MOST INFLUENTIAL COUPLES IN THE WORLD

These power duos prove that whether they're tackling global crises or ruling the world, sometimes it takes two. Here's a look at 10 of the world's most powerful couples:

Michelle and Barack Obama

With 67% of Americans viewing first lady Michelle Obama favorably, she's more popular than her husband. The President has never been shy about publicly expressing his adoration for his wife; in his election night victory speech, Obama gushed, "I have never been prouder to watch the rest of America fall in love with you too as our nation's first lady." ....see more after the cut

Melinda Gates and Bill Gates

With a net worth of $67 billion, Bill Gates is the United States' richest man, and through the work of the foundation he founded and runs with wife Melinda, he's also the world's most generous. The couple's Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation last year gave away $3.4 billion, and its primary goals this year have been to eradicate polio worldwide by 2018 and get modern contraceptives to another 120 million women by 2020; the Foundation has committed $140 million annually to this cause. Melinda, a Duke alum, delivered a commencement address at her alma mater this spring and encouraged the Class of 2013 to recognize “the boundless dignity of all people.” 

Jay-Z and Beyoncé

The first couple of music is tight with the first couple of the United States. The superstars hosted a fund-raiser for President Obama during his re-election campaign last fall, and Beyoncé later performed the national anthem at January's inauguration. The couple's April trip to Cuba was investigated by the U.S. Treasury Department, after lawmakers raised questions about the legality of the visit (the controversy was overblown -- the anniversary trip was pre-approved). Jay-Z is on tour with Justin Timberlake this summer, where he's taking home an estimated $100,000 per show, and Beyoncé kicked off her 65-date world tour a couple of weeks ago.

Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan

Peng Liyuan is the stylish second wife of newly-installed Chinese President Xi Jinping. The first lady is a former superstar folk singer, and it's often joked that she's more famous than her husband: "Who is Xi Jinping? He is Peng Liyuan's husband." 

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Brangelina wedding watch has been in effect since the couple became engaged last year, but the parents of six remain tight-lipped about their plans to tie the knot. In May 2013, Jolie published an Op/Ed in the NYTimes where she revealed she'd undergone a preventative double mastectomy, since she carries the gene responsible for breast cancer. In the essay she thanked Pitt for being "loving and supportive." Pitt later called Jolie's decision "absolutely heroic."

Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres

The talk show host/comedienne and ‘Arrested Development’ actress married in 2008. In March, DeGeneres took to her blog to urge the Supreme Court to strike down California's Prop 8: "Portia and I aren't as different from you as you might think. We're just trying to find happiness in the bodies and minds we were given, like everyone else." 

Marissa Mayer and Zachary Bogue

Yahoo CEO Mayer and Bogue, a former lawyer who invests in big-data startups and founded investment fund Data Collective, married in 2009. In September, Silicon Valley’s most powerful couple welcomed a baby boy, Macallister.

Hillary and Bill Clinton

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton are both private citizens now, but they are still one of the most influential couples in the world. Mrs. Clinton has been hitting the speaking circuit at an estimated $200,000 fee per event and reportedly inked a $14 million book deal. The ex-Prez is focused on his Global Initiative, which has raised $73.1 billion in commitments from major philanthropists, CEOs and heads of state to fund charitable action around the globe. Last year, he hit the campaign trail for Obama, cementing his status as a rainmaker. 

Gerard Pique and Shakira

The Colombian-born performer and her footballer-boyfriend welcomed their first child, Milan Pique Mebarak, in January. Shakira, a UNICEF ambassador, quickly became a fan favorite when she joined NBC's hit "The Voice" as a judge. Pique plays for FC Barcelona, one of soccer's most valuable teams, and is one of Spain's most popular athletes.

Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada

Fashion legend Miuccia Prada, 64, runs the luxury goods and clothing company Prada with her husband Patrizio Bertelli, 67. Prada is the lead designer, while Bertelli handles the business side as CEO. This stylish power couple is also loaded -- their combined worth is $19 billion.