Michelle Obama Just Stole the Show at the 2019 Grammys

Kat Armstrong
Feb 11, 2019

The 2019 Grammys lined up an impressive list of performers, but one of the biggest stars of the night was a non-musician. Less than 10 minutes into the February 10 show, former First Lady Michelle Obama joined host Alicia Keys with Lady Gaga, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Jennifer Lopez to share how important music has been to all of their lives. The crowd went wild for the entire group, but it was the surprise inclusion of Obama that really brought the house down.

Gaga was the first to speak after Keys introduced the women. “They said I was weird, but music led me to all of you and to my little monsters, who I love so much,” the “Shallow” singer told the audience. Lopez, for her part, talked about how music gave her a reason to dance during her childhood in the Bronx, and Pinkett-Smith added that every voice “deserves to be honored and respected.”

When it was Obama’s turn, the crowd erupted into wild applause and cheers, drowning out her first few words. “All right, you guys, we got a show to do!” she quipped to quiet them down.

Once the cheering subsided, she shared her own personal connection to music. “From the Motown records I wore out on the South Side to the ‘Who Run the World’ songs that fueled me through this last decade, music has always helped me tell my story, and I know that’s true for everybody here,” she began.

“Whether we like country or rap or rock, music helps us share ourselves, our dignity and sorrows, our hopes and joys. It allows us to hear one another, to invite each other in. Music shows us that all of it matters — every story within every voice, every note within every song.”

After her surprise appearance, the Becoming author took to Twitter, writing, “A big part of friendship is showing up for your girls — that’s why I was thrilled to be there for the one and only @aliciakeys at the #GRAMMYs. She is one of the most genuine and thoughtful people I know — there’s no one better to help us all celebrate the unifying power of music!”

Last year’s Grammys were mired in controversy after women were shut out of almost every major category. This year, the Recording Academy seems determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

(photos via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy + Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Taylor Swift Accepted iHeartRadio’s Innovator Award With This Inspiring Speech

Get excited Swifties – our favorite singer-songwriter just accepted iHeartRadio’s Innovator Award, and her speech was *chef’s kiss*.

Every year, the award is given to artists who have “impacted global pop culture throughout their career,” and Taylor Swift has certainly done that. A bejeweled Swift accepted the award onstage at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre alongside a tribute video filled with some of our favorite celebs – Dolly Parton, Selena Gomez, Simu Liu, Simone Biles, and Ed Sheeran, just to name a few.

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Taylor Swift Acceptance Speech - Innovator Award | 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards

“I never woke up, a single time, and thought to myself, ‘I’m gonna go innovate some stuff today,’” Swift jokingly said. “I really want everyone to know, especially young people, that the hundreds or thousands of dumb ideas that I’ve had have led me to my good ideas… You have to give yourself permission to fail.”

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shes so cute #phoebebridgers #taylorswift

Swift received the award from Phoebe Bridgers, the four time Grammy nominated singer-songwriter and Swift’s soon-to-be opening act on her Eras Tour, which started March 17 and runs until August 9.

In her introduction, Bridgers talked about her childhood dreams of songwriting, and discovering Swift while listening to country radio with her mom. “I heard a girl not much older than me singing a song about her own life, and that song was really good,” she said. “Taylor has always told the truth. She’s written songs from exactly where she is. Her music shifted genre in the same way life does—in the same way being 16 is totally incomparable to being 18, 22, 25, 28. I’m grateful that I’ve grown up in a world with Taylor Swift in it. Or, ‘The World (Taylor’s Version).’”

Image via Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup for FOX

Taylor Swift receiving the iHeartRadio Song of the Year Award for "Anti-Hero" from fellow artists Ice Spice and PinkPantheress.

Swift won six(!) other awards, including Song of the Year for “Anti-Hero” and “Best Pop Album.” These wins *officially* crowned her the most awarded artist in iHeartRadio Music Award history, with a total of 19 awards over her career.

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#taylorswift#swifttok#taylornation#swiftietiktok#swifttoker#swifttoks#swiftliketaylor#taylorswiftlover #iheartradiomusicawards#iheartradio#iheartradioawards#iheartradiomusicawards2023

The 12 time Grammy winner and honorary doctorate was nominated in several additional categories, including Artist of the Year, Best Lyrics (“Anti-Hero”) and Best Music Video (“Anti-Hero”).

