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Section: News Archive
From January 2008 to April 2008.
April 30, 2008
:: Fresh from a two-concert break to recover from swollen vocal chords, Alicia
Keys returned to the stage Sunday night in St. Louis and spoke with Billboard.com
about the road just beyond her current North American tour. "I've been thinking
about the next album since we kind of wrapped up this album," says Keys of
her cd"As I Am. "Part of what I've been thinking about is, 'What are
the ways that I want to express myself this time?' When I was just finishing recording
'As I Am,' I said to myself that I want to do something that's totally stripped-down,
stripped-back, totally piano-based, singer-songwriter; Joni Mitchell, Carole King
type of vibe. I might do that, but you never know where life takes you, where
the music's going to take you." At this point I'm trying to find the space
to continue to record as I'm on tour," explains Keys. "That's always
a bit of a challenge for me 'cause it takes so much out of me to tour. But there's
always that urge to stay creative and write on that more personal side. So the
main goal now is to continue to find that quiet space somewhere in the madness.
Keys says she and director Gina Prince-Bythewood are still deciding whether she'll
contribute any music to her next film project, an adaptation of Sue Monk Kidd's
novel "The Secret Life of Bees". Alicia has also been tapped to star
as Philippa Schuyler in the Halle Berry-produced "Black and White" but
says the project is currently in the scripting stage with its release "a
couple of years off."
:: I've uploaded Teenage Love Affair performance and interview from David Letterman
show.
April 30, 2008
:: More fresh photos added: Alicia arrives for her appearance on the Late Show
with David Letterman at the Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York City.
April 30, 2008
:: Dressed in a gunmetal grey lycra number which left very little to the imagination,
Alicia's clingy 'body-con' dress - one of this season's big trends - showed off
her fabulous, curvy figure to great effect. It appears the singer was finding
it somewhat difficult to cope with the tightness of the sexy look. However, it
didn't stop her flashing a megawatt smile, or stopping to chat to fans as she
mingled with the crowds outside the CBS television studios. Curvy Alicia, who
ran the Greek Marathon last year in preparation for her role as a hit woman in
film Smokin' Aces, has been a vocal critic of the size zero trend. She told Australian
magazine Who: "I think that a woman is so much her curves and her many styles.
We come in all packages. We are who we are and I definitely don't like it when
young girls feel like they have to totally starve themselves. I think it's not
attractive either, actually. Definitely not healthy". Alicia was appearing
on the Late Show with David Letterman yesterday. I've put many photos to the gallery,
video will be uploaded asap.
April 30, 2008
:: I've added beautiful photos from Miss Keys' trip in Africa two years ago. I
wanna remind you that you can still download 'Alicia in Africa: Journey to the
Motherland' documentary from spiralfrog.com
in very good quality. Captures can be found in this
gallery.
April 28, 2008
:: Alicia Keys made more headlines for the sick days she took from her "As
I Am" tour last week than the fact the tour actually launched. But after
forgoing a couple of tour stops because of vocal problems, Keys came roaring back
with a supreme show Sunday night at the Scottrade Center. A filmed comedic intro
set in a church featured St. Louis natives Cedric the Entertainer and actress
Jenifer Lewis, and showed preacher Cedric wishing young congregation member Keys
well as she goes off into the music world. She walked out the church doors and
onto the Scottrade stage (hokey, and cute). "My name is Alicia Keys and this
is my life," she said as old photos of the singer flashed on the curved,
cinematic-like wide screen. Read the full review here.
:: I've added some photos from Columbus concert, click on thumbnails.
April 28, 2008
:: Having been waylaid by swollen vocal cords that forced the cancellation of
some concert dates, Alicia Keys is back in form, ready to appear at St. Louis's
Scottrade Center Sunday night. Earlier this month, before her throat condition
flared up, the singer spoke to People while hot on the heels of having wrapped
up the European leg of her "Lexus Presents the Alicia Keys As I Am"
tour - which she called "one of the biggest tours that I have ever done,
and to see the reaction from the people was great." As for delivering the
show stateside, she said: "I love the rhythm of it, but there will be slight
changes to the stage and other things as I fine-tune it. But, overall, the tour
is so tight. It's very interactive, and although many of the venues are huge,
it's my intention to make everyone feel like we are in a little club or a theater."
