Former President Barack and Michelle Obama are leaving Spotify. The couple’s production company, Higher Ground, is ending its deal with the streaming service, according to Variety.
Higher Ground’s exclusive deal with Spotify expires in October. The Obamas have decided not to renew their contract with the streamer, reportedly due to issues with the terms of their exclusive deal. One such issue is their desire to expand distribution for their programming.
The Obamas signed their exclusive deal with Spotify back in 2019 and since then, Higher Ground has produced several podcasts and audio programs. Its first project, 2020’s The Michelle Obama Podcast eventually became Spotify’s most-listened-to Spotify Original to date, according to Variety.
In 2021, Higher Ground produced Renegades: Born in the USA, conversations between Barack Obama and Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer/songwriter Bruce Springsteen. This year, the company released two more podcasts; The Big Hit Show about pivotal pop culture moments, and Tell Them, I Am, a collection of Muslims telling universal stories.
Now that the Obama’s are leaving Spotify, the pair will look at taking Higher Ground to other companies in search of a non-exclusive deal. Some of the companies they are reportedly fielding offers from are Audible and iHeartMedia.
Higher Ground will keep the distribution rights of the podcasts it produced during its tenure with Spotify after the deal expires.
