Alicia Keys latest hairstyles

Alicia Keys talks DJAK47 DJ persona, motherhood, tumblr & Stikfly on Broadway @106andPark

2011-12-11T22:02:00.000-08:00

Rocking a gorgeous blue outfit, Alicia Keys stopped by 106 & Park to discuss her alter-ego DJ personality, MrssAK47, her new-found love for Tumblr, the growth of her son Egypt with husband Swizz Beatz and the best part of being a mother. She also talks briefly about he new music she’s working on and shares her passion for Broadway, expanding on her new play Stickfly, starring Psych actor Dulé Hill and the broadway debut of Mekhi Phifer [ER, Torchwood] – who both appear in the second part of this interview – alongside Tracie Thoms, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Condola Rashad and Rosie Benton.

Watch the interview in three parts below.

Alicia Keys Raises the Curtain on Broadway Play

2011-12-11T22:00:00.000-08:00

Alicia Keys expanded her empire by presenting her first play on Broadway last night. The Grammy-winning singer, who serves as producer and music composer, was beaming with pride as she celebrated opening night for Stick Fly at Cort Theatre in New York City.She was joined by her husband Swizz Beatz, cast members, and celebrities including Spike Lee, Gayle King, Taraji P. Henson, and Tracee Ellis Ross at the premiere and after-party.

The play is centered around an affluent African-American family who gathers at their summer home in Martha’s Vineyard. But a relaxing weekend takes an unexpected turn when two sons bring their girlfriends home to meet their parents for the first time.

“It’s about the human experience, so it doesn’t matter how you look, where you’re from, where you grew up,” explained Alicia of the family-geared production. “Life is hilarious, life is serious, life is outrageous, and that’s what this play is.”

Alicia Keys' 'Keep a Child Alive' to air on World AIDS Day

2011-12-11T21:57:00.000-08:00

“Keep a Child Alive with Alicia Keys” will air on Thursday in honor of World AIDS Day.

The day, dedicated to uniting in the fight against HIV, is a fitting one for the Showtime documentary’s debut.

The documentary follows Alicia Keys and five young adults as they visit the Keep a Child Alive funded sites in South Africa.“I want people to feel like you can do something about this (epidemic), and that you understand it because you find a place inside yourself that connects to the love of another human being,” Keys told CNN.

Applicants were chosen to accompany Keys to South Africa after texting the word that best described their feelings about Africa. Of the 24,000 people who applied five were selected thanks the words heartbeat, resilient, ubuntu, strength and conviction.

Keys said the young adults who made the journey with her, many of whom had never ventured outside America, felt empowered after meeting with some of the 16.6 million children have lost their parents to AIDS.

“A lot of times we feel like things going on in the word are so big and so massive and untouchable, and think, ‘What can we do, and how can we do anything.’ I think that when we see it from human to human … you will feel empowered and angered,” Keys said.

“Keep a Child Alive with Alicia Keys” premieres at 9 p.m.

DOT blames Alicia Keys contract

2011-10-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

The Department of Tourism (DOT) admits it didn’t go through the proper contract awarding process for the 2009 Jazz Fest.
Acting Director, Shomari Scott, says it’s because the department wanted international singing sensation Alicia Keys that it didn’t go to the Central Tendering Committee.

In one of Cayman’s biggest concerts ever, Alicia Keys performed back in 2009 at Camana Bay headlining Jazz Fest. CNS reports Mr. Scott explained to the Public Accounts Committee that DOT had not gone through the normal process before it awarded the contract to BET.

The production company came as a package with the award winning artist.

That contract was worth over $1.2 million; however, the auditor general points out that mechanisms exist for such unique circumstances.

The department only had to submit a business case for a sole supplier.

Alicia Keys Hit Premiere Of Her New Film Five

2011-10-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys and her husband Swizz Beatz hit-up the premiere of Alicia's new Lifetime Network original film Five, which she co-directed with Jennifer Aniston and Demi Moore. The film makes its network debut on October 10 and includes five shorts about women coping with breast cancer.

Alicia, Swizz, Jennifer and Demi were joined by a host of A-list celebs at the event including Gloria Estefan and Wyclef Jean. The songstress and producer arrived hand-in-hand dressed in matching black outfits.Five marks Alicia's directorial debut, and Lifetime chief Nancy Dubuc noted that it has been a thrill working with the co-directors: "I'm a big fan of this amazing group of powerful and creative women, and we are thrilled to be working with them on 'Project Five,'" Dubuc said of the film in a statement.

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Slam Rumors

2011-10-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

Rumors continue to circulate about an alleged on-the-rocks romance between singer Alicia Keys and hubby Swizz Beats, but according to recent tweets and birthday parties between the two, all is well.

Keys was recently photographed standing next to a custom-made Lotus sports car, given to her for his—not her—birthday.

“The best part of my Bday today was my gift I made my wife because my Bday is her Bday,” tweeted Swizz.Keys was quick to return the favor, throwing the now 33-year-old producer a surprise skating birthday party at High Line skating rink in New York City on Monday.

“Happy Birthday to the most INCREDIBLE man I know!!!!! @therealswizzz !!! To A life of ENDLESS shining between us!” tweeted Alicia. “Haaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!! Some things are just LAUGHABLE!!!!!! Now, Let’s Continue to SHINE!! Everything else is a waste of time!! Sending love!”

Much of the speculation about trouble in their marriage comes on the heels of a reported settlement between Beatz and Zhanna “Jah’Na Sebastian” Andrianova, a UK-based singer who is also the mother of Beatz’s three-year-old daughter, Nicole.

Beatz has four children by four women—Nicole, with Andrianova, Prince Nasir, with Nicole Levy, Kasseem Dean, Jr., with recent divorcee Mashonda and Egypt, with current wife, Keys.

In an interview with the New York Post, Robert Anthony Evans, Jr., Beatz’s lawyer for the settlement, said, "Mr. Dean has never failed to deliver on his responsibility to his children."

Along with the $42,000 settlement, recent claims made by Christina Elizabeth, an aspiring singer, that she and Beatz have carried on an affair since 2007, have muddied the waters for gossipmongers—but not for Beatz and Keys.

"Wow people sure do take things far with the BS Lmao! […] If people put the same time into positive things the same as they do negative B.S the world would be a better place! #peopleneedhelp," Swizz tweeted.

Two judges are Fallin' for Haley Reinhart's Alicia Keys cover

2011-03-05T06:45:00.000-08:00

Haley Reinhart struts her stuff as she sings Alicia Keys' Fallin'. There's a smoky, sultry quality that doesn't always work with her material, but it fits here. She does several impressive runs, too. Not sure I'm all into that lip-curl thing she does, but I'll go along with it on this tune.

"It doesn't do anything for you," Randy says. He thinks that husky thing they loved has gone and been replaced by a karaoke singer.

"If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong," Steven says to Randy. He thinks it was just the right amount of everything.

Jennifer agrees largely with Steven, but she tells Haley she needs to get out of her head a little bit. She can see her thinking as she sings.

Haley basically tells Randy that he's welcome to his opinion, but she loves Alicia Keys, so that makes everything okay.

Diary: Alicia's keys just got cheaper

And you thought you were having a tough recession? Well, spare a thought for those unfortunate international celebrities who can't even sell their mansions in the current economic climate.

Poor Alicia Keys, for instance, put her New York State home on the market for $3.25m (£1.99m) in September, only to slash the price to $2.99m a few months later. 50 Cent's 21-bedroom Connecticut crib, originally offered at $18.5m in 2007, is now a bargain $9.99m – a whopping 46 per cent price cut. So reports US real estate website Zillow.com, which also details the property woes of two of America's most celebrated (alleged) misogynists: "epic" party host Charlie Sheen's spare house – jointly owned with his estranged wife – has dropped more than 13 per cent from its asking price peak, and is now available for a mere $3.55m. Meanwhile, Mel Gibson's Malibu "dream home" is down 12 per cent since this time last year, when it went on sale for $14.5m (It's now a snip at $12.75m). Hard to believe nobody's tempted by a place filled with such incredible memories.

* Craig "two first names" Oliver has certainly hit the ground running in his new job. According to Andrew "two first names" Neil, presenter of Daily Politics, Dave "two first names" Cameron's spin chief had sufficient spare time yesterday to text the BBC programme in the hope of securing one of its branded coffee mugs. Unfortunately, when Neil tweeted this news, he called him "Oliver Craig, new head media honcho at 10 Downing Street". The fact that one of the country's most experienced political journalists (and a former Corporation colleague) muddled his name reflects poorly, I'd suggest, on Craig's networking skills. Sadly, my editor tells me I'm not allowed to run a picture of the same chap for a third day in a row. Nope, not even the one of him wearing the lederhosen.

* The Daily Mail reports that Kelly Brook's "completely see-through leggings", worn to the gym in LA, were the "ultimate fashion faux-pas". Leaving aside that I thought them rather a fine pair, this is a confusing assertion for regular readers such as myself, who were previously assured that "tracksuit bottoms" were "the ultimate fashion faux-pas". Other crimes accorded the same title (by the same paper) include "wearing the same outfit [more than once]", and "showing your dark roots". In September 2008, the Mail chided Gordon Ramsay for his matching black suit, shirt and tie, which at the time it described as, yes, "the ultimate fashion faux-pas". Black tops, meanwhile, are a total minefield: Jordan's "white bra shining through under a dowdy black jumper"? "The ultimate fashion faux-pas" (February 2008). Nicolette Sheridan's "nude bra under a see-through black top"? "The ultimate fashion faux-pas" (March 2010). Goldie Hawn's black, see-through chiffon top – with no bra? "The ultimate fashion faux-pas" (November 2008). What's a girl to do?

* More property woes, this time for residents of Winnington Close, NW11 (locals include Gerald Ronson and Jonathan Ross), where Saif al-Islam Gaddafi has a £10m mansion. Having failed to sell the eight-bed neo-Georgian, Gaddafi hoped to rent it for an ambitious £9,750 per week, but his UK assets have now been frozen: bad news for Dr Saul Zadka, a neighbour campaigning to oust the dictator's son. "We want to force anyone associated with Gaddafi out of this house," Zadka told the Ham & High. Given Gaddafi Jnr is tied up in Tripoli, and the assets freeze prevents him selling the house anyway,

it looks like another sorry example of the UK Government unwittingly helping a Gaddafi to remain in place against the wishes of angry locals.

* Times writer Sarah Vine needs a stern talking-to from Craig Oliver. When she last featured in this column, she'd revealed the exact variety of frilly knicker with which she planned to surprise her husband, Michael Gove, on Valentine's Day. Now she claims the Education Secretary is "the worst driver in England, quite possibly the Western world". Gove, she explains, has great difficulty moving parked cars, let alone driving them to work. Recently he trapped their Skoda in the doors of a car-lift. "It now looks as though it has been attacked by a giant pair of pliers," Vine writes. "Someone, somewhere, has some very embarrassing CCTV footage." If you're that someone, do get in touch at the above email address.

Alicia Keys ‘Digital Death’ Campaign comes to An End

2011-03-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

Apparently and coincidently, a miracle contributor SUDDENLY saved Keep a Child Alive’s ‘Digital Death’ campaign by completing the $1 million request to raise money for HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.

Keep a Child Alive founder Alicia Keys has announced that due to the massive donation, the campaign has ended permitting celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Janelle Monae and Jennifer Hudson to start posting again on Twitter and Facebook.On Monday morning when Usher started tweeting, the campaign was still only at $300,000 after a drawn out six days. It was only yesterday, the miracle donator conveniently struck. Are we really BUYING it? I’m really happy that they managed to reach their target but it just sounds a little suspect to me. Read on to find out who saved the backfiring campaign.

