Why are Barack & Michelle Obama not part of Spotify’s $1 Billion Joe Rogan, Kim Kardashian, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Program Anymore

Spotify is one of the biggest audio-sharing platforms, home to many renowned podcasts exclusively. It hosts some of the biggest celebrities from different walks of life. Some of the notable ones are UFC commentator Joe Rogan, actress-model Kim Kardashian, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and former US President, Barack Obama.

The former first couple of the US, Barack and Michelle Obama had an exclusive contract with Spotify for their podcast. ‘The Michelle Obama Podcast’, was one of the biggest deals in Spotify’s history, but it has ended now. 

The audio-sharing platform is not looking to renew the deal amid multiple disagreements. As a result, the celebrity couple will now head toward other platforms in search of an ideal deal. Amazon’s Audible and iHeartMedia are the names in contention.

Spotify and the Obamas had several disputes regarding the couple not making many personal appearances on the show. The company led by CEO Daniel Ek wanted the former first couple to be more involved in the podcast. Whereas, the Obamas were interested in giving the platform to new voices.

There was also a disagreement regarding the exclusivity clause that prevents the podcast from being shared on different platforms. Reportedly, the couple believed that it was halting the reach of the podcast. They would look to get rid of it on the new platform.

Spotify signed the husband-wife duo in 2019 for a reported sum of $25 million.

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Spotify has invested approximately $1 billion in different exclusive content deals with A-list celebrities. Joe Rogan is one of the highest-paid amongst them, and deservingly so, with his podcast being the chartbuster.

However, Rogan has also put the Swedish company in controversy over some of the content on his podcast.

Joe Rogan – Spotify controversy

The iconic UFC color commentator Joe Rogan is one of the biggest podcast hosts in the world. Rogan has one of the most legendary lists of celebrity guests from different spheres of life. As a result, his podcast, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’, garners millions of viewers per episode.

His connection with the UFC has earned him a huge fanbase, and connections with many celebrities. He invites them over and discusses many topics of mutual interest. Rogan is a man with many talents, almost like a master of all trades. He has a deep interest in sports, social issues, and politics among other things.

Read More: Why is Joe Rogan so important to the UFC?

But some of his content has landed the 54-year-old podcast host in trouble. Similarly, Spotify removed around 70 of his episodes from the platform for having controversial content in them. Both Spotify and Rogan clarified the same and put forth their clear intentions.

Where do you think the Obama couple should take their podcast next? Let us know in the comments section.