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Michelle Obama's Awesome White House Concert

by Kenya Foy

As everyone awaits the epicenter of spring-time entertainment that is the SXSW festival, first lady Michelle Obama has arranged her own musical showcase. She can teach you how to dougie and rock fierce hairstyles and fashion, all while going head-to-head with hecklers, so I'm probably not the only one who isn't surprised at the pizazz possessed by the lineup of performers who are set the hit the stage for Obama's "Women of Soul" concert. The theme of the night: no safe, stuffy acts allowed. Among the songstresses scheduled to perform are Aretha Franklin, The Voice winner Tessanne Chin, and Mellissa Etheridge, but I'm most excited to see Janelle Monáe, former Nickelodeon starlet Ariana Grande, and the ultimate soul diva Patti LaBelle.

Here's why you should be, too.

JANELLE MONÁE

Monáe's performances are downright electrifying and she's already been co-signed by the first family. They love her so much that she's been invited to perform at multiple events, including the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. The first lady even danced to Monáe's song "Tightrope" during an appearance on Ellen. Good song choice, first lady. Anyone who listens will be hard-pressed not to at least get a little two-step going. Whenever I hear it, I forget all about my bad knee and can't quite resist reaching into my bag of dance move tricks.

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ARIANA GRANDE

The Nickelodeon starlet, who's been coined "mini-Mariah," is sure to put on a great show. Even though Carey may challenge this comparison, Grande clearly sounds like a Butterfly-era version of the leader of the Lambs, which isn't a bad thing. Grande's airy, Mimi-esque vocals are quite evident in her singles "The Way" featuring Mac Miller and "Right There" featuring Big Sean.

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PATTI LABELLELegend that she is, I always look forward to a good ol' fashioned Patti LaBelle showdown.The big question is will LaBelle's shoes stay on during her performance?

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I already have my dance shoes ready for Thursday's live stream of the concert. You too, I assume.