Apparently, a MASSIVE donation was made in the last day thanks to a large donation by pharmaceutical billionaire Stewart Rahr. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all of the fans, friends and artists who stood together for this cause and saved real lives. I am humbled by the outpour of support from everyone” said Ms Keys.

Alicia Keys & The Grammys HP Collaboration

2011-03-05T06:19:00.000-08:00

Catch Alicia Keys this Sunday during the Grammys as she appears in HP’s new “Everybody On” global marketing campaign. She partners with HP to help celebrate the use of technology as a means of expressing one’s personal passion. Alicia Key’s collaborated with Native Instruments last year to create the computer program, “Alicia’s Keys,” a software that samples Alicia Key’s actual piano playing to help everyone achieve a stunning sound on the piano.

Make sure you tune in to the Grammy’s this Sunday. Keys (with Jay-Z) is nominated in three categories for “Empire State of Mind”: Record of the Year, Best Rap/Song Collaboration and Best Rap Song. We wish her the best of luck.

Superhero night out for Alicia Keys

2011-03-05T06:17:00.000-08:00

Alicia Keys may have only become a mother for the first time four months ago.

But before baby son Egypt came along, she was already in a maternal role as stepmother to her husband's two children.

And last night, she treated her stepsons to a superhero night out as she and Swizz Beatz took them to the theatre to see Spiderman.

Jay-Z, Alicia Keys: Grammy Award Nominees For Record Of The Year

2011-03-05T06:16:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard this song, you certainly haven't been in New York the last few years. Or, more realistically, awake in any part of the English-speaking world.

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys teamed up to write the new anthem for New York City, "Empire State of Mind." It's won the ears of DJs everywhere. Will it win the Grammy?

Alicia Keys New Album 2011

2011-03-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

Expect some very interesting RnB CD’s to drop by the end of this year.

We knew that Beyonce was hard at work on her fourth studio album, now we are learning that another hard hitter known as Alicia Keys will be releasing new material late 2011.

Keys who recently became a mother and a wife is said to be recording her fifth CD which will be the follow up to her 2009 album, “The Element of Freedom.”

The “How Come You Don’t Call Me” singer has not said much about the project as yet, but her longtime producer Kerry “Krucial” Brothers took it upon himself to break the news. Krucial told music website Rap-Up:

“We do got a release coming this year, but I can’t speak on it yet.Last week we was in the studio working on stuff.”

He went on to say:

“The writing is the same. The only thing changed is the schedule. We leave earlier now. No more to-the-crack-of-dawn stuff — at least not for now.”

It is safe to say that the world will never get to see the Brazilian- inspired music video that was filmed for “Put It in a Love Song” which features Beyoncé.

Alicia Keys' Hewlett Packard Ad Runs During Grammys

2011-03-05T06:12:00.000-08:00

Alicia Keys connected with Hewlett-Packard for the company's new "Everybody On" ad campaign, which launched during the Grammy telecast this past weekend. The singer now appears in a commercial for the technology company looking back on her days of home recording and praising the HP's music friendly software.

"You could imagine how we tortured the neighbors. They would bang on the ceiling with a broom come like three or four in the morning when I'm sitting here singing passionately at the top of my voice," she says in the ad."I really feel like a lot of that is the reason why that album has a particular feeling that it does, because we didn't have anything (you know). Sometimes, when you don't have much (you know), you make the best out of what you have and it creates a vibe and an energy."

Keys also celebrated the night by taking home the Best Rap Song Grammy with Jay-Z for their collaboration on "Empire State of Mind."

Alicia Keys Working on Fifth Studio Album, Due This Year

2011-03-05T06:11:00.000-08:00

Alicia Keys' most recent release was the song 'Speechless,' a Swizz Beatz-produced track where the R&B songstress waxed poetic about her newborn son. Now, her longtime producer Kerry "Krucial" Brothers confirms that Keys is at work on a new album, which will hit stores later this year.At the ASCAP Grammy Brunch last weekend, Krucial told Rap-Up that he has been in the studio with the singer recording new material for her fifth solo album. "We do got a release coming this year, but I can't speak on it yet," he said, declining to give any specifics. "Last week we was in the studio working on stuff," he continued, explaining how the process was different this time around. "The writing is the same. The only thing changed is the schedule. We leave earlier now. No more to-the-crack-of-dawn stuff -- at least not for now."

Keys' 2009 album 'The Element of Freedom' debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, racking up 417,000 in sales during its first week in stores. In recent weeks, the 'Empire State of Mind' singer has been spotted out and about with husband Swizz Beatz, including courtside at a Knicks game in New York City.

New Alicia Keys album confirmed for this year…

2011-03-05T06:09:00.000-08:00

Kerry ‘Krucial’ Brothers, the longterm producer of Alicia Keys exclusively confirms to Rap-Up that the R&B songstress will release her fifth studio album later this year.

“We do got a release coming this year, but I can’t speak on it yet,” he says whilst gracing the red carpet at last weekend’s ASCAP 2nd Annual Grammy Brunch in West Hollywood. Watch what else he had to say about the upcoming project below. This has to be undoutedly the best news to surface all week!

Alicia Keys and HP Launch “Everybody On” During the 2011 Grammy’s

2011-03-05T06:06:00.000-08:00

Oh yes, the GRAMMY’s are just around the corner and besides the accolades being given to musicians that night – HP has exciting news to share too! A new HP spot will air during the show featuring GRAMMY Award winner Alicia Keys to support the launch of HP’s global marketing campaign, “Everybody On.”

“Everybody On” will show how people around the world are using HP technology to pursue their personal and professional dreams.
Alongside Alicia Keys, the commercial will also feature HP laptops with Beats Audio. This year HP also happens to be a sponsor of the GRAMMYs, and celebrities and guests will have the opportunity to experience Beats Audio at HP listening stations that will be set up at key GRAMMY Week events, including the exclusive Clive Davis and Recording Academy Pre-GRAMMY Gala and the star-studded official GRAMMY Celebration after party. Now what do we have to do to get on that invite list?

Alicia Keys' 'Special' Grammy Treat for Fans

2011-03-05T06:01:00.000-08:00

R&B singer Alicia Keys has teased fans to expect the unexpected when she appears at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, revealing she's planning "something special" for the annual music ceremony.

The Fallin' hitmaker's hit track with Jay-Z, Empire State of Mind, has been nominated for the Record Of The Year award and the Best Rap Song honour.

Keys is looking forward to attending the Los Angeles event at the weekend - and she's promised her fans a treat.

In a post on her Twitter.com page, she writes, "Have something special 4 u. Tune in2 grammys 2 find out. Not quite what you think."

New Alicia Keys Album In The Works For This Year

2011-03-05T05:58:00.000-08:00

Sources from the Alicia Keys camp have revealed that the "Speechless" songstress is at work on a new studio album that is due out later this year.

While speaking with Rapup.com earlier this week, Keys' longtime producer Kerry "Krucial" Brothers said that he couldn't reveal much, but the singer is already in the studio.

"We do got a release coming this year, but I can't speak on it yet. Last week we was in the studio working on stuff," he told the site.
According to Krucial, the new mom has brought the same intensity to her writing as she did before the birth of her new son.

"The writing is the same. The only thing changed is the schedule. We leave earlier now. No more to-the-crack-of-dawn stuff - at least not for now," he added.

The new album will follow Alicia's smash 2009 release The Element of Freedom.

Keys has also made headlines in recent weeks after she and Jay-Z took home the Grammy for Best Rap song for their collaboration on Jigga's "Empire State of Mind."

Happy Birthday, Alicia Keys!

2011-02-20T05:08:00.000-08:00

Back in October, Alicia Keys celebrated a very important birthday — that of her son Egypt Daoud Dean, her first child with husband Swizz Beatz. But today she gets to celebrate her own birthday, as the Manhattan-born Keys is now 30 years old. Astonishingly, Keys has been a player in the music game for a decade now, as her debut album Songs in A Minor came out way back in 2001. She made an immediate impact with her unique sound, which took the tropes of bohemian R&B and blended in organic funk, coffeehouse folk and just a little bit of flashy vocal pizazz. Keys' early singles ("A Woman's Worth," the Prince cover "How Come You Don't Call Me" and especially the infectious smash "Fallin'") were all refreshing and thrilling, and her sound only evolved from there. Her 2003 album The Diary of Alicia Keys not only expanded the boundaries of her sound but also blew open the scope of her lyrics. Tracks like "If I Ain't Got You" and "Karma" not only attacked the Billboard charts but also sought to reinvent the genre in real time.

The hits kept coming, as 2007's As I Am yielded the huge singles "No One" and "Teenage Love Affair," and 2009's The Element of Freedom gave way to "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down" (a sequel to her chart-topping hit with Jay-Z) and "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)" (a tag-team with Canadian hip-hop superstar Drake). But perhaps Keys' greatest song came early in the cycle for The Element of Freedom in "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart," which is probably the best Prince song the Purple One never wrote.

Alicia Keys Working on Fifth Studio Album, Due This Year

Alicia Keys' most recent release was the song 'Speechless,' a Swizz Beatz-produced track where the R&B songstress waxed poetic about her newborn son. Now, her longtime producer Kerry "Krucial" Brothers confirms that Keys is at work on a new album, which will hit stores later this year.

At the ASCAP Grammy Brunch last weekend, Krucial told Rap-Up that he has been in the studio with the singer recording new material for her fifth solo album. "We do got a release coming this year, but I can't speak on it yet," he said, declining to give any specifics. "Last week we was in the studio working on stuff," he continued, explaining how the process was different this time around. "The writing is the same. The only thing changed is the schedule. We leave earlier now. No more to-the-crack-of-dawn stuff -- at least not for now."

Keys' 2009 album 'The Element of Freedom' debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, racking up 417,000 in sales during its first week in stores. In recent weeks, the 'Empire State of Mind' singer has been spotted out and about with husband Swizz Beatz, including courtside at a Knicks game in New York City.

Keys' online birthday tribute from fans

2011-02-20T04:55:00.000-08:00

Alicia Keys was brought to tears as she celebrated turning 30 on Tuesday after a group of devotees created a website dedicated to her special day.
The R&B star was sent a link to happybirthdayalicia.tumblr.com to mark her milestone and the No One hitmaker admits she welled up when she saw the online tribute.

Taking to her Twitter.com page, the birthday girl writes, "OMG (Oh my god)! I'm over here crying from this beautiful & thoughtful site u guys did 4 me! U mean so much 2 me (sic)!"

The website features blog posts, video messages, song dedications, artwork and photos from fans around the world, all expressing their love for the new mum, and wishing her a very happy birthday.

Alicia Keys to Headline HP Ads During Grammys

2011-02-20T04:53:00.000-08:00

It's been a big day for HP, who unveiled the TouchPad iPad competitor, and the Veer and Pre3 smartphones. All of these products run webOS.

Robert Scoble says the company has "fired Microsoft" and that it is making Android "look even more creaky (and RIM, Nokia, Microsoft not in the game)." Not bad for PR.

The company also announced a new marketing campaign with the theme of "Everybody On". It's a global campaign that "celebrates how people around the world are using HP technology to pursue their personal and professional passions."

"Technology plays a vital role in how people explore, develop and enable their passions," said Richard Gerstein, SVP, Strategy and Worldwide Marketing, Personal Systems Group at HP. "Five years ago the personal computer was the center of one’s connected life, while today people are at the center and their technology – across smartphones, tablets, PCs and cloud services – needs to provide seamless connectivity to what is important to them."

The campaign will span music, fashion, community activism, business, and more, according to the company, and it is supported by an integrated campaign featuring print, broadcast, online, and social media. The campaign itself was created by HP's own Personal Systems Group, and build on its "The Computer is Personal Again" campaign.

ALICIA KEYS and SWIZZ BEATZ must have gone to Specsavers before turning up to support the New York Knicks

2011-02-20T04:49:00.000-08:00

They both sported some natty frames at the Madison Square Garden basketball game.

