Michelle Obama, Forbes Powerful Women, Oprah Winfrey

In the latest Forbes magazine list of the most Powerful Women in America, the unthinkable happened in 2009: someone was deemed more powerful than Oprah. And that unthinkably powerful woman was Michelle Obama.

That was a defeat I'm sure Oprah was glad to take, as she is famously a loyal supporter and friend to the Obamas. And Michelle Obama has certainly more than earned her spot at the top of that list, winning everyone's respect and admiration in her first year as first lady, even as some became disappointed with her husband. Another notable entry to the list, who you might say is an extended family member, was Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Forbes publishes a list each year of the most powerful women in the world, and the top of the list is usually made of of business people and heads of state, such as Angela Merkel who was right around the top this year. But pop culture moguls like Oprah sometimes make the list too, and deservedly so in her case.

Michelle Obama, Forbes Powerful Women, Oprah Winfrey
nbcnewyork

Oprah Winfrey was officially edged out in Forbes' annual list of Most Powerful Women by a newcomer to the list, Michelle Obama. Oprah's rank fell from 36 to 41 this year, while Mrs. Obama came in at 40. While initially we were skeptical, it's true that Mrs. Obama's star has skyrocketed in the past year...

Michelle Obama, Forbes Powerful Women, Oprah Winfrey