Read more on People.com.
:: I've made new livejournal icons, use them to support Teenage Love Affair!
April 27, 2008
:: At first, it seemed that Alicia Keys might have been swallowed up by her machine.
At last night's concert at a half-filled Value City Arena, she initially showed
up gamely singing and dancing with six dancers dressed as mimes, a quartet of
backup singers, a full band, and a light show worthy of Vegas. The production
was slick, but Keys' personality was swamped by the show. Then she sat down at
the piano, and the world righted itself. Read the full review on this
site.
:: I've made mp3s from Today Show performances, you can download all of them from
here.
April 25, 2008
:: Here is official msg from AKFC.com: Alicia's canceled shows in Pittsburgh and
Cleveland will not be rescheduled. Cleveland's tickets will be honored at Saturday's
show in Columbus, OH. The venue will do its best to give comparable seats, but
seat locations are not guaranteed. Ticketmaster will grant refunds for all Pittsburgh
ticket holders and for Cleveland ticket holders who do not attend the Columbus
show. Please contact your local Ticketmaster Customer Service for more information.
We are terribly sorry and hope that you understand Alicia's dilemma in canceling
these shows so that she can have vocal rest.
:: I've added more photos from USA Today photoshoot, check them all by clicking
on thumbs.
April 25, 2008
:: Founder and Co-CEO of KrucialKeys Enterprises alongside Alicia Keys, Kerry
"Krucial" Brothers is a Grammy award-winning, multiplatinum-selling
producer and writer who has played an integral role on Keys' albums Songs In A
Minor, The Diary of Alicia Keys and As I Am. He has also produced, written, arranged
and composed songs that appeared on the soundtracks of Dr. Doolittle, Drumline,
Shaft and Ali . In addition to Alicia Keys, Brothers has also worked with Rakim,
Mario, Angie Stone, Nas and Keyshia Cole, and is currently working with Anthony
Hamilton, Goapele, Robert Randolph and Brandy. This week Krucial checked in to
give 24Hr Grind his advice on succeeding as a music producer and songwriter. Read
it now.
April 24, 2008
:: Alicia is blaming New York's unpredictable weather for her bad throat - claiming
a live outdoor gig in the city left her with swollen vocal chords. Miss Keys cancelled
gigs in Pennsylvania and Ohio, after an early morning Manhattan performance for
TV show Today on Monday left her unable to sing. Her spokesperson Theola Borden
reveals, "It was really cold outside. That was a bit strenuous on her. Afterwards,
she went to rehearsal in Pittsburgh but wasn't feeling up to par. She felt she
needed to cancel rather than give a sub-par performance." Disappointed fans
affected by the concert cancellations were shocked to spot the singer guest-hosting
BET network show 106 & Park on Wednesday night - but Borden insists she wasn't
scamming her fans. She adds, "She wanted to honour her commitment to BET.
Co-hosting took no more than 30 minutes of a speaking voice. That doesn't compare
to singing for two straight hours." Speaking on the show, Keys explained
how the tour is stressing her out: "It takes a lot of organising. It's taking
all the music that I have written and making it visual. It's crazy." Alicia
is expected to return to the stage Saturday, April 26th in Columbus, Ohio.
:: I've made new animations featuring Teenage Love Affair video. You can use them
if you like :)
April 24, 2008
:: She sings. She acts. She saves the world, or tries to, through her various
charity efforts. And even Bob Dylan has noticed, and namechecked her in song.
But take note, Alicia Keys admirers: Even Superwoman is human and needs a break.
"Do I get overwhelmed? Absolutely, everybody gets overwhelmed," Keys
says via phone from France, while on a break from the European leg of her current
As I Am tour. "Are there days when I'm mad? 'I surely should have said no
to one of these things, because this is just a bit too much.' Yes. But I try my
best to really make choices for things that I truly love from a really pure place,
and then it's not like you're angry about it. Read the full article on
this page.
:: During a recent interview, Janet Jackson admitted that if she were to have
a lesbian fling, her ideal partner would be Alicia Keys. "I think I would
pick Alicia Keys". You can read
more.