The couple were enjoying a rare night out without baby EGYPT, born in October last year, and the new mum dazzled in a studded blue leather jacket as their team beat Miami Heat 93-88.
The match, which was also watched by KANYE WEST, SPIKE LEE and DONALD TRUMP, was a birthday treat for Alicia, who turned 30 on Tuesday.

The Empire State Of Mind singer began dating the producer, real name KASSEEM DAOUD DEAN, in 2009 while he was going through a divorce from first wife MASHONDA.

They wed in July 2010 in Corsica surrounded by celebrity pals, who included QUEEN LATIFAH and BONO.

Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz Cuddle Up Courtside

2011-02-20T04:46:00.000-08:00

A few days after her 30th birthday, a bespectacled Alicia Keys hit the court with Swizz Beatz to catch the New York Knicks take on the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The stylish couple rocked fancy footwear while holding hands and sharing laughs.
Earlier in the week, the new mom celebrated at an Egyptian-themed party thrown by her husband. Belly dancers entertained the VIP crowd, which included Jay-Z and Beyoncé, who snacked on red velvet cupcakes and sipped Dom Pérignon until the early morn’.

Alicia Keys Joins HP’s ‘Everybody On’ Campaign

2011-02-20T04:44:00.000-08:00

As part of the 53rd annual telecast of the Grammy Awards on Sunday, HP is launching its “Everybody On” campaign. Along with rock legend Lou Reed, R&B singer-songwriter Alicia Keys is getting in on the campaign, explaining how HP’s technology helps her transfer the organic sound from her piano at home with her on tour and beyond.
Keys’ collaboration with hip-hop impresario Jay-Z (who appeared in HP’s “Hands” campaign) “Empire State of Mind” is up for Record of the Year at the Grammys, and the song plays throughout the two-minute spot. The HP TouchPad will also have its own role in the Grammy telecast displaying what’s coming next in the show as part of CBS/Grammy bumpers that will air live during the awards.

So, if you need some sort of reason to watch the Grammys other than the music (don’t worry, Carlos Santana isn’t nominated for anything major this year), you can always watch for the HP product placement. Or, maybe you can cheer on Chrysler/Brisk as their spokesperson, Eminem, takes home Album of the Year honors for Recovery. Isn’t watching the music industry celebrate itself fun?

Alicia Keys Reminisces in HP Promo

2011-02-20T04:41:00.000-08:00

Alicia Keys looks back on the beginning of her career in a promo for “The Beat Is On with HP” campaign. In the clip, the glowing songstress recalls recording her debut Songs in A Minor in her Harlem bedroom, turning her closet into a booth, and driving her fellow tenants nuts.
“You could imagine how we tortured the neighbors. They would bang on the ceiling with a broom come three or four in the morning and I’m sitting here singing passionately at the top of my voice,” she said. “I really feel like a lot of that is the reason why that album has the particular feeling that it does, because we didn’t have anything. Sometimes, when you don’t have much, you make the best out of what you have and it makes a vibe and an energy.”

Alicia Keys' Birthday Bash

2011-02-20T04:37:00.000-08:00

Amidst 19 inches of snow, Alicia Keys celebrated her 30th birthday at Casa La Femme in New York . Her husband, Swizz Beatz, threw her an Egyptian-themed bash that included guests such as Gayle King, Jay-Z and Beyonce. The party, which consisted of belly dancers, sunflowers, orange trees, red velvet cupcakes and Don Perignon, ended with restaurant staff helping the singer dig her car out from under the snow.

Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz: “Spider Man” Family Fun

2011-02-20T04:36:00.000-08:00

Enjoying a family outing, Alicia Keys and her husband Swizz Beatz hit up a performance of “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” in New York City last night (February 6).

The showbiz couple treated two of their kids to the Broadway production and attracted plenty of paparazzi attention in the process.

In related news, Alicia gave props to the Egyptians fighting for change by posting a note on her webpage.

She wrote, "I have visited Egypt and, as I travelled through along the streets of Cairo, the back streets of Alexandria and the villages along the Nile, it was easy to see that a small, quiet vibration was growing, building, reaching to a pitch that is now heard by the ears of the world.”"In every case this deeply rooted will to express what cannot be denied, rises up and forces all of us to recognize and respect this voice that produced the sound of freedom playing long and strong throughout Egypt.”

"Now when I look at my son, I realize more than ever that his name represents more than the will to be free – it stands for the fight for change, and the courage to shout! We can hear the voice... and it is ours."

Enjoy the pictures of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz taking their kids to attend 'Spiderman: Turn off the Dark' in NYC (February 6).

Alicia Keys Writes 'Speechless' for Her Son

2011-01-07T06:42:00.001-08:00

Alicia Keys is following in the footsteps of Lauryn Hill when it comes to artistically expressing her joy over a firstborn child. Hill penned the timeless “Zion” which appeared on her Miseducation of Lauryn Hill album, and now Keys has followed suit with “Speechless.”

The song details her inability to articulate just how much love she has for her newborn son Egypt. She explained as much in a documentary about the songwriting process with husband Swizz Beatz and rapper Eve.

“I haven’t really put any songs out since my son was born, so to be able to write this song that talks about him and how he makes me speechless … like the poet in me is gone away because I don’t even know what to say when I look at him.

“To just put something out that shows what you feel and what you’re going through — at the moment you’re going through it — and let the world hear it, let people vibe with you on it … that’s like music.”

Alicia Keys releases 'Speechless' video documentary

Alicia Keys' hubby, Swizz Beatz, released a video documentary of the song, "Speechless," yesterday. It is the first song Keys has recorded since the birth of their son, Egypt, on Oct. 14. The song is a tribute to their son and how he makes them feel every time they look at him.

This documentary is uber cute and very sentimental. In one part of the video, the Grammy Award-winning singer says, “To be able to write this song about him and how he makes me speechless, the poet in me is gone away ’cause I don’t even know what to say when I look at him…”

The song features Philly rapper Eve, who has collaborated with Keys before for her track, "Gangsta Lovin."

Not sure when Keys will hit the studio again to start recording her next album, but I have a feeling there will be numerous songs inspired by her son.

Alicia Keys Drops New Song 'Speechless'

2011-01-07T06:23:00.000-08:00

Motherhood has put Alicia Keys in the mood to write new songs. Hubby Swizz Beatz debuted Keys' latest, "Speechless," on his website as part of his Monster Mondays.

The ballad samples Kanye West's "Devil in a New Dress" and finds Keys doing what she does best: singing about love. "I'm at a brand-new time in my life and a brand new feeling, and it's like this little guy, man, he takes my breath away," Keys says before starting the first verse. The piano-heavy tune gets funky once the chorus kicks in.
On the chorus, the R&B singer expresses her joy over the new love of her life, singing, "Makes you speechless, baby/ Don't know what to say/ I'm just speechless, baby/ The poet in me has gone away."

Midway through the track, Eve makes an appearance. The tough rapper shows her soft side, spitting rhymes like, "In the morning when I rise up/ Go to the window and I smile, put my eyes up/ Stare in the clouds, like, 'Wow, look at my luck.' " Keys finishes the track with the song's chorus. She laughs, "You take my breath away," as the song fades out.

In a video posted on the site, Keys opens up about writing the song, saying, "I always start writing at the piano, because I just feel like it's the best way to get the song out. It makes me take everything else away, and it just makes me, like, I get into it."

Lady Gaga and Alicia Keys: 2010's Most charitable stars

2011-01-07T06:22:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga took the number one spot in 2010 for her work as an advocate for the gay community. Lady Gaga spoke out for the long-awaited repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, hosted the Hands Up for Marriage Equality event supporting same-sex-marriage and donated 100-percent of the proceeds from her MAC Viva Glam campaign to HIV-AIDS prevention.
Alicia Keys came in second with her Keep a Child Alive organization, which provides AIDS treatment worldwide. She was the star motivator behind the recent Digital Death Campaign in honor of World AIDS Day, an effort that saw celebrity tweeters and Facebook users like Usher, Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, Justin Timberlake and Ryan Seacrest "kill" their digital presence by going silent to raise $1.1 million dollars for Africa and India. Keys also teamed up with her hubby Swizz Beatz to build schools and provide support to one lucky South African village.

Alicia Keys, Blige, Diddy remember Teena Marie

2011-01-07T06:18:00.000-08:00

Just like fans, the music industry is stunned over the death of veteran R&B/Soul singer Teena Marie. Remembering her music, recording artists including Alicia Keys, Mary J Blige, Diddy and Lalah Hathaway, took to Twitter Sunday and early Monday.

"God bless Teena Marie & her Family!Sending Blessings &prayers I was jus sayin tht fire & desire is 1 of the most beautifully performd songs!," wrote Alicia Keys. "Once a beautiful song, always a beautiful song! Certain songs jus have that "THING"! What a SANGIN Lady! Fire & Desire."
Mary J Blige, claiming Marie inspired her vocally as a child, told fans "in my heart she's Tina".

"Teena Marie inspired me vocally as a child. Her songs I sang in the mirror with a hair brush. I'm so hurt," said Blige. "In my heart she's Tina, So rest in peace Tina, i love u. Every girl that grew up in the hood , with her blasting through the windows, Cars and radio waves can Feel me."

Sean "Diddy" Combs followed suit, telling fans he just saw Marie the other day.

"R.I.P. Teena Marie!!! God Bless," said Diddy. "Damn I just saw her the other day."

Grammy Award winner Lalah Hatahway also reacted to the news, telling fans "Teena was truly one of the most beautiful authentic women I have ever met," also placing a picture she took with Teena on her Twitter page.

Marie is best known for hits like "Lovergirl," "Fire and Desire" and "Square Biz".

Marie was reportedly found dead in her home after spending Christmas with family, Sunday. The cause of death is not known. She was 54.

'Help Me Scream And Shout That We Want Peace'

2011-01-07T06:16:00.000-08:00

R&B singer Alicia Keys and friend George Clooney have joined forces to help spearhead a new global peace initiative.

Keys, an avid champion of peace and poverty, and Clooney, a longtime campaigner for peace in Sudan, join the growing list of celebrities, which includes Rocker Peter Gabriel, Virgin mogul Richard Branson, ex-United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, taking part in "We Want Peace."

A preview of a music video by Sudanese rapper and activist Emmanuel Jal, designed to raise awareness about the Global Initiative for the African country, has also been released.

“I’m calling out to the whole wide world, help me scream and shout that we want peace, big love to Emmanuel Jal,” Keys states in the intro of the clip.

The video's timing is critical as the Southern Sudanese prepare to vote for independence in January (11). There are rising tensions and fears of a north-south war in the nation.

‘We Want Peace’ feat Alicia Keys

2011-01-07T06:14:00.000-08:00

Alicia Keys has teamed up with Hollywood heart throb George Clooney and Sudanese rapper Emmanuel Jal for the ‘We Want Peace’ music video, and here’s your first sneak peak!

The philanthropist R&B songstress is ‘calling out the whole wide world’ to scream and shout about the importance of keeping the peace. The video is to raise awareness about the Global Initiative for the African country.

Rapper Jal all for 'Peace' amid Sudan's independence vote

2011-01-07T06:12:00.000-08:00

Emmanuel Jal has a wistful relationship with peace. The Sudanese singer was orphaned young and conscripted to kill as a child soldier. He was then rescued by British aide worker Emma McCune, who died shortly thereafter in a car accident.

But that painful childhood isn't preventing Jal, who believes he is around 30 years old, from trying to bring peace to others. For his new video, We Want Peace, he has enlisted an army of stars, from Alicia Keys to former president Jimmy Carter, to spotlight the Sunday referendum that could see his native southern Sudan gain independence from the north.

