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WASHINGTON, July 5 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama serenaded his eldest child on Fourth of July in honor of her 18th birthday and the last White House Independence Day party for the family. Kendrick Lamar and Janelle Monae also performed, but on this day, Malia had the spotlight with her dad, People reported.
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"And just because it's a job of a father to embarrass his daughters, I've got one last job," the president said. "It just so happens that we celebrate our country's birthday on the same day that we celebrate my oldest daughter's birthday," he said, leading the crowd in a rendition of "Happy Birthday." She later joined the president on stage, giving him a big hug.
Earlier, celebrity guest Jidenna joined Lamar and Monae in the White House East Room along with military veterans and their families, where they enjoyed barbecue and watched fireworks from the window.
The concert was originally scheduled on the South Lawn but lousy weather moved the star-studded lineup inside.
Jidenna got the festivities started with some of his hits, including Swimming Pools, [Expletive], Don't Kill My Vibe and and Alright. Monae performed some of her popular music and Prince's Let's Go Crazy.
"I want to acknowledge a musical mentor. He always tried to change the world. We love you Prince," she said during the performance.
Obama called Monae and Lamar "amazing artists. I've gotten a chance to know, and they are both amazing artists and talented and popular and doing great things, but they're also very conscious about their responsibilities and obligations. And they put in a lot of time and effort on behalf of a lot of causes that are important. We're really proud of them."
Some 20 minutes later, Monae beseeched the president not to leave when his second term ends. Durng a rendition of the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back," Monáe added, "We want you back, Mr. President! We don't want you to leave," ABC News reported.
During his comments to hundreds of people in the White House, Obama called America a "miracle" that needs to be defended.
It wasn't just the performers Obama acknowledge. It was the military, as well.
"We all know that our freedoms are dependent on an incredible group of men and women in uniform and their families who look out for us every single day," Obama said. "Some of them are in attendance here today. For those in our military who could not attend, we just want to say how much we admire, respect and appreciate everything you do to fight for our freedom every single day."
