Alicia Keys
Date of birth
25th January, 1981
Occupation
Musician
Sex
1st January, 1970
Height
1.68
Alicia Keys (born Alicia J. Augello-Cook, 25.1.1985)
Alicia Keys is an American-born R&B musician. She has sold over 25 million albums worldwide and won a number of high-profile awards, including 11 Grammy Awards, 11 Billboard Awards and three American Music Awards.
Net worth: Alicia Keys has a net worth of $45 million according to The Richest (2013).
Childhood: Alicia was born in Harlem, New York, to Teresa Augello (of Irish and Scottish heritage) and Craig Cook (a Jamaican). Her parents separated when she was young and she was raised by her mother in Manhattan. In 1985, she played one of a group of girls at Rudy Huxtable's sleepover in hit comedy show, The Cosby Show. She began to play the piano aged seven and attended the Professional Performing Arts School aged only 16.
Career: Keys dropped out of university to pursue her musical career and signed a demo deal with Jermaine Dupri's So So Def label. She co-wrote a track for the Men In Black film soundtrack, entitled Dah Dee Dah (Sexy Thing), though it was never released as a single. Arista records - now disbanded - signed Alicia Keys, but when the company ceased to exist, Keys followed Clive Davis, who instigated the signing, to his new label, J Records. She wrote two more soundtrack songs,Rock Wit U' for Shaft and Rear View Mirror', for Dr. Dolittle 2. She then released her debut solo album, Songs In A Minor in 2001. Songs In A Minor sold over 235,000 copies in its first week and went on sell in excess of 10 million copies worldwide. The first single from the album,Fallin'' received a great deal of radio airplay on many different stations and spent six weeks on the Billboard Hot 100's number one spot. As a result of the praise for the album, Alicia Keys is one of the five female artists who have won five Grammy Awards in a single night. The others are Lauryn Hill (1999), Norah Jones (2003), Beyonce (2004) and Amy Winehouse (2008). Alicia Keys also wrote, played piano, produced and sang backing vocals for Christina Aguilera's song Impossible' from Aguilera's 2002 album, stripped. Key's second album was entitled The Diary of Alicia Keys and was released in 2003. It became the sixth biggest-selling album by a female artist and the second biggest-selling album by and R&B artist. It has sold over nine million copies worldwide. In 2005, Alicia Keys joined Jamie Foxx and Quincy Jones on a performance ofGeorgia On My Mind,' a song made famous by Ray Charles in 1980. She won four Grammy Awards that night and was nominated for a fifth. In 2005, Keys released a recording of her MTV Unplugged performance, recorded at the Brooklyn Academy Of Music. Rappers Common and Mos Def collaborated with Keys as part of the performance, as well as Damien Marley (son of Bob Marley) and Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine, with whom she performed a cover of The Rolling Stones song, Wild Horses.' Key's third studio album, As I Am, was released in 2007. The album achieved first-week sales of 742,000 copies: the largest sales week of Key's career. The lead singleNo One' earned the singer a further two Grammy Awards. She opened the ceremony with an unusual duet, featuring footage of the deceased Frank Sinatra, singing his 1950's song `Learnin' The Blues.' She teamed up with Jack White on the 'Quantum of Solace' theme tune which became the first ever duet Bond song. In 2009, she featured on 'Empire State of Mind' by Jay-Z which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won two Grammys. She became the first non-Hispanic to top the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart when she collaborated with Alejandro Sanz on 'Looking for Paradise'. Alicia's fourth studio album 'The Element Of Freedom' was released in 2009 for which the lead single was 'Doesn't Mean Anything'. It was her first album to top the UK Album Chart. She teamed up with Beyonce on third single 'Put It in a Love Song'. Her fifth album, 'Girl On Fire', came out in 2012 and featured a song co-written by Emeli Sandé called 'Not Even the King'. She teamed up with Kendrick Lamar on the track 'It's on Again' from The Amazing Spider-Man 2 soundtrack. She has been involved in various advertising campaigns including Dove Go Fresh in 2008, Glacéau's VitaminWater, American Express and Reebok. She also co-released an iOS app with Bento Box Interactive called 'The Journals of Mama Mae and LeeLee'. In 2013, she was named Global Creative Director of BlackBerry. In the 2000's, Keys made a number of bit-part appearances in TV shows such as Charmed and American Dreams. Her big-screen debut came in early 2007 when she co-starred in Smokin' Aces, alongside Ben Affleck and Ray Liotta. She went on to star in an adaptation of The Nanny Diaries alongside Scarlett Johansson. In 2008, she appeared in 'The Secret Life of Bees' opposite Jennifer Hudson and Dakota Fanning.
Personal life: Alicia caused controversy by asserting that 'Gangsta rap' was a ploy created by the government to induce black people to be violent towards each other. In 2009, it was announced that she was in a relationship with producer Swizz Beatz. The pair married in 2010 and welcomed their first child, Egypt Daoud Ibarr Dean.
