This image from video released by Funny Or Die shows first lady Michelle Obama, center, with Sesame Street character Big Bird, left, and comedian-actor Billy Eichner at a grocery story in Washington to promote healthy eating. AP
NEW YORK, United States — It may stand as the dizziest dozen minutes in first lady Michelle Obama’s reign. But she appeared to be having a ball while she put the word out: Kids and parents should eat healthier by adding fruits and vegetables to their daily menu.
To raise awareness for her “Eat Brighter” campaign, Mrs. Obama joined zany quizmaster Billy Eichner for a special edition of his “Billy on the Street” comedy game show, posted on the Funny or Die website.
Instead of his usual frantic sidewalk Q-and-As, the excitable Eichner welcomed Mrs. Obama to a Washington supermarket, where she competed with “Sesame Street” avian Big Bird as well as past “Billy on the Street” guest Elena in a contest he called “Ariana Grande or Eating a Carrot?”
Among the absurd questions Eichner posed to his trio of contestants:
—”Gwyneth Paltrow makes a fantastic broccoli-and-arugula soup. Does that matter, yes or no?”
“No,” replied Elena after setting off her buzzer.
“Yes, it DOES!” Eichner screeched. “She has a website!”
— “Who’s more deserving of a Kennedy Center honor — Martin Short or a box of frozen corn?”
“The corn,” responded Mrs. Obama.
“NO!” Eichner erupted. “Martin Short! He’s a genius. He played Ed Grimley!”
If these proceedings lacked the dignity of, say, a White House state dinner, Mrs. Obama wore a nonstop grin as she proved herself an intrepid sport, even when, for a special FLOTUS Bonus Round, Eichner directed her to “slow dance with Big Bird while I sing ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.'”
She did and he did.
Then she gamely pushed Eichner through the store in a shopping cart while he recited Gwyneth Paltrow’s Oscar acceptance speech for “Shakespeare in Love.”
And Eichner’s final challenge: “Give me a hug and a knowing look that tells me it’s all gonna be OK.”
Mrs. Obama’s grand prize: A huge photo of pop singer Ariana Grande’s ponytail.
Not to mention her leading role in a not-so-gentle reminder that fruits and vegetables can be good to eat.