Why the need for American concern? Jal fears that a move toward independence will lead to violence.

"My part of the country has a lot of oil, and the north may not let us go so easily," says Jal. "If things go bad, it will be important for people to be watching. You know how George Clooney and others made people keep an eye on Darfur? It's the same with this. And if you shine a light, evil can do less."

Jal was busy working on his fourth studio album, See Me Mama (due this spring), when nagging concerns over the coming vote caused him to write Peace.

The project gathered steam quickly after Jal got a friend, filmmaker Anna Gabriel, to shoot the video. She informed her father, musician Peter Gabriel, of the project. As a member of The Elders, a Nelson Mandela-led group of notables, Peter got the participation of Carter and former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and composed strings for the song.

"I've been horrified at the reports of the potential for civil war in Sudan after the election," says Gabriel. "Emmanuel is an inspiring and charismatic young musician. Since most fighting in (Sudan's) wars is actually carried out by young people, I believe his impassioned campaign for peace would be much more likely to reach them."

Yes we know we should be at the gym, Nicole Richie and Alicia Keys

2011-01-07T06:04:00.000-08:00

WE'VE well and truly got that first week in January feeling here at OK! HQ.
We've overdone the alcohol and the mince pies throughout the Christmas period and are resolving that from this week we will get back on the healthy wagon.

We've signed up to every gym class under the sun and have thrown all our remaining festive selection boxes in the bin.

But despite all this, there's nothing worse than seeing slim celebrities hitting the gym - making us feel oh so guilty.

Case in point one, Nicole Richie, who got married in December so could be excused for letting it all hang out for a few months.

But the US star donned her trainers, cropped sweatpants and hoodie to work off those Christmas puds with a vengeance.

Case in point number two, songstress Alicia Keys, who may be a new mum but who isn't using that as excuse to avoid keeping in shape.

Alicia donned an all-black tracksuit as she hit the gym in NYC, making us all feel like lazy slobs for spending that extra day relaxing on the sofa.

Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel team up with Emmanuel Jal for Sudan charity single

2011-01-07T06:01:00.000-08:00

Ten days before a holiday that calls for “Peace on Earth,” Sudanese child soldier turned activist-rapper, Emmanuel Jal, wants you to do something about it. So do George Clooney, Alicia Keys, Kofi Annan, Richard Branson, and Peter Gabriel. Just check out this video for Jal’s new charity single, “We Want Peace”.
The song – which features string arrangements from Gabriel – is a feel-good rap anthem that Jal hopes will attract attention to his We Want Peace campaign. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about a January 9th referendum that will decide whether or not Southern Sudan will remain a part of Sudan in general.

For those of us who have had our eyes and ears occupied by the all of the music news that’s happened this year, Jal’s website explains their take on the situation quite clearly. “Eighty percent of Sudan’s oil fields are in the south, making it a prime battleground to displace indigenous people,” they wrote in a press release, “Both North and South are preparing for war, leaving innocent people at grave risk for major human rights violations.”

Alicia Keys We Want Peace Video w George Clooney

2011-01-07T05:55:00.000-08:00

Alicia Keys has recently released a sneak peek of her latest music video, and it features quite a few guest performers, some who are a bit more unconventional than others.
The song is entitled “We Want Peace”, and is a video to help lobby for peace around the world. The song is originally written by Emmanuel Jai, a Sudanese rapper who said that he wanted the video to help raise awareness about the Global Initiative for Sudan, and Africa as well.

Alicia Keys recently hosted Keep a Child Alive, and raised money for the cause by partnering with numerous celebrities.

She has now partnered with Jai and other celebs like George Clooney in order to bring awareness to the new initiative taking place. Although the full music video has not been released yet, Keys offers her fans a sneak peek, saying, “I’m calling out the whole wide world, help me scream and shout that we want peace.”

There are other celebs involved in the movement besides Keys and Clooney. Peter Gabriel makes an appearance, along with Richard Branson, Kofi Annan, and Jimmy Carter.

All have stepped out to help bring awareness to these issues.

Anniversary: Alicia Keys' Sophomore Effort Topped The Charts 7 Years Ago

2011-01-07T05:53:00.000-08:00

Alicia Keys topped the Billboard 200 album chart with "The Diary of Alicia Keys" on December 20, 2003.

The album was the singer's sophomore effort, following up on her mega-popular debut, "Songs In A Minor." Keys, just 22 years old when her second album was released, handled much of the production work herself. The LP featured the hits "If I Ain't Got You" and "You Don't Know My Name."
"The Diary of Alicia Keys" took over number one from Jay-Z's "The Black Album." After a week's run in the top spot, it would get knocked out by "Soulful" by Ruben Studdard. The album would return to the number-one slot for another reign in January.

Alicia Keys And George Clooney Featured In "We Want Peace"

2011-01-07T05:51:00.000-08:00

Alicia Keys joined George Clooney in the new "We Want Peace" music video, which was released in its full version recently.

In an introduction to the video, Keys comments: "I'm calling out to the whole wide world, help me scream and shout that we want peace."

The video advocates keeping global peace in places around the world such as Sudan. There is even an appearance by Sudanese rapper and activist Emmanuel Jal, who is seen rapping about raising awareness and spreading peace through the streets and slums of Nairobi, Kenya.

Others involved in the initiative in Sudan include Peter Gabriel, Kofi Anann, Jimmy Carter, Sir Richard Branson, Fernando H Cardoso, Terri Walker, Hinda Hicks and Cherriv V.

Alicia Keys Steps Out Four Days After Giving Birth

2010-10-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Four days after welcoming son Egypt, Alicia Keys and husband Swizz Beatz stepped out in NYC Monday to go shopping for baby clothes.
Keys, 29, gave birth to Egypt Thursday. See more photos of Alicia and Swizz in NYC Monday.

"There is no word to properly describe LOVE, to describe BLISS, to express a FEELING like this!!!" she Tweeted over the weekend.

Alicia Keys ‘blessed’ by relationship

2010-09-18T06:50:00.001-07:00

Alicia Keys has enjoyed a “summer of love” to prepare her for motherhood.

The 29-year-old singer is expecting her first child with hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz, 32, in November. To get ready for their new arrival, the couple have been spending as much time together as possible.

They have been on a series of romantic holidays and even tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Corsica, France, in July. Since then, they have been seen canoodling all over the US, eating dinner together at a different restaurant every night. Friends say the couple have been putting so much energy into their relationship because they want to build a solid and happy foundation for the family they are about to start.

“It’s been a summer of love for them. Everything is so great. It’s been a real blessing for both of them,” a source told Us Weekly magazine.

Swizz Beatz had affair with Alicia Keys claims his ex-wife

SWIZZ Beatz's ex-wife Mashonda Tifrere claims that she and Beatz were "having sex every night" while he was having an affair with Alicia Keys. Tifere said that she had no idea that her former husband was seeing Keys and found out months later. "We were married, sleeping in the same bed and having sex every night while he was seeing Alicia. OK? It was an affair. 100%.

I don't know why people want to change that rule so much," she told Sister 2 Sister. "We had just had a kid, for crying out loud. Our child was eight months. I found out about Alicia two days before my son turned one. They had been doing their thing for months before that."

A Very Pregnant Alicia Keys In New York City

Alicia Keys walked hand in hand with her new husband Swizz Beats in the Tribecca District of New York City earlier this week. Alicia is definitely showing off her baby bump! The couple wed in Corsica, France, in late July. The singer announced her pregnancy and engagement to Beatz in May, and their first child is due later this year.

The R&B star scared fans during her performance at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana, earlier this summer when she fell on her backside while on stage. She had concert goers fearing for her and her unborn baby's safety when she tumbled backwards and fell while singing "Love Is Blind." A source close to the star insisted mother and baby were unharmed in the incident.

Jennifer Hudson has “special” meeting with Alicia Keys. Future collaboration?

2010-09-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

Now that Jennifer Hudson’s new album has been postponed to early 2011, it leaves her more room to record more tracks. It seems she is having something cooked up for the project by her label mate Alicia Keys and her husband Swizz Beatz…
Jennifer was in New York City this week and whilst there, she had a “memorable meeting” with Alicia and Swizz last night, as confirmed by Larry Jackson. He referred to their meeting as “special”. Are we about to get a duet between Alicia and J. Hud, with Swizz on producing duties?

Pregnant singer Alicia Keys looks to be feeling the strain as she takes a stroll with husband Swiss Beatz

2010-09-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

Pregnant singer Alicia Keys looked exhausted as she took a stroll through Manhattan with her husband Swiss Beatz this week.

The 29-year-old, who was dressed casually in a billowing blue top and denim cut off shorts with black gladiator sandals, gripped on to Beatz’s arm as they walked through the Tribeca area together.

The singer was clutching a bag of grapes and a Blackberry in one hand and a pair of eye glasses in the other while her husband was sporting a bandage on his right wrist
The newlyweds are preparing for the birth of their first child together this November and Beatz recently spoke of his love for Keys, saying that he felt ‘blessed’ to be married to her.

‘It's a blessing,’ he told MTV.com. ‘I look at my relationship with my wife as a union that's just connected... spiritually.

Drake 'wants to hug Jolie, Alicia Keys'

2010-09-18T06:40:00.000-07:00

Drake has joked that he is looking forward to hugging Angelina Jolie and Alicia Keys if they attend the MTV Video Music Awards.

The 'Find Your Love' star - who is nominated at the annual ceremony - told MTV News that he would love the chance to tell the pair in person that he is "still a fan".

"I'm just excited to see all the faces, all the people I've never met. I want to shake some hands. I've been working so hard I hardly get to go to any parties in LA or anything so this is it!" he said.
"There's a couple of women I wanna hug. I'd love to hug Angelina Jolie. I want to hug Alicia [Keys]. I'm happy for her. I wanna tell them in person that I'm still a fan."

Drake is nominated for 'Best Male Video' and 'Best Hip Hop Video' at this weekend's event, and has also been confirmed to perform.

He previously revealed that he was attempting to channel Frank Sinatra in his 1950s-themed promo for the ceremony.

Swizz Beatz's Word for Marrying Alicia Keys

2010-09-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz are in their honeymoon phase – and still basking in wedded bliss.

"Everything was just wow. It was a blessing," Beatz, 31, tells Access Hollywood about their July 31 nuptials. "It was positive energy, and we're still in those moments."

The couple, who tied the knot at a private home on the Mediterranean Sea, are also expecting their first child together.
Beatz, a producer and former deejay, says his new wife doesn't call him by his professional name – which was inspired by his obsession with K-Swiss sneakers "back in the day" – or his real name (Kaseem Dean). Instead, he's known to her simply as "Baba."

While they'll soon be collaborating on parenthood together, Beatz also says he enjoys working with his Grammy-winning singer wife in the studio.

"Anybody that's brilliant can just connect to another mind," he says. "Our chemistry is just a simple flow."

There’s Finally A Swimsuit That Looks Good On EVERYONE!

2010-09-18T06:32:00.000-07:00

We’re not joking! ViX’s “BIA Tube” bikini looks amazing on everyone from Kate Gosselin to Kim Kardashian — its awesome on every body type!

At last, BFFs, we have found the miracle swimsuit! We’re not fooling around when we tell you this particular bikini looks amazing on EVERYONE. ViX’s “BIA Tube” hides all imperfections and even makes you feel (dare we say it) SEXY.Don’t believe us? Check out our gallery of glam gals that all look ridiculously amazing in this suit despite being completely different shapes and sizes. Whether you’re skinny like Megan Fox, ripped like Kate Gosselin, curvy like Kim Kardashian or even pregnant like Alicia Keys, you’re going to look like a million bucks!

You can buy ViX’s “BIA Tube” bikini for $148

Play Music Like Alicia Keys, Singer Launches Piano Software

2010-09-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

Grammy-Award winning R&B singer Alicia Keys has teamed with the Guitar Center and Native Instruments to launch her own piano software, "Alicia's Keys."