Past recipients of the Innovator Award include Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, and Justin Timberlake, ranks in which Swift definitely deserved to join.

Our Swiftie hearts are so full right now, and we cannot wait to see what she wins next.

For now, we’re excitedly awaiting the day when we can finally see Swift IRL, taking the Eras Tour by storm.

Keep up with your fave celebrity news with Brit + Co.

Image via Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup for FOX

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32 Easy Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes You’ll Be Thankful Are Not Pies

It's 2024; changing up Thanksgiving staple dishes is totally cool. It's almost time to serve stuffing cups and mashed cauliflower puree, but do you dare go beyond the classic pumpkin or apple pie? The answer is yes. There are so many new ways to incorporate your favorite Thanksgiving ingredients that you might as well try them all! (Well, as many as you can anyway).

You can always opt for new takes on apple crisp, unique pecan recipes, and pumpkin pie alternatives. Or, if you'd rather skip the pies altogether, try something completely new. Here are some of the best Thanksgiving desserts that break the mold and taste delicious while doing so.


Pumpkin Recipes

Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread 

Sloane's Table

Nothing says Thanksgiving like delicious pumpkin bread, but have you ever tried the brown butter recipe? It adds "a nutty, caramelized flavor" that'll make it hard for you to eat only one slice.

Pumpkin Pie Spiced Toffee 

Brit + Co

Don't want to deal with any leftovers? This crispy pumpkin-spice toffee is one of our favorite Thanksgiving desserts that aren't pie because it's easy for people to take home in bags. Give some to your friends, your family, and your neighbors!

Einkorn Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Calico + Twine

These aren't your average cookies. Not only are they packed with pumpkin flavor, but they're fluffy like cake instead of dense like other chocolate chip cookie recipes. One thing you'll want to note is that this recipe is specified for Einkorn flour (which hasn't been hybridized, meaning it's full of health benefits and flavor), so if you use another kind, you'll want to follow Kaetlyn's instructions on ratios.

Pumpkin Pie Brownies 

The Cookie Rookie

Boxed brownie mix (which is already a good Thanksgiving dessert) gets a gooey upgrade when layered with pumpkin, cream cheese, and warming spices.

Chocolate Pumpkin Tart with Gingersnap Crust

Completely Delicious

This is like pumpkin pie, only so much better. The rich gingersnap crust pairs so nicely with the dark chocolate ganache and sweet pumpkin filling.

Nutella-Stuffed Pumpkin Beignets

Half-Baked Harvest

Reason 8,453 why Nutella makes everything better: these plump and pillowy pumpkin beignets. Your guests will love the look of these fun Thanksgiving desserts, but they'll really freak out when they take a bite from the gooey center.

Kabak Tatlisi - Turkish Pumpkin Dessert

Give Recipe

This Turkish pumpkin dessert only requires two ingredients (seriously, what could be better than that?), is budget-friendly, and oh-so comforting!

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll

Image via Give Recipe

Nothing beats a good old cinnamon roll, and this one is only elevated by the addition of pumpkin!

Baked Pumpkin Churros 

Cooking Classy

When churros and hot fudge are involved, there will always be room for dessert. (via Cooking Classy)

Easy Apple Dessert Ideas

Goat Cheese Cheesecake With Honey-Cinnamon Apples

Food Faith Fitness

Turn your favorite charcuterie-board combo into dessert with a rich and sweet goat cheese filling, sliced apples, and honey-cinnamon syrup that is definitely a Thanksgiving dessert to impress.

Puff Pastry Apple Roses

Give Recipe

Not only does this dessert taste amazing, but it looks amazing too! It's perfect to make for a Thanksgiving get-together, as everyone will be ooh-ing and aah-ing over it.

Apple Dumplings With Sparkling Apple Cider Sauce

Sweet Cayenne

Sparkling apple cider, butter, and brown sugar form a sticky sauce when baked with soft apple dumplings. If you listen closely, you can practically hear the dumplings begging to be heaped with ice cream. (via Sweet Cayenne)

Samoa Caramel Apple Nachos

The Girl on Bloor

A unique twist on a classic caramel apple, these nachos are the ultimate treat. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Apple Fritter Bread 

Crazy for Crust

Here's a five-ingredient dessert that won't let you down — and it even has fresh fruit to boot.

