Obamas Celebrate a Night of Wonder at White House

The East Room of the White House, normally a place for staid presidential news conferences and other stuffy Washington happenings, was transformed into a nightclub Wednesday night as musical genius Stevie Wonder stepped onto the stage and rocked the house.

Wonder is the winner of The Library of Congress' Gershwin Prize, which was bestowed on him by President Obama.

In a celebration to be broadcast on PBS Thursday night, Wonder kicked things off with a flawless version of Sir Duke and later, classics like Isn't She Lovely and Superstition. However, the night was also a tribute to Wonder. Stars as varied in musical style as Tony Bennett and Paul Simon to Will.i.am and Martina McBride paraded though; each with their own rendition of Wonder's unmistakable hits.

The first couple -- Michelle looking stunning in an emerald gown -- along with Vice President Biden and his wife Jill, took in the show from the front row. But it was Wonder's performances that were the stars of the night; something that neither Obama let slip by.

The first lady recalled listening to Wonder's music as a little girl with her grandfather; something that she took with her into her relationship with her now-husband Barack Obama, "Years later, when I discovered what Stevie meant when he sang about love, Barack and I chose the song, 'You and I' as our wedding song."

When President Obama stepped up to the mic, he echoed the influence Wonder's music had on the couple. In only a half-joking manner he noted, "I think it's fair to say that had I not been a Stevie Wonder fan, Michelle might not have dated me. We might not have married. And the fact that we agreed on Stevie was a part of the essence of our courtship."

Wonder later returned the accolades, describing the historical significance of Obama's rise to office and the potential of a more united world as a result. However, he then took it a bit further, "I'm looking forward to you doing that, so that in my lifetime, I can write some more songs about love, about unity. And through those songs of passion, you know, maybe I'll be a part of creating some more of those babies."

But no pressure!