Keys' collaboration with Native Instruments in designing a virtual piano software, which captures the realism of Her Yamaha C3 Neo Grand Piano, is a first of its kind.

"We started with an idea of creating piano software that felt like home to me," says Keys in her interview with Guitar Center Magazine. "I've played many different software instruments of all kinds of keyboards and pianos, but none of them felt like home for me.
I have my own studio, and it's this very special place where Ann and I are really able to create the sounds that we want and take the time to develop them. I wanted to be able to take my piano sound on the road with me as well as have it any time I wanted to record. Ann thought it would be interesting to bring in Thomas Scarbee because he created some bass sounds that we love and use often, but he hadn't done a virtual piano sound. We all got together in my studio and started to create it by going through

Alicia Keys Launches Virtual Piano Software in the States

2010-09-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys is attempting to pass on some of her musical capabilities to fans and fellow musicians with the U.S. release of her new virtual piano software, 'Alicia's Keys'.

The Grammy Award-winning songstress teamed up with Native Instruments to create the program, which mimics her Yamaha C3 Neo Grand Piano, giving the public access to her musical catalog. The program was created with the help of her engineer Ann Mincieli and sample specialist Thomas Skarbee and the pregnant songstress was featured on the cover of Guitar Center's September issue, where she explained the details behind the software.
"We started with an idea of creating piano software that felt like home to me," Keys said. "I wanted to be able to take my piano sound on the road with me as well as have it any time I wanted to record," she said. "Ann thought it would be interesting to bring in Thomas Scarbee because he created some bass sounds that we love and use often, but he hadn't done a virtual piano sound. We all got together in my studio and started to create it by going through this long process of sampling, recording everyone note sound and expressive nuance. We ended up with me entire piano in virtual form."

Swizz Beatz Gushes About Keys Marriage

2010-09-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys' new husband Swizz Beatz has spoken of his "amazing" love forthe singer, insisting marriage has made him feel like a "better man".

The No One hitmaker exchanged vows with the rap producer last month (Jul10) in a romantic ceremony in Corsica, France and the singer is expecting the couple's first child later this year (10).

Beatz reveals he feels "blessed" to have finally tied the knot with thewoman he loves, and is convinced their union can only grow "stronger"
He tells Mtv.com, "It's a blessing... I look at my relationship with mywife as a union that's just connected... spiritually... "Love is a word that's powerful but the feeling is even stronger.

Alicia Keys Releases New Music Software

2010-09-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

R&B songstress Alicia Keys has just released a new software program for aspiring musicians. Partnering with software instrument company Native Instruments, “Alicia’s Keys,” is a new piano software. According to the press release, the virtual piano program, which is the first of its kind, “emulates Keys’ Yamaha C3 Neo Grand Piano and allows musicians of all levels to recreate the rich sounds that embody her soulful music.”
Working with her engineer, Keys’ software is designed to simplify the recording process for the neophyte artist as well as seasoned professional. In fact, the artist’s current album, “The Element of Freedom,” was created totally on the software. It’s also been used on her recent tours.

Alicia Keys – “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart”

2010-09-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

I should probably start this off by mentioning out how lovely it was to be reminded of the fact that Alicia Keys can deliver a fairly amazing track from time to time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not not into Alicia Keys. It’s more that I just… you know… sometimes forget about her. Like the rest of the world, I absolutely LOVED Fallin’ when it came out all those years ago, and when she pops up occasionally on my musical radar (say, in songs like Empire State Of Mind)
I always think to myself “Oh yes, Alicia Keys. She’s quite good, isn’t she?” but I simply don’t think about her a lot when she’s not literally in the middle of singing a song in front of me.

But oh! Happy day! That dude who made the mix cd I told you about earlier included Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart on his compilation, with a short note saying “not ashamed to say that this song was in my head for at least a month. Honestly. I don’t like the whole thing, just the first minute and a half”.

Alicia Keys vs. Fantasia Barrino

2010-08-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

Former American Idol winner and R&B singer Fantasia Barrino tried to kill herself. It is being reported that she took an overdose of aspirin and sleep medication in an effort to escape the media scrutiny related to her role in an alleged affair with Antwaun Cook, a married T-Mobile salesperson. Cook's wife, Paula, filed for divorce, naming his affair with Barrino as a factor and alleging that the two had made multiple sex tapes. Barrino maintains that there are no sex tapes and that Cook was separated, so she did nothing wrong.

Media coverage of the suicide attempt has been interconnected with relentless documentation of the illicit affair, including the fact that Barrino had Cook's name tattooed on her shoulder, which she later covered. Even in Charlotte, where I live when not in D.C., the media, which normally rarely cover the North Carolina native made good, have been fixated on the attempted suicide and tawdry details of the affair. I'm wondering: If they know that this type of scrutiny is what drove her to try to commit suicide, why would they continue badgering her in the press? But that's another story.

What I found to be most interesting is that Alicia Keys has been able to escape this type of media scrutiny in the mainstream press, even though she reportedly was engaged in a three-year affair with a married man, which ultimately resulted in the demise of the marriage. Keys also became pregnant and engaged to super producer Swizz Beatz while the man was separated but still married nonetheless. She then married Beatz weeks after his divorce was finalized. The black press have let both Fantasia and Keys have it for their indiscretions, but the mainstream media took to the Fantasia story like a rabid dog while ignoring the illicit actions of Keys.

They painted Keys' wedding as a fairy tale, even though she allegedly did what many women other than Angelina Jolie consider to be the unthinkable: steal another woman's husband and get pregnant before the divorce is even final. Most women on the receiving end of that behavior would take the pregnancy as a great big open-handed slap to the face. Of course, we don't know if Keys "stole" Beatz from his wife -- no one knows what goes on in marriages -- but it appears that she was romantically involved with someone who was married. Beatz's wife, Mashonda, maintains that she was blindsided by the affair with Keys, who was even a guest at her baby shower.

I'm wondering why the mainstream media are so willing to let Keys off the hook for what many would call socially unacceptable behavior at best, and immoral behavior at worst, while taking Barrino to task for similar behavior.

Welsh 'Empire State Of Mind' Parody Blows Up The Internet

2010-07-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

When Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" found its way to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 last year, it opened itself up for something that every massive smash may have to deal with over the course of its chart life:The parody. While the chart-topping team-up between Jigga and Alicia Keys didn't seem especially ripe for mockery, a number of songs and videos have come over the horizon in the past few months that have gently nudged the song and also made its pop culture footprint even bigger.

The latest "Empire State of Mind"-biting track to take over the Internet is "Newport State of Mind," a track put together by rapper Alex Warren, singer Terema Wainwright and filmmaker Morgan-Jane "MJ" Delaney. The tune pays tribute to the Welsh town of Newport, and even though many of the references will be totally alien to American audiences, that didn't stop "Newport State of Mind" from becoming a viral hit (if only to hear Wainwright croon like Keys in her charming Welsh accent). The full title is "Newport (Ymerodraeth State of Mind)" ("Ymerodraeth" is the Welsh word for "Empire").


It's the latest in a long line of parodies, some of which have been more successful than others. On the excellent end of that spectrum is "Galactic Empire State of Mind," an incredibly sharp parody that runs through the plots of the original "Star Wars" trilogy. It features Darth Vader in the Jay-Z role and Princess Leia taking the Alicia Keys portion. Dreamed up by the folks at College Humor, it contains rhymes like "Get me to Cloud City/ I got Lando on payroll" and "Hell, I made wearing black more famous than that Jay-Z can."

There's also "Newark State of Mind," which pays tribute to one of the country's least glamorous cities in a tongue-in-cheek way. (In the narrative, the rapper is forced to live there because he lost his job and had to move out of Brooklyn.) Also excellent: "Minnesota State of Mind," which doesn't contain the sharpest rapping but does have references to the Canadian border and big trees. And in case you can't get enough, check out "Huge Dork," which features chorus lines like "A huge dork. Every figure from 'Lord of the Rings'. They're still in their packaging/ You're such a huge dork. The big bad wolf used to frighten you. And now he's your tattoo." Clearly, this tune has legs.

Alicia Keys interview

2010-07-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys is pregnant and, she says, she's gone 'from steel to silk'. The multi-million selling singer - and vocalist on Jay-Z's mega-hit, Empire State of Mind - talks to Chrissy Iley
t’s midnight and there’s a bank of paparazzi in front of me surrounding Alicia Keys’ trailer like big buzzing flies. They jostle and push; they feel very threatening.

I’ve been waiting to interview her since 4.30pm. Now, eventually, I’m inside the trailer. It’s a symphony of fawn and beige leatherette; dark and dank with chunks of newly cut hair from Keys’ hairpiece on the floor. Keys and her hairstylist, assistant and several other hangers-on are holed up inside. She says, 'It’s like being in jail in here.’

Alicia Keys - Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart

Alicia Keys Splits With Manager

2010-07-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

20 July, 2010 - NEW YORK (Billboard) - R&B singer Alicia Keys has parted ways with her manager, ending a decade-plus business partnership that began at the onset of the singer's career.
Keys and Jeff Robinson announced the news Friday in a joint statement, saying their split was "mutually agreed upon and amicable." Keys will now oversee her own career through her own company AK Worldwide.

Her latest album, "The Element of Freedom," has sold 1.4 million copies in the United States since last December, less than half the total for her 2007 release "As I Am."

Welsh Parody Of Alicia Keys Is An Online Hit

2010-07-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

A parody of Alicia Keys' Empire State Of Mind which celebrates the South Wales city of Newport has become an internet sensation after celebrity endorsement.
More than 100,000 people have rushed to view the video tribute, less than 48 hours after it debuted online.

Twitter queen Lily Allen has labelled it "amazing".

Retweets of support from the likes of Rob Brydon and Claudia Winkelman have also helped to fire it to the top of YouTube's UK comedy chart.

The unashamed homage, which features impersonators of Alicia and rapper Jay-Z around shots of the town centre and attractions, has earned praise from the Czech Republic to India.

Alicia Keys Was Not Ripped Off By Former Manager

2010-07-29T06:55:00.000-07:00

The New York Post wrote a story last week which claimed that Alicia Keys had been ripped off by her manager of 15 years, Jeff Robinson.
The paper's sources claimed that Robinsojn had been taking 25% commission and above 33% during the early stages of her career, when the norm is between 15 - 20%.

The source said: “Swizz Beatz definitely played a huge part in killing him off. She got smart — and got a smart boyfriend — after years of people around her telling her she was crazy to let this continue to happen.”

But apparently Keys's reps have said that the story has no truth in it. They said: “That story is 100% false. Jeff Robinson was like a father figure to Alicia Keys. They never had a contract. It was a huge deal because Jeff loves her like she was his own kid! This whole article reeks of damage control and its obvious. How can you rip someone off when you don’t have a contract and they can walk away whenever they want?”

According to NecoleBitchie.com her reps also pointed out that if he had been ripping Keys off she would have fired him way before 15 years.

Her fiance, producer Swizz Beatz, has also been blamed for the end of Robinson's relationship with Keys and has now assumed the role of her manager. But Swizz Beatz has denied this and said that the rumours are "not true".

Beatz said: “I don’t have time to fire anybody. I’m super busy working on a million things. People must accept change and move on.”

Check out our pictures of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz along with other celebrities at 11th Annual Art For Life Benefit...

Alicia Keys' BET Awards Performance Was 'Amazing'

2010-07-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

It was one of the most talked-about moments of last week's BET Awards show. During a tribute to Prince, Alicia Keys sat at a piano bench singing "Adore." As the music seemed to be getting good — to Keys and the screaming Shrine auditorium crowd — the Grammy-winner, now barefoot, crawled up from the bench to the top of the baby grand. "They know you are my fix," the visibly pregnant Keys wailed.
The cameras caught every square inch of shock on Prince's face, as he and everyone else watched the still-graceful, but expecting Keys performing atop the keys. Prince then looked over smiling at A.K.'s fiancé, Swizz Beatz, also in the audience, with an expression that as if to say, "are you seeing this bruh?"

