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Barack Obama, in Chicago on Wednesday for a re-election fundraising event on the eve of his 50th birthday, got an early surprise.

He was serenaded by Jennifer Hudson, who led the audience in an upbeat chorus of “Happy Birthday dear President” as the man of the hour stepped out onto the stage.

A clearly delighted Obama told the crowd: “I could not have a better early birthday present than spending tonight with all of you. It is true that I turn 50 tomorrow, which means that by the time I wake up, I will have an email from AARP, asking me to call President Obama and tell him to protect Medicare.”

The real celebration took place back at the White House on Thursday, when Jay-Z, Chris Rock, Tom Hanks and others gathered at a birthday bash in the Rose Garden.

The celebratory song was nothing like the steamy rendition delivered by actress Marilyn Monroe on the occasion of President John F. Kennedy‘s 45th birthday in 1962. It was much later revealed that they had been engaged in extracurricular activities of a non-political nature.

Celebrities Turning 50 – List and Pics

Check out the contrasting birthday videos below:


Marilyn Rendition

Photo: Video Screen Grab