Earlier this week, Michelle Obama made a surprise appearance during the opening address at the 61st Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, when she joined Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Jada Pinkett Smith and Jennifer Lopez on the stage.

The famous quintet all shared  personal anecdotes about how music has changed their lives and empowered them as women. However, it was Obama who was interrupted with a standing ovation and furious smattering of applause as she opened her mouth to speak.

“From the Motown records I wore out on the Southside to the Who Run the World songs that fueled me through this last decade, music has always helped me tell my story,” Obama said, referring to the Chicago neighbourhood where she grew up. 

“Whether we like country or rap or rock, music helps us share ourselves, our dignity and sorrows, our hopes and joys. It allows us to hear one another, to invite each other in.”

It was an emotional moment, with many taking to Twitter to praise Obama as a “queen” and beg her to return to the White House “where she belongs”.

However, one person who seemed distinctly unimpressed by Obama’s moment on stage was none other than… 

Yup, you guessed it: her mother!

Taking to Instagram, Obama shared a hilarious text message thread between her and her “mom”, Marian Shields Robinson.

“I guess you were a hit at the Grammys,” said Robinson, along with a smiling emoji.

An excited Obama asked her mother if she watched the show, to which she replied: “I watched it because Gracie called me. Did you meet any of the real stars or did you run straight after you were done?”

Ouch. Only a mum, eh?

A bemused Obama noted that she thought she’d told Robinson that she was going to be on the show (because, y’know, if you’re going to be on the Grammys, you tell people). 

However, her mum refused to believe it, and insisted: “No you did not. I would have remembered that, even though I don’t remember that much.”

Obama replied: “I thought I told you…”

Then, brilliantly, she added: “And I am a real star, by the way!”

Of course, Obama and Robinson are incredibly close. 

During an appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s The Today Show, shortly after she left the White House, the former First Lady said she was incredibly grateful to all those who have supported her and her family during her husband’s eight years as president.

However there was one person in particular that she wanted to send a special shout-out to: Robinson.

“I couldn’t have done this without you, Mum,” said Obama, turning to face the camera and looking visibly moved. “Just having a multigenerational existence really kept us grounded.”

She added: “I love you, Mum – and I’m proud of you. I’m proud of you because you represented this country so well, too.”

Image: Getty