April 23, 2008
:: That Grape Juice has teamed up with AEG Live to give you the chance to win
tickets to see Alicia Keys live in concert! Over the course of the next three
weeks, That Grape Juice will be offering a pair of tickets to select dates of
the tour in May. This weeks cities/dates are: San Diego (May 7) and Las Vegas
(May 9). Join the competition by visiting That
Grape Juice!
:: Photos from BET 106&Park appearance have been added. I'll try to add the
video later.
April 23, 2008
:: Teenage Love Affair music video premiered today on BET, check it out, it's
so cute! :) Watch it here
or download from videos page. Enjoy!
April 23, 2008
:: A message from AKFCofficial.com: Alicia's show tomorrow night in Cleveland,
as well as last night's show in Pittsburgh have been canceled due to illness.
The dates will likely be rescheduled, but as of now no dates have been set.
:: Visit Dove to watch last
episode of 'Fresh Takes'. I've put more behind the scenes photos.
April 22, 2008
:: Alicia Keys brought her soul revue to the Liacouras Center last night, a show
that turned out to be a little too much of a good thing. After a taped introduction
featuring Cedric the Entertainer as a bombastic preacher played on the giant screen
over the stage, Keys took the stage, dressed in a sleeveless black vest, black
leather pants, kicky sequin high heels and shouting "Philly!". The opening
numbers were rushed medleys, the choreography hectic and the pacing rushed. It
felt like the singer's tour bus was double-parked. It wasn't until eight songs
into the show that she finally eased into her forte, parking herself at the piano
to belt out personal anthems like "Sure Looks Good to Me" and "How
Come You Don't Call Me". This was Keys at her most mesmerizing, testifying
at the keyboard. During these goose-pimple segments, the crowd was rapt. Then
invariably, she would jump up from the piano bench, bring out the dancers and
begin prowling the stage for more bumptious numbers. Again and again, the supernal
nature of her talent got obscured by the disco dolly gymnastics. Read
more. Here are pics from the concert.
April 22, 2008
:: I've added more photos from Teenage Love Affair video shoot. Thanks to my beautiful
Ewe for these! Don't
forget to watch the video premiere on BET and MySpace tommorow!
April 21, 2008
:: Sometimes wishes really do come true. And if you don't believe that, you should
have been there Sunday when Justin McDonald leaned forward in his wheelchair and
read aloud the wish that's coming true for him. It was written in yellow and blue
icing on a cake: "Justin meets Alicia April 27".Wha-hoo!" he squealed,
giving a roomful of his family and friends the most joyful smile you've ever seen
and wiggling like he wanted to jump right out of that chair. Justin's mom, Nita
Collins, said her 16-year-old son has been a big fan of Alicia Keys for as far
back as she can remember. Last year, Collins said, she decided to write to the
Make-A-Wish Foundation to see if there might be a chance for Justin to meet his
music idol in person. Justin McDonald, 16, a resident of the Swann Special Care
Center, reacts to the news that his wish to meet musician Alicia Keys will come
true. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is facilitating the wish. "I thought it
was worth a shot," she said. Here
you can read the full story.
:: I've uploaded many more photos from Today show performance on Rockefeller Plaza.
HQ pictures added as well. Credit goes to Terminator for these.
April 21, 2008
:: Already a megastar R&B singer, Alicia Keys is on her way to becoming a
major movie star as well, with a starring role in the yet-to-be-released 'The
Secret Life of Bees' under her belt and the lead role in Oprah Winfrey's biopic
on legendary singer Lena Horne reportedly in the works. "I'm very excited
about all the possibilities. 'The Lena Horne Story' would be a dream part for
me to play" the singer told Todays Matt Lauer Monday on Rockefeller Plaza.
Keys is on a concert tour featuring songs from her latest album "As I Am".
She kicked off Today’s Summer Concert Series in front of an enthusiastic
crowd with her first national television performance of the hit single from that
album, "Teenage Love Affair". Read more and watch all videos from Today
show on MSNBC
page. You can also download interview and TLA performance from here.
April 21, 2008
:: Here are first photos from NBC's "Today" Show Summer Concert in NYC.
Alicia looks great!