(Cheese)cakes Make Awesome Thanksgiving Dessert

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes

Brit + Co

If you want the taste of a cake without committing to a huge slice, opt for cupcakes instead! They're delicious, they're bite-sized, and they make the perfect Thanksgiving dessert.

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting 

The Recipe Critic

When there's a crowd, you can't go wrong with a sheet cake.

Glazed Buttermilk Donut Bundt Cake 

The View From Great Island

Why buy a dozen donuts when you can make a giant one? This unique cake is made with oat flour, buttermilk, and nutmeg.

Nutella Gooey Butter Cake

Spicy Southern Kitchen

It's only logical to end an extremely large meal with an extremely rich dessert.

Rum Cake

Averie Cooks

Few things are better than a moist and boozy bundt with a buttery sauce.

Pumpkin Roll

The Recipe Critic

If you want an elegant Thanksgiving dessert that doubles as dessert and a centerpiece, go with this pumpkin roll, which looks complex but is beginner-friendly.

Pumpkin Cheesecake 

The Recipe Critic

Gingersnap crust, caramel drizzle, can't lose.

Pumpkin Carrot Cake

Averie Cooks

The veggie action doesn't have to stop after dinner. Load pumpkin with more carrot!

Cookies, Bars and Other Dessert Recipes for Thanksgiving

Baked Churro Chips 

Brit + Co

These healthy-ish churro chips are an easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe, and they pair oh-so-well with your end-of-feast espresso. Serve them with multiple dipping sauces for a shareable treat.

Caramel Cranberry Nut Bars

Completely Delicious

It's not Thanksgiving without cranberries! This bar is buttery and masterfully combines tart cranberries with sweet caramel.

Brit + Co

Casseroles and sweet potatoes are already turkey day staples — together they make one of the best Thanksgiving dessert recipes!

Gingerbread Pecan Cheesecake

Brit + Co

Gingerbread and pecans come together seamlessly in this festive, unique Thanksgiving dessert. Our stomachs are already grumbling.

Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles

Brit + Co

Pumpkin spice pairs deliciously with cinnamon-heavy snickerdoodles.

Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts

Brit + Co

Hot chocolate is one of our favorite winter treats, and we'd eat doughnuts every day of the year if given the opportunity. The logical next step? Combining the two.

Vegan Butter Board 

Brit + Co

This Thanksgiving dessert can also double as an appetizer, making it double the fun! Since it's vegan, you don't have to worry about your guests with allergies feeling left out. Plus it's a hands-on snack which is great for kids.

Low-Carb Eggnog

Brit + Co

This Keto drink might not technically be a dessert, but it's sweet and delicious so we couldn't pass up the opportunity to include it. It's also the perfect segway from Thanksgiving to the rest of the holiday season.

Caramel Apple Crisp Bars 

Pinch of Yum

Love apple crisp but don't love doing dishes? These squares pack plenty of apple, butter, and cinnamon and make great finger food.

Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

The Novice Chef

Pass a plate of this Thanksgiving baking idea around, and they'll disappear faster than the turkey.

Nutter Butter Acorn Cookies

Wondermom Wannabe

If kids are on dessert duty, they'll love dipping Nutter Butters into chocolate and customizing them with sprinkles — no oven necessary. These cookies are festive, cute, and a great dessert to make for Thanksgiving!

Check out our email newsletter and our online baking classes for more Thanksgiving day desserts and inspiration!

Additional reporting by Maggie McCracken and Sara Cagle

This post has been updated.

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Michelle Obama’s Mom Sent Her the Funniest Shady Texts After the 2019 Grammys

Michelle Obama stole the show with her surprise appearance at the 2019 Grammy Awards, and while the audience cheered so loudly that the former first lady could barely speak, her mom, for one, wasn’t that impressed.

The Becoming author took to Instagram on Tuesday, February 12, to share screenshots of a hilarious post-Grammys text message conversation with her mother, Marian Robinson. “When your mom doesn’t think you’re a ‘real’ celebrity,” Obama captioned the exchange. “Tonight in Phoenix, I shared this text thread from my mom from #Grammys night, and I just had to share it with all of you. #TextsFromMom.”

As seen in the screenshots, Robinson began by writing, “I guess you were a hit at the Grammys,” with a smiling, tongue-sticking-out emoji. Obama replied that the text “is so typically you,” then asked her mom if she watched the show.

