Steve Ballmer Sings His Last Song to Microsoft

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer shed tears as he gave his final company-wide employee speech last week at the Key Arena in Seattle.

The speech, though brief, was jam-packed with emotion and passion for Microsoft.

Describing the company as “important,” “forward-thinking,” and “innovative,” Ballmer said Microsoft “helps people around the world realize their full potential.”

“You work for the greatest company in the world,” he said. “Soak it in.”

Ballmer has been criticized for several blunders, including Windows Vista and the collapse of market share in the phone space, but he has kept Microsoft’s profits high. There is something bizarre and almost fascistic about Ballmer’s goodbye speech. He is simply the head of a corporation who is retiring, yet many in the crowd can be seen waving wristbands and screaming, “We love you!”

Ballmer, 57, is stepping down within 12 months after a 13-year reign as CEO.

Watch Ballmer’s tearful speech, which ends in a song to Microsoft here:

— Posted by Rosa Trieu