They've
got their fair share of celebrity fans.
But The
Wanted were left gobsmacked when America's First Lady Michelle Obama revealed
that she's a huge fan of the boyband.
The
group met Mrs Obama after travelling to Washington D.C. to perform in front of
the President and First Lady at the White House in scenes shown in the latest
episode of their E! reality show The Wanted Life.
Gobsmacked:
The Wanted were left stunned when Michelle Obama revealed she's a big fan in
the latest episode of their reality show
'You
guys are awesome!' The First Lady's praise came after the boys performed at a
concert at the White House
Before
making the journey from Los Angeles, the boys joked that they wanted to have
better knowledge of American politics, with Jay McGuiness joking: 'Let’s Google
loads of President stuff so we’re not ignorant when we get there.
'Lincoln,
Zero Dark Thirty, Independence Day – I’m guessing its in all them. It’s like
the American version of meeting the Queen.'
Tom
Parker added: 'I’ve seen loads of films – I watched Salt recently – and
apparently there’s a bunker seven stories down, that would be good to see but
we probably won’t get to.'
However,
one person less excited about the news was Nathan Sykes, who had been
struggling with his voice since arriving in America.
Meet
and greet: The boys were also given the opportunity to meet the White House dog
Bo
He
said: 'I find it very disappointing that I’m not able to perform especially for
such a cool event,’ he said. It’s in pieces, it would be like a squealing cat.'
The
next day the group started rehearsing for the White House gig. The band chose
Jay to take on Nathan’s parts of the song but their band manager was less than
impressed with his high notes.
Pulling
Jay aside their US manager Nano told Jay he should think about taking vocal
lessons, but the criticism did not go down well with the singer.
Speaking
to the camera, Jay said: '‘He dragged me away from the group and said it like
‘You need a vocal coach’ I was so embarrassed in front of the boys. I feel a
little singled out because it was done in such an embarrassing way. Fine, I
will go to the vocal coach but it makes me feel like I suck.'
Greeting
the crowds: The concert was kicked off with President Obama making a speech to
the 35,000 people from the White House balcony
In awe:
The boys stood in the crowd as Obama made his speech
Nano
arranged the coach – a friend of Scooter Braun called Mama Jan, with Tom
accompanying Jay to the session for moral support.
Tom
later told the camera: 'We’re friends at the end of the day and I didn't want
Jay to feel like he was the only one who needed to go to the vocal coach so I
was there for moral support.'
And
coach Mamma Jan, real name Jan Smith, quickly loosened up the lads.
She
started the guys doing umping jacks – telling them she encourages other star’s
she works with such as Justin Bieber and Usher to do 10 minutes of the exercise
a day.
Jay
said afterwards: 'She had unusual techniques but knowing the other people she
has worked with definitely made me feel better about the experience.'
Unimpressed:
Jay was stunned when the band's US vocal coach told him he would need to have
voice lessons
Moral
support: Tom accompanied ay to the lesson, but the boys were unsure about some
of the techniques
Meanwhile
Max George revealed his inner thespian -
going to see Scooter Braun to ask him about getting him an acting audition
while he was in Hollywood.
He
explained: 'I’ve been thinking about doing about a bit of acting. I used to do
auditions and stuff when I was in London before I started singing. I think it's
a better opportunity now I’m in Hollywood to do it.'
With
prompting from Tom’s girlfriend Max tried to practice his acting skills with a
little role play – using his best American accent to to ask Tom (pretending to
be a girl) out on a first date.
But the
boys couldn’t quite keep it together as Max started stroking Tom’s hair – with
both breaking down into fits of laughter.
Acting
dreams: Max also revealed his dream to get an acting role in Hollywood
The
boys then hopped on a jet to Washington D.C. to perform at the Easter Sunday
celebrations in front of 35,000 people.
Nathan
said: 'Rumour has it that Michelle Obama is a fan of The Wanted. I’m not
putting words in her mouth – I’m just saying rumour has it.'
Tom
found himself star-struck in the presence of the President.
‘After
the President gave his speech he came down right in front of us – this was the
greatest day ever … wow,’ he said.
As the
boys got on stage they were cheered on by hundreds of screaming fans – making
Jay feel slightly better about being singled out earlier.
He said
after the show: 'I think I did a pretty good job. Initially I took it a little
personally with the vocal coaching situation, it was very dramatic. But I’ve
got skills now that I can carry on through my entire career.'
The
boys were then granted a personal audience with Michelle Obama – who confirmed
the rumours she is indeed a fan.
'You
guys are awesome,' Mrs Obama said.
She
then introduced them to the White House dog Bo Obama – who showed his training
when Michelle said ‘paw’ and Bo duly obliged.
Max
then tried to see if Bo would cooperate – but had no luck. He then put on his
best U.S. accent and tried again – with success.
He told
camera’s later: 'I think anyone who doubts my American accent should just watch
that performance – if the First Dog can believe in it then anyone can!'
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