His moving acceptance speech at Denver's 2008 Democratic National Convention was watched by a bevy of cheering stars Thursday night.
One of the most moved? Oprah Winfrey, a longtime supporter, who told the Associated Press, "I cried my eyelashes off."
"I think it's the most powerful thing I have ever experienced," added the daytime queen, comparing his words to Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream Speech." (Fitting, then, that Obama's prime-time speech fell on the 45th anniversary of the civil rights leader's famous address.)
But she was not alone in her praise. Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie called the speech "amazing," while Jessica Alba found it "incredible."
Famous Fans UniteRosario Dawson, Wilmer Valderrama, Forrest Whitaker, Star Jones, Kerry Washington and Lost's Daniel Dae Kim also joined the throngs of supporters packing Invesco Field.
"What I hope happens is the country doesn't forget the jubilation and excitement that's been generated here," Kim told the AP. "And I hope it turns into something that changes the world."
Warming up for Obama's oration, will.i.am performed his single "Yes We Can" with John Legend. And as Sheryl Crow belted out "Change is Gonna Come" from the stage, Anne Hathaway and Susan Sarandon sang along in the stands.
But the real star of the night was undoubtedly Obama, who officially accepted the party's nomination with a simple entreaty: "America, we cannot turn back. We cannot walk alone. At this moment, in this election, we must pledge once more to march into the future."
Get your Oprah fix! See ALL of her PEOPLE covers!
See the Obamas on the cover of PEOPLE!