Michelle Obama and MTV Present the “When We All Vote Prom-athon”: An Epic Virtual Celebration for High Schoolers and Voter Engagement

The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges, and for high school students across the United States, one of the most keenly felt losses was the cancellation of prom. A quintessential rite of passage, prom marks the culmination of years of hard work, friendship, and anticipation. While traditional gowns and tuxedos had to remain in closets, former First Lady Michelle Obama and MTV stepped in to ensure that this generation of high schoolers wouldn’t miss out on their moment to shine, albeit virtually. They collaborated to throw an unforgettable “Prom-athon” at home, blending celebration with civic responsibility through Michelle Obama’s nonpartisan voter registration organization, When We All Vote. This groundbreaking event, held on May 22nd, aimed to provide a much-needed morale boost while also highlighting the crucial importance of youth voter registration, especially as the 2020 election loomed.

The When We All Vote Prom-athon was more than just a virtual dance party; it was a carefully curated experience designed to engage, entertain, and educate. Broadcast on MTV’s YouTube channel, the event invited students from every corner of the country to participate in a massive, star-studded affair. It served as a powerful tribute to the amazing high schoolers who had tirelessly worked to register their peers to vote throughout 2020, demonstrating the profound impact young people can have on the democratic process. Here’s a comprehensive look at what made this unique virtual prom an absolute sensation, from the electrifying performances to the inspiring mission behind it.

1. Prepare for epic performances from three killer acts and celebrity ‘prom’ tutorials to get you party-ready. No prom, virtual or otherwise, is complete without an incredible soundtrack, and the When We All Vote Prom-athon certainly delivered on that front! Attendees were treated to electrifying sets from some of the hottest names in music. The GRAMMY-nominated R&B duo Chloe x Halle, celebrated for their captivating harmonies, soulful vocals, and dynamic stage presence, brought their unique blend of artistry to the virtual stage. Their performance was a definite highlight, showcasing their talent and captivating a wide audience.

Adding to the energetic lineup was reality TV star and world-renowned DJ, DJ Pauly D. Known for his infectious personality and ability to pump up any crowd, Pauly D spun the freshest tracks, ensuring that students everywhere could turn their living rooms into dance floors. His set was designed to keep the energy levels high, making sure no one felt like they were missing out on the party atmosphere. The vibrant rapper KYLE also graced the event, bringing his signature upbeat energy and infectious hits to the virtual celebration. With this diverse trio of talented artists, the Prom-athon proved to be a musical spectacular for high schoolers nationwide. Furthermore, organizers strategically hinted at the possibility of additional surprise guest performances throughout the evening, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats and ensuring the entertainment factor remained incredibly high.

Beyond the music, this unique virtual prom offered practical and fun tutorials to help students prepare for their special night at home. For those looking to perfect their dance moves and truly own the virtual dance floor, professional dancer and Emmy-winning choreographer Julianne Hough hosted an exclusive segment. She skillfully guided viewers through easy-to-follow steps, ensuring everyone could boogie down with confidence and style, regardless of their prior dance experience. Beauty enthusiasts rejoiced as celebrated beauty vlogger and internet sensation Bretman Rock shared his expert tips and tricks for achieving the perfect prom makeup look. His tutorial brought glamour directly to viewers’ screens, offering accessible and on-trend advice. And to complete the head-to-toe transformation, world-renowned celebrity stylist Chris Appleton, known for working with A-list clients, demonstrated chic and contemporary hairstyles. His tutorial was a breath of fresh air, inspiring modern looks and moving far beyond traditional stiff updos, embracing current trends that are perfect for a memorable virtual prom experience.

2. The party starts at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT, accessible to all, and globally featured. Mark your calendars and set your reminders! The When We All Vote Prom-athon was meticulously scheduled to ensure maximum participation across different time zones. Kicking off at 9:00 PM ET (Eastern Time) and 6:00 PM PT (Pacific Time), the timing allowed students from coast to coast to join in the festivities at a reasonable hour. The primary platform for tuning into this spectacular event was MTV’s official YouTube channel, making it incredibly accessible to anyone with an internet connection. You could easily find the livestream HERE, providing a direct gateway to the star-studded virtual celebration.

The reach of the Prom-athon extended even further, as the celebration was also featured globally across MTV’s various digital platforms. This strategic decision by the network ensured that students and viewers beyond the United States could experience the unique blend of entertainment and civic engagement. This global exposure underscored the universal message of youth empowerment and the importance of participation in democratic processes, resonating with young audiences worldwide. The digital nature of the event made it incredibly inclusive, breaking down geographical barriers and allowing a broad spectrum of high schoolers to partake in an event that aimed to unite them during a time of isolation. It was a testament to the power of virtual events to create a shared experience, fostering a sense of community even when physical gatherings were impossible.

3. Look for special appearances by even more beloved celebrities. The Prom-athon wasn’t just about the main performers and tutorial hosts; it also boasted an impressive roster of additional celebrity appearances, each adding their unique sparkle to the event. Music sensations like Bebe Rexha, known for her powerful vocals and chart-topping hits, and Latin Grammy winner Becky G, a multifaceted artist recognized for her vibrant personality and diverse musical talent, were slated for “special appearances.” Their presence undoubtedly amplified the excitement and drew in a broader audience.