April 21, 2008
:: Say what you want about Alicia Keys, but she knows how to work a crowd. Fresh
off a European tour, R&B's favorite songbird opened the U.S. leg Saturday
at the Hampton Coliseum. The New York native has steadily improved her live performance
over the past few years, and it showed during her tour, which also featured newcomer
Jermaine Paul and Ne-Yo. Jordin Sparks was scheduled to perform but didn't because
of illness. Paul, Keys' longtime and underrated backup singer, opened the show.
Ne-Yo was next on the roster. The multiplatinum singer's eight-piece band was
decked out in silver suits and showed immense musicianship. Read the full story
here.
:: I've added five new lj icons made by Jay, thx for sharing! :)
April 20, 2008
:: Visiting some far-off places made her a better artist, Alicia Keys says. After
a whirlwind five-year span in which Alicia Keys watched her first three albums
debut at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, the singer-pianist sought a little anonymity
to catch her breath. With that, her destination was Egypt. "I just needed
to run away, honestly," said Keys, during a recent telephone conference call.
"I needed to get as far away as possible, and so I did that. I was like,
‘I want to sail down the Nile. I want to see the temples, the tombs and the
pyramids. I want to be moved, I want to see something I’ve never seen before.’
And it turned out to be the best choice that I’ve ever made." A three-week
jaunt traveling alone through both Egypt and Tuscany not only allowed Keys to
unwind, but it recharged her creative and personal spirit. Read the full article
here.
:: Click here
to watch an interview with Alicia from Italian tv channel. Thx to Vince
for posting it!
April 20, 2008
:: Jordin Sparks is quickly becoming one of American Idol's more successful winners
and she'll go on tour with one of pop music's biggest names - Alicia Keys. Sparks
says her last touring experience was with the American Idols Live tour last summer.
"It's definitely going to be different because I am opening and I've never
done that before. And with the Idol tour, it was a lot more intense. This tour
is kind of, like, do a couple of days, have a couple of days off". Sparks
is a big Keys' fan. I've been a fan of her music and I sang her song, Fallin'
I don't know how many times. I can't wait to go. I'm so excited. She hopes Keys
won't be too busy to hang out. "I hope on this tour, I'll be able to sit
with her at least once 'cause I know she's super, super, super busy. Like just
coming back from her European tour. But, maybe I'll get to talk with her, I hope
I can".
:: Alicia Keys dropped off the chart after a months-long reign early in the year.
This week she pops back in #18 with 'Like You'll Never See Me Again' on Chicago's
Top 20.
April 20, 2008
:: 50 Cent has responded to Alicia's comments about gangsta rap printed in Blender.
Upon reading this it appears 50 Cent's brain started hurting. He said:"I
don't like Alicia Keys no more…the same reason why I said that I don't like
Oprah Winfrey. I'm prejudiced. I don't like people who don't like me". Read
the witty story about it on
Heckerspray. One more time: Alicia has cleared up her statements made in Blender
since they have been misrepresented, so let's just move on.
April 19, 2008
:: It's confirmed now, Teenage Love Affair video premieres next Wednesday on BET
followed by the MySpace premiere at 12 Noon EST. Visit Alicia's MySpace on April
23rd to watch it!
:: Ann posted another shout out videos from Madrid and Zurich on KrucialKeys
Blog, check them out. Thx to Granny G for tip! :)
April 19, 2008
:: How would you like to get your big break and see the World? Miss Keys is looking
for a background singer to join her on the As I Am tour. Visit
MySpace for complete audition details!
:: Today will need as many Alicia fans as possible for Monday’s show appearance.
Alicia will be performing three songs outside. This event is open to the public
on a first come, first serve basis. There is no list. Everyone should arrive to
Rockefeller Plaza at 48th street between 5th and 6th ave no later then 6:30am
EST. People are encouraged to get there early if they would like good sightlines.
April 18, 2008
:: On the heels of its successful campaign for Avril Lavigne, RCA Records today
debuts another partnership with WeeWorld, the most popular interactive avatar
community, to promote the upcoming Alicia Keys' US tour. Starting today, Alicia
will be showcased as a featured artist. She and her latest video and tour will
be promoted site-wide on WeeWorld.
