White House gets private show from Prince
President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama and 500 of their closest friends were treated to a private show from Prince at the White House Saturday night, according to Page Six.
The singer, who was in town to perform at the Warner Theater as part of his HITnRUN tour, added a two-hour private concert at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue as part of African-American Music Appreciation Month. He played hits "Kiss" and "Purple Rain" and, at one point, invited fellow singer Stevie Wonder onstage for a surprise duet of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours."
The event was kept fairly quiet - the White House schedule for Saturday said only that the president had "no public events scheduled," and the White House told the Washington Post only that the Obamas "were 'hosting a private party for friends and family' on Saturday night."
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said again Monday that the Obamas had a private event but would not comment on the guest list.
Page Six reports that the celebrities in attendance included Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, singers Ciara, Jon Bon Jovi and James Taylor, actors Tyler Perry, Connie Britton, Angela Bassett, Tracee Ellis Ross, fashion designer Naeem Khan and J. Crew creative director Jenna Lyons. "CBS This Morning" Host Gayle King was also there.
The Reverend Al Sharpton also enjoyed the performance.
Attendees from the D.C. world included former Attorney General Eric Holder, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and National Security Adviser Susan Rice.