In New Orleans over the weekend, Swizz told MTV News he was just as surprised as viewers at the Shrine Auditorim (and at home) when Alicia scaled that piano. He said he had no idea she was going to do that.

"I didn't even see Prince looking at me at the awards," Swizz said. "But when I went back and seen the replay of the show, I was like, 'Man, he must have been in my head, thinking what I'm thinking.' 'Cause I'm like, 'Wow, that's crazy! She's taking it there.' But I thought it was amazing. I thought it was an honor and it was a blessing even to be in Prince's circumference of greatness. ... He is a great person and he's a great friend as well."

Keys performed at the Essence Music Festival over the weekend. She was one of the main headliners alongside Mary J. Blige and Janet Jackson, who also performed on separate nights during the three-day festival. On Saturday, Keys' night, the singer slipped and fell during "Love Is Blind," but she recovered so quickly, without missing a single lyric, that it didn't matter to the crowd. Keys was on the ground only a couple of seconds and went on to continue a successful performance.

Pregnant Alicia Keys falls onstage at Essence Music Festival but baby is fine

2010-07-29T06:51:00.000-07:00

A pregnant Alicia Keys left audience members gasping when she took a tumble this weekend while performing at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.
While singing "Love is Blind" on Saturday, the Grammy-award winner stumbled backward and fell, landing on her behind.

Despite the audience's reponse, Keys didn't miss a beat. The 29-year-old singer got right back on her feet and continued singing, although she finished out the song at a nearby piano.

Both Keys and her unborn baby were unharmed, according to the Huffington Post.

The 2010 Essence Music Festival began on Friday and lasted for three days with performances by Janet Jackson, Monica, Estelle, LL Cool J and Trey Songz.

The event was one of the Keys' last gigs beforeshe takes her unofficial maternity leave, reported E! Online.

Keys announced her pregnancy and engagement to fiancé Swizz Beatz in May.

Alicia Keys Falls Flat Literally—in Concert

2010-07-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

Let's call this reason no. 87 why pregnancy and stilettos don't mix.

While performing at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans on Saturday, pregnant songbird Alicia Keys took a tumble onstage while singing—somewhat ironically—"Love Is Blind."

Keys was only down for a second before popping back up, but it didn't stop gasps emerging from her nervous fans. This hot mama-to-be has some kind of luck, though: She fell on her bootylicious backside, so mom and baby were both unharmed. Phew!

The event is one of the singer's final performances before taking an unofficial maternity leave from her career, while she awaits the arrival of her first child with fiancé Swizz Beatz.

Alicia Keys says her pregnancy is the most brilliant gift

2010-07-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

The Empire State of Mind singer says impending motherhood has changed her, making her seek a more stable life.

The singer – who is five months pregnant with her first child by her fiance, music producer Swizz Beatz – is loving every aspect of her pregnancy so far.
She said: “Oh, I love children and I love family and I love that interaction. Because I had a really close relationship with my mother I understand that deep powerful love, and it's so beautiful. To be a mother to a child is the most brilliant gift, it's gorgeous.”

And The Empire State of Mind singer also revealed impending motherhood has changed her, making her seek a more stable life.

She added to The Daily Telegraph website: “I'm definitely in a place where I have a different sensibility about things. I remember how I used to be, ‘I'm going on the road and I'm back when I'm back and I'm probably gone a long time’.

“I felt that's what I needed to do and nothing could stop me. There was no amount of love – no amount of anything – that could drag me down. That was then. And now there is a desire in me to have more stability.”

Tinchy Stryder plans gig at Shepherd's Bush O2 Empire for Alicia Keys' charity Keep A Child Alive

2010-07-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

Generous Mr Stryder is putting on a gig at the Shepherd's Bush O2 Empire this autumn to raise money for Alicia Keys' charity Keep A Child Alive.

he London rapper is rounding up his showbiz pals to support him at the gig on November 4. The Star In The Hood singer tells us: "The work that Alicia Keys and Keep A Child Alive do to help those suffering with HIV and Aids in Africa and India is inspiring.

"I hope that by donating the proceeds from this gig I can help further their work."

Alicia Keys is top wedding singer: Poll

2010-07-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

2010-07-17 - Singer Alicia Keys has beaten the likes of Bon Jovi, Usher and Green Day by topping the charts of top wedding singers. People were asked in a poll which singing superstar they would want to serenade them during their first dance, and more than a third of voters opted for the pregnant Grammy Award winner, dailystar.co.uk reports.

The 'No One' hit maker, who is busy planning her own wedding to fiance Swizz Beatz, claimed 35 percent of the votes, ahead of Taylor Swift with 22 percent.

Rock legend Bon Jovi came in third with 19 percent votes, ahead of Usher and Green Day.

Alicia Keys named ‘Dream Wedding Singer’

2010-07-29T06:36:00.000-07:00

LONDON - Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys has been voted as the top wedding singer in an online poll.

A part of the survey, visitors to WENN.com were asked which singing superstar they’d want to serenade them during their first dance.
More than a third of voters opted for the pregnant the singer, who is busy planning her own wedding to fiance Swizz Beatz, reports the Daily Express.

Keys claimed 35 per cent of the vote, ahead of Taylor Swift with 22 per cent.

Rock legends Bon Jovi landed the third spot with 19 per cent, ahead of Usher and Green Day. (ANI)

Alicia Keys Keeps It Classy and Simple at Essence Music Festival

2010-07-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

Although the program was running almost an hour late and it was about 12:25 a.m. by the time Jada Pinkett Smith introduced Alicia Keys at her headlining concert, Keys still wowed the audience with hardly any visuals and special effects other than her personal talents.

Saturday night was the 16th Essence Music Festival, and Keys started her set powerfully with the ballad “Love is Blind” from her 2009 album The Element of Freedom.
Throughout the night, she alternated between different types of pianos and keyboards, at times including a baby grand piano and a strap-on electronic keyboard. The musician swept through her hits, including “Fallin’ Diary,” "No One” and “Till You See Me Smile,” USAToday.com reported.

Other singers that performed during the EMF included Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, Earth, Wind & Fire and Estelle.

Even with the company of talented musicians and performers, Keys was awarded with the biggest applause of the night when she included in her set “Empire State of Mind Part 2” against a video backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.

Alicia Keys: ‘Fame Almost Destroyed Me’

2010-07-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys has a voice so big her mother used to say it could "bust through bricks". But right now the New York diva is whispering.
She's talking about how loved up she is with her producer fiancé, Swizz Beatz, 31. And suddenly she's gone from streetwise, 12-Grammy-Award-winning performer into a coy, giggling girl.
"Oh yes," she says dreamily. "I am very much in love. Right now love is my main inspiration. Love is the one thing we all want in our lives and I am completely surrounded by it. Love fills you up in a way nothing else can and it's the most amazing, amazing thing."
It's the first time she's publicly spoken about her feelings for Swizz - real name Kasseem Dean. Until now, Alicia has been tight-lipped about her boyfriend, refusing even to confirm they were an item until last month.

Alicia Keys’ Fiance Owes IRS and New York $2.2M

2010-07-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

Music producer and rapper Swizz Beatz is facing tax liens and warrants from the Internal Revenue Service and the state of New York totaling more than $2.2 million.

The 31-year-old DJ, whose real name is Kasseem Dean, recently became engaged to Grammy-winning singer Alicia Keys, who is expecting their child in November. The IRS filed a tax lien against Beatz for $652,727 on June 3 in Rockland County, N.Y., according to the Detroit News. New York State also filed a tax warrant against him and his ex-wife, singer Mashona Tifrere, for $162,300 in February of last year.

Back in August 2008, the IRS filed a lien against him and Tifrere for $556,986 in Rockland County. Earlier that year, the IRS filed a tax lien against him and his ex for $842,645 in Somerset County, N.J.
Beatz’s attorney told The Boombox website that they have been negotiating an “amicable resolution of the dispute” with the government.

Beatz won an award from the Urban Music Awards last year as best producer. He comes from a musical background. His father founded Terrence Dean Entertainment Management and his uncles founded Ruff Ryders Records, where Beatz began producing tracks at the age of 16.

Alicia Keys even looks hot in maternity gear

2010-07-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys is clearly a yummy mummy in the making - she even makes maternity gear look sexy. The five-months-pregnant singer was the talk of the BET Awards in her purple satin mini-dress, which had been customised to accommodate her baby bump.

Alicia, 27, also looked sensational in the sparkly black fringed corset top and leggings by Dolce and Gabbana. She changed before she and Janelle Monae performed a tribute to Prince, who received a lifetimeachievement award. And she won Best Female R&B Artist and Best Collaboration for Empire State Of Mind with Jay-Z. Phew.

Alicia Keys & Rihanna Help Cancer-Stricken Broadway Star

2010-07-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

Thursday July 08, 2010 - Shannon Tavarez was performing as the young Nala in The Lion King on Broadway when her legs mysteriously started to hurt. The pain made walking – not to mention dancing – difficult. In April came the devastating diagnosis: At age 11, she had an acute form of leukemia.

The news "really hit me hard," says Tavarez.

Her struggle also struck a chord with Alicia Keys and Rihanna. The singers, who both started their careers when they were young, decided to help get the word out that Tavarez needs a bone marrow transplant to live.
Keys says she was touched when she visited Tavarez on July 2 in the Long Island hospital where she receives daily chemotherapy treatments. "For her, the sky is the limit, but now she's fighting for her life," the mom-to-be, who is asking fans to become donors, tells PEOPLE.

Keys hopes Tavarez and other patients like her to have the chance to "grow up to live their dreams."

Rihanna seconds that sentiment. "[Tavarez] should be performing on Broadway, but is confined to her bed, fighting for her life," Rihanna tells PEOPLE. "She needs to find a bone marrow donor to survive. I urge all my fans to register [as donors]. It's the most beautiful thing someone could do, to give the gift of life."

Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz Bless Baby

2010-07-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

Rapper-producer Swizz Beatz, who recently announced he’s expecting a baby with fiancée Alicia Keys, appeared on Good Day New York Tuesday, revealing that the newly-engaged couple received a blessing during their recent trip to South Africa last week.

“We were doing an event for Bobbi Bear under a special tree where a lot of kids who have been abused come to get special healing to have positive energy in their lives,” Swizz said.

“It turned into this ceremony that I didn’t know about. I felt like I was on Punk’d or something! But, yes we had a special blessing [for our child].”
The U.K.’s Daily Mail revealed that the traditional ceremony took place last Wednesday in Durban, on the country’s eastern coast, and was performed by the elder women in the community. Keys — donning traditional jewelry and a blue robe — and her unborn baby were both given Zulu names during the blessing ritual while standing under a fig tree, known as a healing tree to locals. Keys’ mother and brother were also present.

Alicia Keys: "Phenomenal" to Be Home in N.Y.

2010-07-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys has 12 Grammy awards, has sold 30 million recordings and has givenof Billboard magazine's Artist of the Decade award. He rushed to the scene in 2001 with his debut album, "Songs In A-Minor."

And on Friday, off key to "The Early Show" stage to sing songs from his new album, "The Elements of Freedom," and his hit song "Empire State of Mind (New York)."

New York residents told her friends Harry Prasetyo eager to appear on "The Early Show" - he knew great. He said, "I feel very diharga, very happy, and only at home and become, you know, just with my family, you know I feel phenomenal, phenomenal.?"

Smith said that the Keys, though was at the art so long, was highly dependent on who they are.

