Trending Topics

91st National Christmas Tree Lighting Brings Out Janelle Monae, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey

President Barack Obama joined by Aretha Franklin, Janelle Monae, Mariah Carey President Barack Obama was joined by R&B diva Mariah Carey, chic songstress Janelle Monae, and R&B icon Aretha Franklin, for the 91st National Christmas Tree Lighting at the White House.

The National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was dominated by R&B divas and a very stylish First Family.

Janelle Monae took to the stage in a military inspired outfit as she belted out a beautiful rendition of “The Christmas Song.”

Monae was also seen throughout the night snapping pictures with Obama and was even caught making the president burst into laughter at one point.

Mariah Carey was flaunting her massive weight loss in a fitted white gown and her usual bedazzled microphone and mic stand.

Despite the cold weather, Mariah had no problem hitting every note as she sang “All I Want for Christmas is You.”

While everyone appeared to love her performance, her biggest fan was eager to reunite with her as soon as her performance was over.

Her daughter, Monroe, didn’t want to stay separated from her mommy long and was immediately back in her mom’s arms in a matter of minutes.

As Mariah held her daughter, Monroe also got the chance to meet the president himself as President Obama came over to give the adorable twin a hug.

Mariah Carey certainly gave a diva worthy performance, but it was Aretha Franklin who blew the crowd away in more ways than one.

Franklin hit the stage in a floor length white pink and a blue gown and effortlessly gave a powerhouse performance of “Joy to the World” and “The First Noel.”

Even the rain couldn’t stop Aretha from finishing her performance. Like the true Queen of Soul, she called on the help of an Army Band sergeant who held an umbrella over her for her performance.

As for the First Family, President Barack Obama made sure that even the Christmas spirit was filled with the memory of Nelson Mandela.

“In his life he blessed us with tremendous grace and unbelievable courage,” President Obama said. “And we are all privileged to live in a world Michelle Obama reads at national christmas tree lighting touched by his goodness.”

The First Lady, on the other hand, was making the children at the Christmas tree lighting happier than ever when she brought out Sesame Street Muppet Abby Cadabby to assist her in reading “The Night Before Christmas.”

While the children were focused on Mrs. Obama’s fuzzy friend, everyone else had their eyes locked on the First Lady’s wardrobe.

Always keeping up with the latest fashion trends, Michelle Obama and youngest daughter Sasha wore stylish over sized cardigans.

Malia, on the other hand, kept it simple with a plaid jacket and all black underneath.

Of course, the entire evening wasn’t complete without a great host.

“Glee” star Jane Lynch took on the role of hosting the entire evening’s worth of festive activities.

The National Christmas Tree lighting is an annual tradition for the president and the first family of the U.S. that was started decades ago in 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge.

 

 

Back to top