Michelle Obama is a fan of Beyoncé, and she intends to make it known. On April 2, the former first lady of the United States congratulated the American singer on her Instagram account. “You broke records and made history,” she wrote, referring to
Cowboy Carter
, Beyoncé's latest album released on March 29. “You have once again changed the game by helping to redefine a musical genre and transform our culture. I’m so proud of you!” added Michelle Obama. Barack Obama's wife also praised the symbolic significance of this musical project for African-Americans. “
Cowboy Carte
r reminds us that despite everything we have endured to be heard, seen and recognized, we can still dance, sing and be unapologetically who we are. This album reminds us that we ALL have power. There is power in our story, in our joy and in our votes – and we can all use our own gifts and talents to make our voices heard on the issues that matter most to us.”
To discover
Exclusive visit to Art Paris: reserve your place
Download the Le Figaro Cuisine app for tasty and authentic recipes
In reality, Michelle Obama mainly took the opportunity of the success of this new album to call for a vote. “Together, we can defend what we believe in, and we must do it at the ballot box this year,” she continues in her publication. The issues that matter most to us are on the agenda across the country, from equal pay to racial justice to reproductive health to climate change.” But the former first lady and Beyoncé are apparently in cahoots, because Michelle Obama then refers to one of the tracks from the latter's new album: “And as Queen Bey says at the end of
Ya Ya
, we must “keep the faith and VOTE”. “Keep the faith, and VOTE!” is in fact the slogan of When We All Vote, an organization through which Michelle Obama encourages people to vote. When We All Vote describes itself as “a nonpartisan initiative with a mission to change the culture of voting and increase participation in every election.”
Beyoncé, a big supporter of the Obamas
It's no wonder Michelle Obama is so open about her support for Beyoncé. In the past, the singer had also done so, supporting Barack Obama's presidential campaigns. In 2009, the Obama couple danced a slow dance while Beyoncé sang live at the ball given in honor of his first inauguration as President of the United States. The 42-year-old singer gave voice again in 2013 by singing the national anthem during Barack Obama's second inauguration ceremony.
The current White House also congratulated Beyoncé, in the person of Kamala Harris. “Beyoncé, thank you for reminding us that we should never get stuck in what others think of you,” the vice-president wrote on country music. Your music continues to inspire us all.”
With the release of Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé is indeed shaking up the codes and correcting what we knew about the history of country. The 27-track album pays a powerful tribute to the black and yet forgotten roots of this musical genre. Upon its release, it became the most streamed Spotify album in a single day in 2024. But most importantly, Beyoncé became the first black artist to hold the top spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in modern music history country, and this thanks to the title "
Texas Hold 'Em
", which also rose to second place on the Hot 100.