Adding to the star power was rapper Tory Lanez, whose participation brought another layer of musical diversity to the event. Beyond the entertainers, the Prom-athon also featured key figures from the When We All Vote organization itself, reinforcing the event’s core mission. When We All Vote Ambassador Fat Joe, a respected voice in hip-hop and a passionate advocate for community engagement, made a special appearance. He was joined by When We All Vote Co-Chair Janelle Monáe, an acclaimed artist, actor, and activist whose commitment to social justice and voter rights is well-documented. While there was no specific word on exactly what these celebrities “cooked up” for their livestream segments, the sheer star power assembled suggested that anything from motivational messages and heartfelt stories to impromptu performances or interactive moments were possible. Their collective involvement served to highlight the importance of youth civic engagement, inspiring viewers to register and make their voices heard at the polls, ultimately reinforcing the impactful message of When We All Vote.

4. There’s an all-day takeover happening on MTV before the virtual prom begins, extending the celebration. The excitement for the When We All Vote Prom-athon wasn’t confined to the evening event; it was a full-day spectacle! If students found themselves busy during the live broadcast of the virtual prom, the festivities had actually already commenced much earlier on May 22nd. Throughout the entire day, MTV orchestrated a special “takeover” of its broadcast schedule, creating an immersive, prom-themed experience designed to build anticipation and keep viewers engaged from morning till night.

The network strategically broadcasted some of the most iconic and beloved prom-themed movies of all time. Viewers were treated to a nostalgic journey through cinematic history with films like 17 Again, a heartwarming comedy about second chances; Bring It On, the spirited cheerleading movie that defined a generation; Clueless, the endlessly quotable teen classic that set fashion trends; and the timeless musical Grease, which continues to charm audiences with its iconic songs and dance numbers. These films not only served as perfect background entertainment but also immersed viewers in the quintessential prom spirit, albeit from the comfort of their homes. To further enhance the all-day experience, several stars made periodic special on-air appearances throughout the movie marathon. Artists like AJ Mitchell, rapper DDG, R&B singer Mario, actress and singer Laura Marano, and more popped up intermittently, offering exclusive commentary, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or perhaps even teasing what was to come in the evening’s main event. The exact nature of their daytime appearances remained a playful mystery, adding an element of surprise and encouraging viewers to stay tuned to MTV all day, making the entire Prom-athon event an extended celebration of youth culture and civic pride.

5. It’s a celebration in honor of the winners of the 2020 Prom Challenge, empowering student voter registration. At its heart, the When We All Vote Prom-athon was more than just a party; it was a significant celebration of youth civic engagement and a testament to the power of student activism. Remember when celebrities were posting their prom throwback photos back in January? That social media movement was actually the initial spark and the culmination of a much larger, impactful initiative: the 2020 Prom Challenge.

While the Prom-athon was a nationwide event, inviting all high schoolers to participate, it held a special significance for the high schools that truly excelled in When We All Vote’s “My School Votes Program” and the subsequent 2020 Prom Challenge. This innovative program, spearheaded by When We All Vote and MTV, was launched as a grant competition. It presented a compelling challenge to high schools across the United States: commit to boosting voter registration in their local communities, focusing specifically on their eligible student body. The goal was to empower young people to take an active role in their democracy and ensure their voices would be heard in the upcoming 2020 election. And these intrepid high schoolers absolutely rose to the challenge, demonstrating remarkable dedication and organizational skills.

The results of the challenge were truly inspiring. For instance, Compton Early College High School in Compton, California, achieved an extraordinary feat, pre-registering and registering nearly 100 percent of their eligible seniors to vote. This remarkable accomplishment underscored the students’ commitment and the effectiveness of their efforts. Similarly, Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School in Washington, D.C., showcased exceptional dedication by registering their entire senior class, a testament to their proactive approach to civic education and engagement. These schools, along with many others, not only succeeded in increasing voter registration rates but also instilled a profound sense of civic responsibility among their students.

The winners of the 2020 Prom Challenge, whose outstanding efforts were celebrated during the Prom-athon, include:

• Dobson High School – Mesa, AZ
• Western School of Science & Technology – Phoenix, AZ
• Norte Vista High School – Riverside, CA
• Compton Early College High School – Compton, CA
• Community Charter Early College High School – Lake View Terrace, CA
• Thurgood Marshall Academy PCHS – Washington, DC
• Hialeah Gardens HS – Hialeah Gardens, FL
• Meadowcreek High School – Norcross, GA
• TF North High School – Calumet City, IL
• Muchin College Prep – Chicago, IL
• Communication and Media Arts High School – Detroit, MI
• Cass Technical High School – Detroit, MI
• John F. Kennedy High School – Winston – Salem, NC
• R.J. Reynolds High School – Winston – Salem, NC
• Valley High School – Las Vegas, NV
• STEM Academy at Showalter – Chester, PA
• Abraham Lincoln High School – Philadelphia, PA
• Building 21 High School – Allentown, PA
• Westbury High School – Houston, TX
• Golda Meir High School – Milwaukee, WI

These schools and their students exemplify the spirit of active citizenship, proving that youth leadership is pivotal in shaping the future of democracy. Their success not only earned them a spotlight in the Prom-athon but also contributed significantly to fostering a culture of voting and civic participation among young people across the nation, making the event a truly meaningful and impactful initiative.

P.S. — Even after this fantastic Prom-athon, the message remains clear: if you haven’t registered to vote yet, there’s still ample time to make that happen! Your voice is a powerful tool in a democracy, and exercising your right to vote ensures it is heard and accounted for. The process is straightforward and quick, thanks to resources provided by our friends at Rock The Vote. By signing up, you’re actively participating in shaping the future of your community and country. Don’t miss this crucial opportunity to make sure your voice resonates at the polls, especially with the upcoming elections. Take a few moments to register using the form below; it’s easy, impactful, and your civic duty!