President Obama Sings Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” [Video]

By Ashley Lee

Whether you consider yourself a Republican or a Democrat, Independent or blissfully unaware, one thing’s for certain when it comes to President Barack Obama: the man can sing. While speaking at a fundraiser at Harlem’s historic Apollo Theater, Obama belted a couple phrases of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” and even the original soul singer is in shock from what he heard.

This past Thursday night, about 1,400 supporters attended the fundraiser, which included performances from Al Green and India.Arie. And after singing a few bars of Green’s classic hit, Obama addressed the singer in the audience, “Don’t worry Rev, I cannot sing like you, but I just wanted to show my appreciation.”

And Green is returning the compliment, telling TMZ that Obama’s singing is “terrific” and ”he nailed it.”

Even more so, American Idol associate music director and vocal coach Michael Orland is a little too excited about Obama’s musical abilities.

“I swear to you, if he auditioned for me in the big stadium [rounds], I would have put him through to the producers immediately,” Orland told MTV News. “I think he was really charming and had a great voice…I thought his phrasing was great, how he broke it up and really worked the room while he was doing it.” All that, after two lines of lyrics.

Obama’s pitch is pretty impressive though. “He was in the exact same key [as Al Green's recording]. To pull that out of the air, with everything perfectly in tune, I was really impressed,” Orland added.

However, Al Green said, “I was thrilled that the President even mentioned my name, and if the President can get the economy going again and get everything going that he wants to, then we’ll all be together.”

Strangest backhanded compliment ever, straight from a supporter who performed at the fundraiser…

Anyway, watch the short clip below:

What’d you think of Obama’s singing abilities? Should he try out for ‘The X Factor’ if he doesn’t score a second term? (There’s no age limit on that show…)

Ashley is a UC San Diego grad who is holding on way too tightly to a potential career in magazines and goes to Vegas all too often. She’s fascinated with celebrities and strawberry beer and doubles as a pathological texter/emailer/blogger. Feed the addiction with tweets @cashleelee. Thanks in advance.