Grammy award-winning singer Alicia Keys refuses to wear skimpy clothes on stage - because she's afraid her breasts might pop out.

Unlike her contemporaries Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, the 22-year-old musician does not see the need or feel comfortable with shedding her clothes.

Alicia says, "The last thing I want is to be playing a song, singing my heart out and have to be afraid that something might pop out of my top. Who needs that?

"People are always asking me why I don't wear skirts or dresses, and the reason is very simple, I play piano. And I don't want to have to worry about whether or not somebody might be able to see my panties.

"I never want to be the kind of artist who is essentially just a marketing strategy. I find that revolting. I hate it."

01/12/2003 17:30