“I saw it because Gracie called me,” Robinson responded, before subtly shading her famous daughter. “Did you meet any of the real stars or did you run right after you were done?”

After insisting (despite Robinson’s claims to the contrary) that she told her mom she was going to be on the Grammys, Obama ended the conversation by writing, “I am a real star… by the way…” to which Robinson simply replied, “Yeah.”

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When your mom doesn't think you're a "real" celebrity...Tonight in Phoenix, I shared this text thread from my mom from #Grammys night, and I just had to share it with all of you. #TextsFromMom 😂

A post shared by Michelle Obama (@michelleobama) on

Obama appeared alongside host Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Jennifer Lopez at the 61st annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 10, to speak about the impact music has had on their individual lives as well as its universal appeal. Obama’s presence in particular inspired a surprised and uproarious reaction from the star-studded audience, who gave a standing ovation and cheered over her when she began to speak.

“All right, you guys, we got a show to do!” she joked to the crowd to settle them. She then spoke about the importance of perspective and storytelling in music — a topic that also came up with regular frequency in her recent hit memoir, Becoming.

“Whether we like country or rap or rock, music helps us share ourselves, our dignity and sorrows, our hopes and joys,” she said. “It allows us to hear one another, to invite each other in. Music shows us that all of it matters — every story within every voice, every note within every song.”

What do you think of Michelle Obama’s mom’s texts? Let us know @BritandCo!

(Photos via Win McNamee/Getty Images + Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

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Someone Alert Gossip Girl – Ed Westwick And Amy Jackson Have A Baby On The Way

Looks like our Chuck Bass has found his happily ever after. 😌 Ed Westwick, 36, who upholds the Bass namesake inGossip Girl, is now married to actress Amy Jackson. He originally popped the question on a couples-ski-trip-turned-romantic-getaway to Gstaad, Switzerland.

Jackson, 31, posted the news on Instagram, sharing a photo of the duo covered in ski gear, adding an enthused caption: “Hell YES 💍. ”Westwick soon relayed the engagement via an Instagram story of the post, saying “I hit the jackpot xxx.”

And now the couple's family is about to get bigger! Here’s to a lifetime full of love! ❤️ If you’re curious about the pair’s history, read on for a timeline of their sweet relationship.

Ed Westwick + Amy Jackson's Relationship Timeline

Tim P. Whitby / Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival

2021

Westwick and Jackson initially met at Silverstone race track through a mutual friend. The three of them chatted during the racing event and Westwick casually (and so cutely) asked Jackson on a date after the fact.

Westwick asked if Jackson and her poodle, Herbert, were up to meet for coffee with him and his Frenchie, Humphrey. Okay, puppy love!

“He knew how to win me over from the get-go… coffee and dogs,” Jackson told Lifestyle Asiafor a cover story last year.

Tristan Fewings / Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival

2022

Westwick and Jackson were spotted in public more frequently as their relationship started to grow, adventurously attending red carpets, events, and vacations hand-in-hand.

The duo shared some wholesome pics of one another on social media, too, and began commenting on each other’s posts more often to put their feelings on display.

The pair made things officially official in July 2022 and made their first debut as a couple at the Red Sea International Film Festival the following winter, according to India Today.

Commenting on the duo’s ability to keep calm and cool in the wake of fame, Westwick told Lifestyle Asia that “I embrace my public life and it’s always great to meet people and take pictures as long as people are polite, which most of the time they are. I also like to, you know, be away at home, walk my dogs, be with my family and enjoy my privacy. Balance is always good.”

Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

2023

One of the biggest happenings between Westwick and Jackson in 2023 was their couples’ trip to Mumbai in India, where Jackson had briefly lived in 2012 to 2015 to work on a few films.

Jackson reportedly took Westwick on a tour of the city, stopping at famous landmarks like the Taj Mahal and enjoying local fares from nearby restaurants.

The two of them were featured in acover story for Lifestyle Asia in 2023, where they dished more on their relationship and respective careers in acting.

Westwick told Lifestyle Asia that his love shared with Jackson is similar to what his parents had.

“There was something beautiful. They could always count on each other and had the utmost respect for one other and I think that is the most important thing,” he said.

2023 was also the year that they bought a house together in the countryside. Things were getting more serious!

Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

2024

That brings us to 2024! Ed Westwick and Amy Jackson got engaged during a ski trip to Switzerland mid-January.