"I would attribute that to my mother," said Keys. "You know, he is a remarkable inspiration to me, and he, you know, he sure knows how, because I was a little girl, I just continued on my end, so I think it really loud., Just for, only to find out how you need empathy for others, you need to understand what is happening around you. This is important, you know, not so stuck in what's happening with you all the time, but look at what's happening in the world, see What happens to your neighbor, and I think that really strong foundation for my .. "

Alicia Keys Selling Long Island House

2010-06-17T19:14:00.000-07:00

THE musician and actress Alicia Keys has accumulated a few awards in her 29 years. Actually, she’s got a ton of them, including 12 Grammy awards, 11 Billboard Music awards, 3 BET awards and 3 MTV Video Music awards. (Who else feels unaccomplished today?)

And as is customary with this sort of runaway success, Ms. Keys has also accumulated some fancy real estate along the way.
Ms. Keys, a native Manhattanite, is putting one of those larger monuments to her success on the market: a seven-bedroom house in Syosset, on the North Shore of Long Island, for $3.85 million. No word on whether she’ll throw in a statuette or two.“You don’t feel lost in the house,” said Shaun Osher, the founder of CORE, the real estate firm that has the listing. “It’s tastefully done within the scale of the property. That makes it feel luxurious and grand, but not ostentatious or over the top.”

That scale, however, is definitely plus-sized: the two-story house has about 9,000 square feet.

It was built in 1981 — the year Ms. Keys was born — in a style that Mr. Osher describes as “almost Mediterranean.”

The house, where Ms. Keys has lived since 2004, has seven bedrooms, six and a half bathrooms, a piano room and a three-car garage. Out back, there is a 2,000-square-foot deck, a pool, a pool house and a Jacuzzi.

“It’s on a cul-de-sac and it’s very private,” Mr. Osher said. “And it certainly feels like you’re out of the city.”

Alicia Keys Refuses To Dye Her Hair Red To Sell Records

2010-06-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 17th 2010

n a recent interview with ELLE magazine, R&B songstress Alicia Keys shared some choice words regarding the direction of her music and image. Keys stated that her look is not “plotted” and that she refuses to adjust her image every time decides to release a new album. Peep what she had to say below:
“My look isn’t plotted, like, I’m not going to have red hair because it’s a new record. It has to be genuine, not a branding concept.”

Alicia Keys 'Can't Wait' To Be A Mom ?

2010-06-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

While she has been quiet about her pregnancy and relationship with Swizz Beatz for sometime, Alicia Keys is now happy to let the world know her first child is a "gift".

"I can’t wait to become a mom. No question," she told The Mirror (UK) recently. "It’s the most beautiful gift in the world. Truly a gift from God."

Recalling the close relationship she has with her mother, Keys hopes the same bond will happen with her own child.

"I have an amazing mother – she is a best friend to me. And I would like to be the same to my child," says the "Unthinkable ("I'm Ready') singer.

As previously reported, Keys and Swizz Beatz are officially engaged, expecting and planning a wedding, rumored to be set for this summer. She is also booked to play several concerts throughout the summer including the Essence Music Festival, taking place in New Orleans, LA over the July 4th holiday in the U.S.

"Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" (Alicia Keys Cover)

2010-06-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

While promoting her splendid Body Talk Pt. 1 album on BBC radio this week, Swedish pop songstress Robyn covered Alicia Keys' melodramatic "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart." You can hear the cover over at Sound Off. Robyn's cover is considerably more electro, understandably, but she's able to out weep Keys here, bending the song to fit alongside "Dancing On My Own" on Body Talk.

Diego Maradona, Alicia Keys And South Korea: World Cup 2010 Shots!

2010-06-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

Singer Alicia Keys performed at the World Cup Kickoff Party held at concert at Orlando Stadium on June 10, 2010 in Soweto, South Africa. The excitement for the Soccer World Cup overflowed as soccer and music lovers were entertained by some of the best local and international performing acts.

Alicia endears herself to Durbanites

2010-06-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

17 June 2010

RESIDENTS from the sprawling suburb of Wentworth, south of Durban, came out in their thousands on Monday to catch a glimpse of 13-time Grammy winner and R&B singer Alicia Keys.

The singer was in the area to open the Blue Roof Wellness Centre, once a notorious nightclub, as part of her Keep a Child Alive campaign, of which she is a co-founder and global ambassador.

Keys first visited the Blue Roof in 2006 and found a derelict building.

The centre currently provides life-saving anti-retrovirals to 1,000 patients as well as services that include HIV counselling and testing, home-based care, psycho-social support and a revolutionary nutrition programme through which they prepare free nutritious meals every day to patients and their families who visit the clinic, which is at the centre.
Speaking to the enthralled crowd she said: “I am so proud of this centre. It is one of the best things I have ever done in my life. Way better than the World Cup”.

The visibly pregnant star then made her way to a piano set up at the centre and sang two songs, much to the delight of the audience.

Pray for Forgiveness was dedicated to her mother Terri Augello, while I am a Superwoman was dedicated to the staff who run the centre.

She said the centre, which Keep a Child Alive bought in 2005, was a shining example of how people can “get love”.

She encouraged everyone to help in any way possible. She also said the centre would never turn anyone who needed help away.

She spent most of her time talking and playing with orphaned and HIV-infected children.

Before driving off in a heavily guarded convoy, she greeted thousands of Wentworth residents who had gathered at the gate.

Alicia Keys Dishes On Adding 'Flavor' To The Soundtrack

2010-06-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

The "Sex and the City" ladies by now represent New York as much as the Empire State Building and Central Park. So who better to put her own touch on the "Sex and the City 2" soundtrack than Alicia Keys, another iconic New Yorker.
The Big Apple-born singer was approached by the "SATC2" soundtrack executive producer, Salaam Remi, to add some modern flair to the "SATC" theme song. In this exclusive behind-the-scenes clip, Salaam said that Alicia was a natural choice. "I thought about different people who also embody the culture of New York, being a New Yorker, being able to represent that now. Alicia Keys made total sense."

Alicia said she was "really excited" to be a part of the film's soundtrack. "It happened really naturally, really organically. Salaam is a good friend of mine, I've known him for a lot of years, and for him to be involved in all the music for the film is just incredible."

By now you've probably seen "SATC2," so you know that Alicia's hit with Jay-Z, "Empire State of Mind," opens the film, which then transitions into a new version of the theme song that's mashed up with Blondie's "Rapture."

"I was sitting down just thinking of a lot of ways to interpret the theme," Salaam said, "and Blondie's 'Rapture' was just one of the ideas that popped into my head, because I was thinking CBGBs, female, Studio 54. That was one of my favorite songs...It was an easy mix in my brain for that to happen."

Robyn Covers Alicia Keys’ “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart” On BBC1

2010-06-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

You already know we’re OBSESSED with Robyn, and we’re stoked that her just-released Body Talk Pt. 1 has drawn raves. Now we would never tell Robyn what to do (she doesn’t really like it), but if we were ever going to suggest something, it might well be, “Hey, would be maybe consider singing an Alicia Keys cover sometime?” Guess what, fembots? Robyn visited BBC1’s Live Lounge this week, and delivered an amazing live cover of “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart”. Listen below.
We’ve always thought Robyn’s vocals convey a certain weathered soulfulness (and Keri Hilson kind of agrees with us). And just as all of us Robyn stans suspected, she wraps that voice beautifully around Alicia’s heart-breaking R&B balladry.

Robyn also performed her bittersweet club monster “Dancing On My Own”. We have to wonder whether Robyn will be adding the cover to her set list when she heads out on the All Hearts tour with Kelis, on her own dates or at the Pitchfork Music Festival — not that we’d, you know, ask her to.

Alicia Keys sings Durban's praises

2010-06-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

une 16, 2010

By Barbara Cole

Superstar Alicia Keys has sung the praises of "brilliant, beautiful" Durban, and paid tribute to the unique wellness centre which she had funded.

And then, to the surprise of everyone at The Blue Roof Wellness Centre, she sang to her mother, Terri Augello, who was also visiting the Wentworth centre, and then to the dedicated staff.

She sang Pray For Forgiveness, to her mother and I am Superwoman, to the staff.

The state-of-the-art care centre, which provides Aids treatment and care for 1 000 patients a month, has been made possible by Keep A Child Alive.
On Tuesday was the first time that the 13-time Grammy Award winner had seen the centre since 2006, when it was an empty shell and her plans for it were still just a dream.

"It is one of the best things I have ever done in my life. Way better than the World Cup," said Keys, who sang at the tournament's glittering official opening concert last week.

Keys said it had been a very emotional return trip. She had seen how people were being cared for and treated with love.

She called on Durbanites to help to make the centre an "incredible, shining example" of a centre where people received respect and where no one was turned away.

Alicia Keys Songs in a Minor Pop Music CD Review

2010-05-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

Songs In A Minor is the latest Pop CD put out by the extremely talented Alicia Keys who once again has delivered a brilliant collection of tracks. I’m confident Alicia Keys fans, and Pop fans alike will be pleased with this one.
Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.


	Pop music fans will recognize some of the well known contributors on the project including Kerry Brothers and Cindy Mizelle plus a few other notables as well.

I’m of the opinion that Songs In A Minor is certainly Alicia Keys’s best work in a few years. A totally enjoyable CD and an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up because it’s a collection that even the casual Pop fan can appreciate and enjoy.

Will Alicia Keys inspire the 'Idol' Top 7?

2010-04-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

The gang will be mentored Tuesday night by Alicia Keys, who will help guide them through the week's theme: inspirational music.

Now, that could mean just about anything - from gospel to a song that just moves you - so I am anxious to see what MamaSox and the gang come up with. Because, honestly, at this point isn’t that really how we are thinking of them now?

Speaking of Crystal “MamaSox” Bowersox, PEOPLE is reporting that she will be performing tonight sans any instrument. No guitar, no piano. Given her soulful renditions in the past, I have high expectations.

Alicia Keys Is Hiring: Bloggers Wanted April 19, 2010

2010-04-21T08:18:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys is currently advertising the position of Head Blogger for her website www.iamasuperwoman.com or, more specifically, "Public Relations Rock Stars, Bloggers & Social Media Moguls! – Work for Alicia Keys!"

Not THE Alicia Keys?

Yes, THE Alicia Keys! This is an Opportunity of a Lifetime!

That's what it says.

[I love whoever wrote this job ad - it's "fun" with generosity of exclamation marks. It also seems to indicate the job is for some kind of reality tv/press junket opportunity:
Final candidates will be interviewed in New York City as part of a news segment on a national TV network morning show on or about May 17-20, 2010, and in London, UK at the Black Ball on or about May 27, 2010. Candidates must be able to travel to and participate in the interviews."]

Her Grammy Award-winning resume speaks for itself. Does yours?

Alicia Keys: Empowering Women Online to Be 'Superwoman'

2010-04-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

She's turned heads, collected armfuls of Grammys and inspired a nation to have an "Empire State of Mind." Now singer and actress Alicia Keys is turning to the Internet to empower and connect women to help them find their inner "superwoman."

Her new Web site, IAAS.com -- named after her song "I Am a Superwoman" -- is a place women can gather to share dreams, goals, struggles and advice.

"This dream has been to really create a neighborhood, an online community, a place," she said.
A place, she said, for "the many ways that we can create the life that we dream of and talk about fashion, and talk about places that we love to go, talk about our children and our families, talk about our jobs and our careers, talk about finances and how to really get to the places that you dream of."

Alicia Keys and Monster seek head blogger

2010-04-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Think you have the chops to write blog posts for Grammy Award winning musician Alicia Keys? Then maybe you could find a job through Monster.com, the job search website with much of its operations in Maynard.
Monster said it has partnered with the pop chanteuse to organize a nationwide hunt for the "head blogger" of Keys' new website, IAAS.com - IAAS as in "I Am A SuperWoman."

