Barack and Michelle Obama sign with Audible

Barack and Michelle Obama are signing an exclusive podcast deal with Amazon-owned Audible, just months after being dropped by Spotify.

Higher Ground, the company founded by the former U.S. president and first lady, will therefore soon produce these new podcasts to « tell meaningful and entertaining stories that showcase diverse voices and experiences, »Audible says in a statement.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Obama family was frustrated that the exclusive agreement with Spotify they signed in 2019 did not allow them to reach a wider audience. That would be the main reason the former White House occupants signed with Audible.

Michelle Obama said, « We are so proud of the stories we’ve been able to tell at Higher Ground, and there’s no one we’d rather write our next chapter with than Audible. »

In April, Spotify ended its multi-year relationship with Higher Ground after it was reported that the Stockholm-based streaming giant was unhappy that the former first couple made few personal appearances on the platform.

Barack and Michelle Obama were paid $25 million after signing with Spotify in 2019.