The coronavirus pandemic has made institutions forego traditional graduation ceremonies for virtual ones for graduates to stream online. Over the weekend, at Youtube’s Dear Class of 2020 showed many of the most famous celebrities to deliver their commencement speeches to the graduates, having started off with former president and first lady Barack and Michelle Obama.
The Obamas started off the commencement speeches with a joint address to the graduates. The former president started off by congratulating the graduates of 2020, followed by words from the former first lady. “This is a huge day for all of you, and we couldn’t be more excited to be celebrating with you all today. While you may not get the experience of sweating under your cap and gown in the hot sun, or getting embarrassed by your family yelling out your name when you walk across the stage, you still have all those people with you today, just like they’ve been with you on this whole journey,” said Michelle.
Other celebrities who delivered their commencement speeches to the graduates include Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Demi Lovato, Yara Shahidi, Billy Porter, Katy Perry, Kerry Washington, Lizzo, Alicia Keys, K-Pop group BTS, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and many others.
The former first lady also addressed the ongoing civil unrest sparked by racial injustice and inequality that still remains prevalent today in her commencement speech. Michelle assured the graduates who may be feeling confused and angry all at once that they are not alone. The former first lady continued to note the struggles many Americans have faced during the pandemic, which has now claimed over 112,000 lives. The former first lady also gave some advice and encouragement to the graduates to use their voice and speak up especially in these uncertain times.
Michelle concluded her address by encouraging the graduates to vote or register to vote especially as the November elections draw near so they could really make a difference and push for progress. “Graduates, you all are exactly what we need right now - and for the years and decades to come,” said the former first lady.


Peru Election 2026: Fujimori Holds Narrow Lead as Contested Votes Face Review
Mitch McConnell Hospitalized After Medical Incident in Washington
Lebanon Resists Iran Pressure as Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Talks Stall
US-Iran Peace Deal Nears as Tehran and Pakistan Signal Breakthrough
Switzerland Rejects Population Cap Proposal, Preserving EU Labor Ties
Anthropic Officials Meet White House Over AI Model Outage
Senior Haitian Security Official Kidnapped as Gang Violence Escalates in Port-au-Prince
U.S.-Iran Peace Framework Nears as Strait of Hormuz Reopening Takes Center Stage
Trump Says U.S.-Iran Deal Could Be Signed Sunday as Tehran Signals More Talks Needed
Trump Opposes FISA Renewal Without SAVE Act Voting Requirement
Lazard Challenges Centerview for Role in Venezuela’s Massive Debt Restructuring
Trump Signals Possible Iran Peace Deal as Markets Rally
Viktor Orban Re-Elected as Fidesz Leader After Election Defeat
Trump Nominates Jay Clayton as DNI Amid FISA Surveillance Dispute
G7 Summit Protest in Geneva Turns Violent as Demonstrators Clash with Police
France Hosts Israeli-Palestinian Civil Society Appeal to Revive Two-State Solution Ahead of G7 Summit
Mark Carney Celebrates Irish Roots and Calls for Stronger Canada-EU Cooperation 



