Beyonce, John Legend fete Michelle Obama at birthday bash

Michelle Obama's 50th birthday bash featured performances by pop stars Beyonce and John Legend, and appearances by a host of A-list celebrities, AFP reports citing one prominent guest. "Amazing. Incredible party," political analyst Donna Brazile told CNN the morning after the festivities, about which few details were revealed by the White House. "Childhood friends there. People from the administration," she gushed about Saturday's exclusive celebration. "The most important thing is, Beyonce performed, and I have to tell you, John Legend sang 'Happy Birthday,'" said Brazile, a longtime Democratic Party operative who ran Al Gore's unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2000. "The most moving tribute came (from) (President) Barack Obama, who talked about the woman he met and fell in love with." CNN reported that the party lasted until around 2:00 am, and was attended by actor Samuel Jackson, singer Smokey Robinson and basketball legend Magic Johnson. The Washington Post, meanwhile, wrote that actress and singer Jennifer Hudson was also on hand. The VIP guest list, The Post reported, also included former President Bill Clinton and his wife ex-secretary of state Hillary Clinton, former Beatle Paul McCartney, former Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan and folk singing legend James Taylor. Michelle Obama turned 50 on Friday to great national fanfare, including magazine interviews and television profiles of her life and her role in history as America's first African American first lady. Closely watched as a fashion icon and praised for social causes that include working with military families and fighting against childhood obesity, the first lady has polled a 65 percent popularity rate -- a good 20 points higher than her husband.