Katherine Jenkins Raps Jay Z At Karaoke
By Clive King in Music / Festivals on 27 October 2017
Former choir girl Katherine Jenkins has revealed her karaoke song of choice is 'Empire State of Mind' by Jay Z and Alicia Keys because she loves to shock people with the rap part
Katherine Jenkins loves to rap 'Empire State of Mind' when she does karaoke.
The Welsh soprano - who was a choir girl when she was younger - has admitted she likes to shock friends with her song choice when she enjoys a singalong session.
Speaking to NME magazine about her favourite karaoke track, she said: ''It's not an obvious choice for me, but I really like to do the Jay-Z part because nobody ever guesses it, so it's my trick to shock people!''
Continue reading: Katherine Jenkins Raps Jay Z At Karaoke
Alicia Keys Blasts Decision To Scrap DACA Policy
By Clive King on 08 September 2017
American singer Alicia Keys says children should be ''free to laugh and live without walls, borders, bans or repeals'', in light of the decision to scrap the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy.
Alicia Keys believes children should be ''free to laugh and live without walls, borders, bans or repeals''.
The 36-year-old star - who has a six-year-old son called Egypt and a two-year-old son called Genesis with her husband Swizz Beatz - has spoken out against US President Donald Trump's plan to scrap the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, which allows certain illegal immigrants who entered America as minors to remain in the country.
Alicia, whose father is African-American and her mother is Sicilian, responded on Twitter: ''All Children should have a field of dreams to play in.
Continue reading: Alicia Keys Blasts Decision To Scrap DACA Policy
'Phiona Is All Of Us': Alicia Keys Explains Why 'Queen Of Katwe' Is Such An Important Story
By Holly Williams in Movies / TV / Theatre on 21 September 2016
The Disney chess movie is set for release on September 30th.
Walt Disney's 'Queen of Katwe' made its LA premiere last night (September 20th 2016) as it prepares for a limited US release on Friday. Soundtracking this extraordinary story about a young Ugandan chess champion is Alicia Keys with her soaring new song 'Back To Life'.
'Queen of Katwe' is the true story of chess extraordinaire Phiona Mutesi, who came from a modest background in Katwe, Uganda. She lived in poverty just like everyone in her community, she suffered familial losses to the AIDS virus and even schooling didn't come easy for Phiona. However, she transformed her life and her community when she learned to play chess, going on to win numerous titles and even getting to go to university.
Continue reading: 'Phiona Is All Of Us': Alicia Keys Explains Why 'Queen Of Katwe' Is Such An Important Story
Alicia Keys performing live at the Apple Music Festival held at The Roundhouse, London, United Kingdom - Tuesday 20th September 2016
Alicia Keys attending the MTV Video Music Awards 2016 held at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. United States - Sunday 28th August 2016
Alicia Keys showing her natural beauty on the red carpet for the 2016 BET Awards held at The Microsoft Theater L.A Live. Los Angeles, California, United States - Sunday 26th June 2016
Alicia Keys Shares Adorable Family Photo With New Baby Genesis - Take A Look!
By Elinor Cosgrave in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 28 February 2015
Alicia Keys and her husband, rapper and producer Swizz Beatz, have shared a beautiful family photograph which includes the latest addition to their large family. Take a look at the adorable picture of baby Genesis!
Alicia Keys has shared an adorable new family photograph which includes her new born son, Genesis. The 34-year-old uploaded the picture on to Instagram, adding the caption "Blessings and love", on Friday (27th February). Keys and her husband, rapper and producer Swizz Beatz A.K.A. Kasseem Dean, welcomed their second child together, Genesis Ali Dean, on 27th December 2014. The couple already have one son, 4-year-old Egypt Daoud, and Beatz has three children from previous relationships.
Read More: Alicia Keys Welcomes Second Baby With Husband Swizz Beatz.
Continue reading: Alicia Keys Shares Adorable Family Photo With New Baby Genesis - Take A Look!
'Nas: Time Is Illmatic' Marks The 20th Anniversary Of One Of The Greatest Ever Rap Albums [Trailer]
By Holly Williams in Movies / TV / Theatre on 24 October 2014
Released in the UK today, Nas takes us on a journey through his landmark debut 'Illmatic'.
The 1990s marked a turning point for rap and hip hop, with plenty of artists making their mark on the scene with seminal releases. Nas was one of them, and now his landmark debut 'Illmatic' is being explored in a telling documentary, 'Nas: Time Is Illmatic'.
