The White House had hosted presidents, royalty and history-making moments—but on this night, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton brought something rarely seen on the South Lawn: their own love story set to music. For Barack and Michelle Obama’s final State Dinner, Gwen was chosen to headline an elegant evening honoring Italy’s Prime Minister, with names like James Taylor, Giorgio Armani and Jerry Seinfeld among the guests. Then Blake stepped onto the stage. Together, they began “Go Ahead and Break My Heart”—a song written when their romance was still new and both were learning to trust love again. Beneath the lights of the White House, their playful smiles and lingering glances made the enormous occasion suddenly feel private. Of all the grandeur surrounding them, one of the night’s most memorable sights was simply two people in love singing the song that helped tell their story.

Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton duet plus more from President Barack and Michelle Obama’s final state dinner


Gwen Stefani singing on stage with a microphone and Blake Shelton talking to her at an event.

It was date night at the White House for Gwen Stefani and  Blake Shelton. The country crooner stepped out on Tuesday night to support his girlfriend at President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s last state dinner.

Barack Obama in a black tuxedo shakes hands with Lady Gaga, who wears a floral dress and has pink hair.

 

Photo: Instagram/@gwenstefani

Gwen, who is of Italian descent, was the headliner for the evening honoring Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife, Agnese Landini. The No Doubt singer, 47, took to the stage on the South Lawn of the presidential estate to perform hits like her 2006 popular tune “Sweet Escape” in addition to special duet with her beau.

Blake, 40, and Gwen treated the A-list crowd, which included Giorgio ArmaniFrank OceanJames TaylorJerry Seinfeld and Rachael Ray, to a performance of their romantic song, Go Ahead and Break My Heart.

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani at an event, conversing with another man.

Photo: Michael Reynolds DPA/PA Images

One attendee, Chance the Rapper, tweeted his excitement at watching the mom-of-three perform, writing, “Gwen Stefani just sang to me at the White House. And pointed at me. Bro. I’m dead.”

Apart from musical performances, guests at the star-studded event were also treated to delectable Italian dishes by celebrity chef Mario Batali. The menu for the evening featured angnolotti with butter and sage, warm butternut squash salad, beef braciole with horseradish gremolata and for dessert, a green apple crostata with thyme caramel.

Michelle Obama in a shimmering gown and Barack Obama in a tuxedo, both smiling.

Photo: Olivier Douliery DPA/PA Images

While the entertainment and food clearly did not disappoint, neither did Michelle Obama’s final state dinner look. The mom-of-two dazzled at the October 18 event wearing a custom rose gold chainmail gown by Italian label Atelier Versace.

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The first lady and her dapper-looking husband made a smart pair at the D.C. party, sending celebrity fans like Bella Hadid and Nicki Minaj into fangirl mode. The Super Bass singer shared a photo of the first couple on her Instagram account with several heart-eye emojis writing, “Barack needed a Michelle.”

WATCH BLAKE AND GWEN PERFORM BELOW