Michelle Obama Reveals 10 New Ear Piercings, Shares Barack's Reaction

The former first lady opened up about her new look and her husband's delayed response on her podcast.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In the latest episode of her IMO podcast, Michelle Obama revealed that she got 10 new ear piercings in one sitting. She shared that it took her husband, former President Barack Obama, a few days to notice the new piercings, much to her amusement.

Why it matters

Michelle Obama's openness about her personal style choices and her husband's reaction provides a rare glimpse into the private life of the high-profile political couple, humanizing them and showing their playful dynamic.

The details

Michelle Obama explained that she had always wanted more ear piercings, and was inspired by the "beautiful adornment" and "constellation" of piercings she saw on the younger people in her life. She went in for a few piercings and ended up with 10 in one sitting, which her brother and podcast co-host Craig Robinson joked was "ouch." When Barack Obama finally noticed the new piercings a few days later, Michelle teased him about not noticing sooner, since they sleep in the same bed.

  • Michelle Obama revealed the new piercings on the latest episode of her IMO podcast.
  • Barack Obama noticed the piercings a few days after Michelle got them.

The players

Michelle Obama

The former First Lady of the United States, known for her advocacy work and bestselling memoir "Becoming."

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, who was married to Michelle Obama from 1992 until the present day.

Craig Robinson

Michelle Obama's brother, who co-hosts the IMO podcast with her.

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What they’re saying

“What I've learned is that you tried to get your ears pierced and thought I didn't notice. And I see you got all these new piercings in your ear,”

— Craig Robinson, Michelle Obama's brother and podcast co-host (IMO podcast)

“Barack, [it] took him a couple of days. He was like, 'You haven't had your hair up, you've had your hair down.' And I was like, 'I don't know. I like sleep with you every night, dude, you know?'”

— Michelle Obama (IMO podcast)

The takeaway

Michelle Obama's openness about her personal style choices and her playful dynamic with her husband Barack provides a relatable and humanizing look at the high-profile political couple, showing that even former First Families have everyday moments and conversations.