The process to apply for this position at Keys' company kicks off today and continues through May 3. Candidates can log onto Monster.com to apply and find more information on IAAS.com, Monster.com said in a press release.

Even With Alicia Keys, Speedy 'American Idol' Show Fails To Inspire

2010-04-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

It’s the first hourlong American Idol episode. And you know what that means, time for ninety-second performances where the contestants have no chance to build to any sort of climax or show what they can do. Oh joy!

In honor of this ridiculous night, let’s rush through the intro and get straight to the recap.
A nice sped-through introduction from Ryan. I imagine we’ll be seeing plenty of this expedience as they attempt to shove seven performances in 44 minutes. . .er. . .one hour.

I think Alicia Keys is great, but did she really change R&B forever? Isn’t that just a tad bit hyperbolic?

Yeah, I’m sure Crystal just happened to ask Alicia, “How does it feel to take part in Idol gives back?” while the camera was shoved in her face. No prodding there whatsoever. Okay, that’s the last bit of charity snark out of me.

Fresh Snow For Silvretta Arena Ahead Of Alicia Keys Concert

2010-04-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

Almost all of the runs in the giant Silvretta Arena ski area on the Swiss-Austrian border remain open, and the region has reported 25cm (10 inches) of new snow in the past 24 hours.
220km of the region’s 235km of piste are open, one of the largest ski areas in the world open at present. 38 of the 40 lifts which connect the runs between Samnaun in Switzerland and Ischgl in Austria are currently operating.

On May 1st 2010 at 1pm Alicia Keys will follow in the illustrious ski tracks of famous names including Diana Ross, Elton John and others and perform on the Idalp-Open-Air stage above Ischgl at the famed Top of the Mountain Concert at 2,300m above sea level.
About 20,000 fans are expected for the concert, which follows on from the region’s 22nd Snowspring Festival this Sunday, April 25th, at the Alp Trida. The concert is frère-of-charge to lift pass holders.

American Idol Tuesday night show recap: Alicia Keys mentors the Top 7

2010-04-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

American Idol performance show was on Tuesday. Here is the show recap with a few of the judges comments. The theme this week is Inspirational Songs. Ryan introduces the contestants and then there was a video package of guest mentor Alicia Keys showing a recap of her career. Video footage of the contestants are showed of them getting advice.
Alicia said that if he can connect with the song, he would be fine. The song is so well know so you have to be sure the love you singing the song and not just the song. Casey plays the guitar for the song.

American Idol 2010: Final 7 Odds, Alicia Keys Mentors Contestants

2010-04-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

American Idol 2010 Final 7 Odds, Alicia Keys Mentors Contestants: Last week we saw two American Idol hopefuls leave the stage and now it’s down to 6 contestants in Week 9. Alicia Keys will be added this week as the mentor and the contestants had to choose from Inspirational Songs. Go to BODOG.com to get all of the current odds on your American Idol favorites.

American Idol 2010: Final 7 Odds, Alicia Keys Mentors ContestantsSo who’s going to continue to wow us? I feel like a broken record every week but I am stating the obvious. Lee Dewyze who’s coming in at 7 to 2 odds is one of those that I just don’t believe can put on a bad performance. Another one right up there with him is Crystal Bowersox who’s coming in this week at 2 to 3 odds . One that I can’t put my finger on is Sioghan Magnus (15 to 2 odds) who doesn’t do it for me but seems to continue to please America. Coming in at 7 to 1 odds is Casey James and I think he’s going to be safe also this week since he seems to continue to give viewers a solid performance week after week. I’m hoping that Michael Lynche (12 to 1 odds) will continue to stay safe as I truly believe he has a lot of talent.
mazingly, Tim Urban (50 to 1 odds) has brought in a couple of okay performances and the judges seem to warming up to him. However, I still don’t think he has what it takes to get win this competition. With much better talent than himself, Aaron Kelly is also one that I don’t think can get through American Idol.

Tune in tonight at 8 PM EST on Fox to see what songs the American Idol contestants choose to sing. You can get all the up to date odds on your favorites at Bodog.com:

Alicia Keys Teases 'Un-Thinkable' Music Video With Set Pictures

2010-04-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys has shot visuals for a Drake-assisted single "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)". On her Twitter, the R&B performer then posted two photos of her on set of the clip. One has her wearing black and white checkered top matched with white pants, and the other features her in black-colored outfit.

The white costume, which she wore in the video directed by Jake Nava, is described by Alicia as "1950's" old-schooled style. "Unthinkable..this is so deep, wait until u witness the vibe !Super excited over here," she wrote on the micro-blogging site.
The decision to release "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)" as Alicia's next single has put on hold promotion for her Beyonce Knowles-featuring track "Put It in a Love Song". This includes delaying the premiere of its music video which was filmed in Brazil.

Alicia previously told Rap-Up, "Expect it right after my 'Un-thinkable' video. It's kind of nice that I have such a great video and such a great artist in the can." She added, "They're going to be able to see the 'Un-thinkable' video first and then see 'Put It in a Love Song', but it probably won't come until closer to this summer."

Alicia Keys On American Idol April 20-21

2010-04-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys is set to make an appearance on an upcoming episode of American Idol.
The singer will appear on the singing competition show Tuesday night, April 20 as the last mentor to the seven remaining contestants. Keys will follow in the footsteps of Usher, who appeared on March 30, to offer his critiques to the “Idol” hopefuls, according to TheBoomBox.com.
Keys will provide the “Idol” finalists with advice for performing “inspirational” songs. Her coaching will coincide with the week’s theme of charity and giving back. Following her mentoring session, Keys will be on the show again on Wednesday night, April 21 to perform for the “Idol Gives Back” special, which will be hosted by Queen Latifah.

Alicia Keys To Mentor On Idol

2010-04-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys is set to appear on American Idol this week. She will mentor the remaining seven contestants on Tuesday's show, which has the theme of inspirational songs.

On Wednesday, Keys will be one of the performers for the "Idol Gives Back" episode, which will also include performances by Elton John, Carrie Underwood and the Black Eyed Peas. Queen Latifah will appear as co-host with Idol regular Ryan Seacrest.
"Idol Gives Back" will raise money for a number of charities, including the Children's Health Fund and the United Nations Foundation.

Keys follows Miley Cyrus, Usher and former contestant Adam Lambert as mentors on Idol this season. She is still promoting her latest album, The Element of Freedom, which came out last year.

Keys' show a shallow mess

2010-03-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

With radio and concert stages cluttered with Auto Tuned no-talents, a performer with gospel in her voice and classical training in her fingers is someone to be cherished.

So it's doubly disappointing how Alicia Keys has abandoned the promise of her early work for the safety net of shallow pop.

Sunday night's concert at the St. Pete Times Forum, before a crowd of 7,375, illustrated the problem. The focus was squarely on the show - dancers, a splashy set, costumes - with the music just another element of the entertainment package.
That's standard procedure for concerts by the latest "American Idol" winner or Disney sensation. But Keys has the talent and the tunes those performers normally lack. She doesn't need the props.

Alicia Keys ready for family

2010-03-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys thinks starting a family will be "the most beautiful experience" she will ever have.

The "Doesn't Mean Anything" singer - who got engaged to music producer Swizz Beats in January - can't wait to settle down and become a mother but admits there are lots of things she wants to do with her career first.

She said: "I absolutely am very interested in starting a family. It is one of the most beautiful experiences to have in this life and I am looking forward to it when it is my time.
"I have a lot of things I still want to do. As far as retirement goes, I just wanted to have the ability, if I so choose, to be able to do so. But I fell that I am just getting started."

Alicia Keys Has Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles as Surprise Guests in Concert

2010-03-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys' concert at Madison Square Garden had more than one surprise guest. Crowd attending the March 17 gig went wild when the "No One" singer was joined by Beyonce Knowles during her "Put It in a Love Song" performance.

Alicia also welcomed another guest when singing "Empire State of Mind" and the mystery guest is none other than Beyonce's husband Jay-Z. Moreover, her producer/singer boyfriend Swizz Beatz also briefly came onto the stage to support her.
Before Alicia Keys kicked off her set, Jermaine Paul, Melanie Fiona and Robin Thicke appeared one by one, serving as her opening acts. "I'm a renegade. I'm a truth seeker. They told me I would never make it and I did. They told me I wasn't strong enough but I am mighty. The element of freedom is tattooed on my heart," so Alicia said before starting the main show.

Alicia Keys to open FIFA world cup

2010-03-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys and Black Eyed Peas will perform at a concert to launch the soccer world cup in South Africa.

Shakira, John Legend, Amadou & Mariam, Angelique Kidjo, Parlotones, BLK JKS, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Touré, and Vusi Mahlasela will also take to the stage for the extravaganza. The concert will be held at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on June 10.
"This concert will be a testament to the universal and unifying power of football and music," Jerome Valcke, from soccer's governing body FIFA, said. "We are thrilled to have a concert of such magnitude and performing talent raise the curtain on the first FIFA World Cup in Africa."

It's the element of balance for Alicia Keys

2010-03-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys says that balance is very important to her. "There's no getting around putting in the work," she said at a recent lecture to NYU students. "But there's more creativity to be found in balance."
After 10 years in the music business, Keys said she has learned that being a workaholic doesn't necessarily bring better work. It's an idea she put into practice as she worked on her...

Alicia Keys has a sharein music's Ivy tradition

2010-03-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

Anyone who believes mainstream musicians can't be brainiacs simply hasn't shuffled through the list of notable alumni from our country's top colleges and universities. Just take a look at pop-R&B-soul-jazz chanteuse Alicia Keys, who studied at Columbia University for a year before taking off to pursue her music career full time.

OK, so we never said they all finished school, did we?
Besides, Keys was already a no-brainer for the Ivy League before she polished her singing chops: She was valedictorian of her high school at the tender age of 16 and enrolled at Columbia soon after. Eventually, Keys settled for another Columbia – the record company.

An 'Element' to Alicia Keys is something old, something new

2010-03-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

A baseball World Series ring is about the only piece of hardware R&B singer-songwriter Alicia Keys hasn't owned in her short but very successful career.

But an argument can be made that her and Jay-Z's rendition of their hit, "Empire State of Mind,'' performed by the duo at Yankee Stadium when the Yanks were down 0-1 to the Phillies last fall, inspired the home team to victory in the games, and the series.

"I don't know if (the Yankees) directly thanked Jay or me in any way, but I know that's what they meant, and when they got that ring, they were like "Yes!,' and we dedicate this to Alicia and Jay,'' said Keys in a recent conference call. "We actually should have an honorary ring, I think.''
Yankees fans, we think, will agree.

Keys comes to New Jersey this weekend with shows tonight at the Prudential Center in Newark and Saturday at the arena at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City in support of her latest album, "The Element of Freedom.'' The work, which debuted No. 2 in the nation in December and has sold more than 2 million copies, continues Keys' streak of musical elegance and excellence, but this time does so with a bit of an '80s retro flare. Musical crescendos and swells are more pronounced on "Element'' as compared to previous works, thanks to the use of '80s-style synthesizers. The era's drum machines abound on the album, and the songs also have the decade's theatrical embellishments.

Alicia Keys एंड शकीरा Help Kick-Off World Cup 2010

2010-03-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

World-famous musicians Shakira, John Legend and The Black Eyed Peas are among the performers for a concert that will kick-off the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

A star-studded line-up, also including Alicia Keys and Angelique Kidjo, has been put together at the newly-renovated Orlando Stadium on June 10, with the tournament itself starting two days later."We are thrilled to have a concert of such magnitude and performing talent raise the curtain on the first FIFA World Cup in Africa," said FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke.

"It is testament to the universal and unifying power of football and music, and will start the competition off on the right note – of celebration."