Westwick asked Jackson to marry him on top of the Peak Walk by Tissot, a popular scenic hanging mountain bridge.

Jackson was happily surprised, as the picture of the exact moment shows her with her hands over her mouth. We love!

The couple got married in August and are now prepping for the arrival of their baby, according to People. They shared the sweetest announcement photos on Instagram and were met with tons of congratulatory comments.

Who is Ed Westwick?

Ed Westwick is an English actor best known for his role as Chuck Bass on Gossip Girl, which aired from 2007 to 2012. People named him one of 2008’s Sexiest Men Alive, he won Best TV Villain at the 2008 and 2009 Teen Choice Awards after the show’s success. He’s also in a band called For You, which dropped a single in 2023.

Who is Amy Jackson?

Amy Jackson is an award-winning English model and actress well-known for her acting within Indian cinema. She made her US acting debut with DC Comics’ Supergirl in 2017. Her modeling career was kickstarted after winning the Miss Teen World title in 2009.

Jackson is a mom to a 4-year-old child that she shares with her ex, George Panayiotou.

How long have Ed Westwick and Amy Jackson been together?

Joe Maher / Getty Images

Ed Westwick and Amy Jackson have been together for almost 2 years. They met in 2021, but didn’t make things official until the summer of 2022.

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This post has been updated.

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'The Traitors' Season 3 Release Date Is Here!

Nothing says reality TV like drama, intrigue, and betrayal. At least, according to The Traitors! The hit TV show is back for season 3 and the star-studded cast is so good, I'm sure this will be the best season yet. Host Alan Cumming returns, along with 21 reality TV stars who will be competing for up to $250 thousand.

But according to the official synopsis, "hidden amongst the Faithful contestants are the Traitors, whose goal is to eliminate the Faithful and claim the prize for themselves. Under the cover of darkness, the Traitors ‘murder’ contestants one by one, but if the Faithful can banish all the Traitors before the end of the game, they’ll split the incredible prize." Here's everything you need to know about The Traitors season 3.

  • The Traitors season 3 coming back to Peacock with Alan Cumming as host.
  • The show will premiere in January 2025.
  • The Traitors cast includes Dylan Efron, Dorinda Medley, Chrishell Stause, Tom Sandoval, and Gabby Windey.

When can I watch The Traitors season 3?

Chris Haston/NBC

The Traitors Season 3 Release Date

The Traitors season 3 premieres on Peacock on January 9, 2025. Season 1 premiered in January 2023, while season 2 premiered in January 2024, so the timeline makes sense!

Who is on Traitors season 3?

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The Traitors | Season 3 Cast Reveal | Peacock Original

The Traitors Season 3 Cast

The Traitors season 3 cast includes Bachelor in Paradise's Wells Adams, actor Sam Asghari,The Real Housewives of Dubai's Chanel Ayan, RuPaul's Drag Race's Bob the Drag Queen, Real Housewives of New Jersey's Dolores Catania, Survivor's Jeremy Collins, Real Housewives of Potomac's Robyn Dixon, Dylan Efron, Total Divas' Nikki Garcia, The Biggest Loser's Bob Harper, Big Brother's Britney Haynes, Survivor's "Boston" Rob Mariano,Real Housewives of New York City's Dorinda Medley, Summer House's Ciara Miller, Royal Lord Ivar Mountbatten, Big Brother's Danielle Reyes, Vanderpump Rules' Tom Sandoval, Selling Sunset's Chrishell Stause, Survivor's Tony Vlachos, Survivor's Carolyn Wiger and The Bachelorette's Gabby Windey.

What is The Traitors about?

Peacock

The Traitors Season 3 Plot

The Traitors is all about who can out-trick their components in the dreamiest murder mystery game. A variety of celebs gather in a Scottish castle, along with host Alan Cumming, to complete a series of missions and have the chance to win up to $250 thousand. While the Traitors are trying to "murder" the Faithful one by one, the Faithful work to unmask and banish the Traitors. Only one team can win!

How many seasons of Traitors are there?

Chris Haston/NBC

There are currently two seasons of The Traitors available to stream on Peacock now. You can stream season 3 starting January 9!

Let us know your thoughts and hopes for The Traitors season 3 on Facebook and check out The Best Reality TV Shows To Watch Right Now!

This post has been updated.

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