Like many young black men exposed to rap culture, Nas (born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones) was forced to live a life of fear and poverty as a youth, with guns and killings being a thing of daily terror. After his early collaborator Ill Will was shot dead and his brother injured in the process, it was time to write an album revealing the truth about ghetto culture - and the fear and rivalry that comes with it. 'Nas: Time Is Illmatic' explores his moving relationship with his parents against the grim backdrop of Queensbridge, as he rose up to become one of the greatest rapstars of all time.
Continue reading: 'Nas: Time Is Illmatic' Marks The 20th Anniversary Of One Of The Greatest Ever Rap Albums [Trailer]
Taylor Swift Joins 'The Voice' As Guest Advisor
By Elinor Cosgrave in Movies / TV / Theatre on 05 October 2014
Taylor Swift is joining NBC's 'The Voice' as an advisor, taking up the position Chris Martin left vacant last season.
Taylor Swift is joining The Voice as a guest advisor on the NBC show's seventh season.
Taylor Swift at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in September.
Read More: Taylor Swift Reveals Feud With Unnamed Female Pop Star On New Track 'Bad Blood'.
Continue reading: Taylor Swift Joins 'The Voice' As Guest Advisor
Musicians, Celebrities And World Leaders Unite To Fight Poverty At Global Citizen Festival
By Victoria Pavlova in Music / Festivals on 29 September 2014
Gigs in the park are fun and all, but can they really help to end extreme poverty?
So there’s SXSW for the hipsters, Coachella for the fashionable crowd… and then there’s the Global Citizen music festival, which has a different vibe altogether. Held in Central Park, the third annual event featured the likes of Beyonce, Jay Z, Alicia Keys, No Doubt, Sting and fun. The star-packed festival is free to attend and sets itself the ambitious goal of “erasing poverty by 2030.”
After their On The Run success, Bey and Jay graced the Central Park stage in honor of a good cause.
So here’s how it works. The acts all performed for free, with brief speeches by the likes of Jessica Alba, Hugh Jackman and Olivia Wilde speaking in between performances. It was an exercise in raising awareness and putting pressure on world leaders to enact more effective policies on equality. Attendees were also encouraged to take the pledge, which would earn them points to put towards VIP entry.
Continue reading: Musicians, Celebrities And World Leaders Unite To Fight Poverty At Global Citizen Festival
Coolest Parents You Could Ask For: Alicia Keys And Swizz Beatz Expecting Another Baby
By Ed Biggs in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 31 July 2014
Super cool couple announce imminent arrival of a sibling for Egypt
American singer Alicia Keys has announced that she is expecting her second child with her husband Swizz Beatz. The recording superstar made the announcement over her Twitter account on Wednesday night, the fourth wedding anniversary of her marriage to the hip-hop artist.
The 33 year old ‘Girl On Fire’ singer wrote “Happy Anniversary to the love of my life @therealswizzz! And to make it even sweeter we’ve been blessed with another angel on the way!! You make me happier than I have ever known! Here’s to many many more years of the best parts of life!!"
Continue reading: Coolest Parents You Could Ask For: Alicia Keys And Swizz Beatz Expecting Another Baby
Video - Emma Stone Is Joined By Paul Giamatti At 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' NY Premiere - Part 5
'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' stars Emma Stone and Paul Giamatti made their entrances on the red carpet at the New York premiere of the movie. The actors play Spider-Man's love interest Gwen Stacy and his nemesis The Rhino, respectively. Emma certainly stood out in a floor-skimming, white, Grecian gown.
Continue: Video - Emma Stone Is Joined By Paul Giamatti At 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' NY Premiere - Part 5
Katy Perry Isn't The Only Celebrity Who Believes In Aliens: 5 More UFO-Obsessed Celebs
By Joe Wilde in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 22 January 2014
The singer revealed her belief in extraterrestrial beings in an interview for GQ, but she is not alone in thinking that we are not alone
Katy Perry appeared as the cover girl for the February issue of GQ magazine, where amongst other things, she revealed that she genuinely believes in extraterrestrial beings and that we are not alone. She also spoke about praying for large breasts, regretting that prayer in later life, her dislike of cannabis, losing her virginity, the beginnings of her career and much more, but it was her other worldly beliefs that has caught on.
Katy believes that we are not alone
"I believe in a lot of astrology. I believe in aliens. I look up into the stars and I imagine: How self-important are we to think that we are the only life-form?" she questioned. "I mean, if my relationship with Obama gets any better, I'm going to ask him that question. It just hasn't been appropriate yet."
Continue reading: Katy Perry Isn't The Only Celebrity Who Believes In Aliens: 5 More UFO-Obsessed Celebs
Alicia Keys - Way Out West Festival 2013 - Performances - Day 3 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Saturday 10th August 2013
Halle Berry; Alicia Keys BET Honors 2013: Red Carpet Presented By Pantene at Warner Theatre Featuring: Halle Berry, Alicia Keys Where: Washington, DC, United States When: 12 Jan 2013