working with military families and fighting against childhood obesity, the first lady has polled a 65-percent popularity rate - a good 20 points higher than her husband. - Sapa-AFP

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