Michelle Obama named 2019's 'People of the Year'. Here's a look at the incredible year she's had

Former first lady Michelle Obama has had a rollercoaster of a year in 2019, from pulling off a sellout book tour fit for a rockstar and being named the world's most admired woman, to making headlines for her memoir's record-breaking success, and of course, the Grammy nomination. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that she has been honored with a spot in the 2019 People Of The Year list, alongside the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Aniston, and Taylor Swift. As we gear up to welcome 2020 and with it a new array of badass accomplishments from the mother-of-two, let's take a look at the incredible year she's had.

1. The record-breaking sales of Becoming

Since its release on Nov. 13, 2018, Michelle's memoir Becoming has sold over 11 million copies and is slated to be one of the most—if not the most—popular memoirs ever published. Speaking to The Wall Street Journal in March this year, the head of one of Penguin Random House’s parent companies, Thomas Rabe, said, "We believe this could be the most successful memoir in history." According to a report by PEOPLE, the hardcover edition of Becoming also sold more copies than any other book published in the US last year.

2. Grammy Nomination

Even almost a year after its release, Becoming shows no signs of leaving the spotlight. Michelle bagged a Grammy nomination for the audiobook edition of her memoir last month. Nominated in the Best Spoken Word Album category, the 55-year-old is joined by the Beastie Boys, actor-director John Waters, poet Sekou Andrews, and musician Eric Alexandrakis in the fight for the Grammy. Celebrating the nomination, Michelle tweeted: So thrilled to receive a #GRAMMYs nomination! This past year has been such a meaningful, exhilarating ride. I’ve loved hearing your stories and continuing down the road of becoming together. Thank you for every ounce of love and support you’ve shared so generously.

3. Won the Tom Hanks Caregiver Champion Award

The 55-year-old was honored with the Tom Hanks Caregiver Champion award for service to military caregivers at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes gala in October this year where she accepted the award with an emotional speech. "You all changed me forever. You have changed the way I see service, you’ve changed the way I see war, you’ve changed the way I see this entire country. I was like most Americans, sadly, I had absolutely no idea what the life of a military family member was like. But that all changed back when my husband was first campaigning for president and I had the great fortune to be able to sit down with groups of military spouses. And, yeah, you better believe their stories blew me away," a teary-eyed Michelle said at the event.

4. Released a Netflix special with Barack Obama

Michelle and Barack Obama's first project from their production deal with Netflix made its debut this year, telling the tale of a post-industrial Ohio called American Factory. Speaking of the documentary's personal impact, Michelle said, "Those first scenes of those folks on the floor in their uniforms, that was my background, that was my father. And that was reflected in this film." The power couple is now set to release a children's show for preschoolers titled Listen to Your Vegetables & Eat Your Parents, as well as a narrative film adaptation of the biography Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom, and a new series from Nashville creator Callie Khouri called Bloom.

5. Named World's Most Admired Woman

A poll conducted by data analysis firm YouGov earlier this year revealed that the former first lady is the most admired woman in the world today. Followed by Oprah Winfrey in second place, Angelina Jolie in third, and Queen Elizabeth II in fourth. Michelle's spot at the top was cheered by her fans across the globe.

6. Featured in Time's annual list of most influential people

The Queen B, Beyoncé herself took out time from her busy life to pen a few words about Michelle for Time's annual list of most influential people. "She would’ve been impactful simply by being in the White House, the first African-American First Lady. But she also used her position of power to improve the world around her. I am so grateful that my daughters and my son live in a world where Michelle Obama shines as a beacon of hope who inspires all of us to do better and to be better," the singer wrote.