Fans will be able to style and accessorize their WeeMee with free branded items,
custom-designed by Alicia, including: a piano, t-shirts, her CD and a poster.
These items will be visible to friends, virally promoting Alicia widely across
WeeWorld and its extensive partner network. An official Fan Club Promotion will
take place with assets designed exclusively by Alicia Keys and available only
to AKFC members. Later
in April, WeeWorld is also launching a site-wide 'Quest' featuring Miss Keys.
Users will search WeeWorld for clues to gain access to a secret prize designed
by Alicia. Launching April 25th, WeeWorld users will be able to view new video,
'Teenage Love Affair'.
April 18, 2008
:: Moni was watching BET Black Carpet with Teenage Love Affair shoot and it looks
like Derek Luke (Glory Road, Friday Night Lights) plays Alicia's boyfriend in
the video. As I said before TLA video is allegedly to be premiered on BET's 'Wild
Out Wednesday' and Alicia's MySpace page (that's for sure) on April 23rd. Thx
for info Monique!
April 18, 2008
:: Alicia Keys just wrapped a successful European tour and is about to embark
on a North American trek. Keys' As I Am tour kicks off April 19 in Hampton, Va,
continues across the US and Canada, and concludes on June 18 in Alicia's hometown
of NYC. New dates have been added in Memphis, Anaheim and Sacramento. She also
has a number of international festival dates that will keep her on the road through
the summer. "I wanted to make this show unique and different from my standard
style show, so the approach of this tour is like a journey; from the beginning
of my life, leading up to where we are now," Keys said. "I'm communicating
a lot to the audience through the music and by talking and sharing personal stories."
Keys will give morning TV viewers a peak at her stage show when she kicks off
NBC's "Toyota Concert Series on Today" April 21. Check out full list
of tour dates by clicking here.
April 17, 2008
:: Idolator reports: Nick Lachey and Alicia were spotted by surprised East Villagers
last week going into the shuttered Avenue A restaurant Mo Pitkin's. It turns out
they were filming a commercial for Dove (last episode) that airs during episodes
of "The Hills".
:: Alicia Keys admitted she has fallen in love with the traditional English brekkie
after touring over here. She explained: "You can't beat a pair of fried eggs,
fried bread, mushrooms, beans and grilled tomatoes. I don't do sausages or bacon
though - I'm a vegetarian".
April 17, 2008
:: Alicia is reliving her 'School Daze' for her all-new music video, "Teenage
Love Affair," and ET is behind the scenes in New Jersey! TLA is the third
single of album As I Am and the video pays special homage to Spike Lee's college
comedy from 1988. "It really tells the story of when you first fall for somebody,"
she explains to ET. "You know how it feels: you're on the phone all night;
when you see them in those special places, you get that feeling and you try to
meet them as much as possible - that whole first love kind of thing." Just
back from touring Europe, Alicia is kicking off her two-month North American tour
on April 19 in Hampton, VA. "Being able to see all those faces out there
singing at the top of their lungs, it really shows me how we've connected through
this music," says Alicia, adding, "The tour is a workout ... that stage
is really, really big, so I feel like I just jogged a basketball court!".
Here are caps from behind the scenes video, you can watch it on this
page. Thanks to Mel
for news! <3
April 16, 2008
:: Alicia Keys has released the following statement regarding her recent interview
with Blender Magazine: "I feel it is necessary to clarify the comments that
were made during my recent Blender magazine interview since they have been misrepresented.
Anyone who knows me and my character, knows that I am not a conspiracy theorist
or, by implication, a racist. My comments about 'gangsta rap' were in no way trying
to suggest that the government is responsible for creating this genre of rap music.
The point that I was trying to make was that the term was over-sloganized by some
of the media causing reactions that were not always positive. Many of the 'gangsta
rap' lyrics articulate the problems of the artists' experiences and I think all
of us, including our leaders, could be doing more to address these problems including
drugs, gang violence, crime, and other related social issues. Additionally, regarding
the AK-47 reference, AK-47 is a nickname given to me by some of my friends in
jest, as an acronym for Alicia Keys and a metaphor for wowing people with my music
and performances, "killing 'em dead" on stage. The reference was in
no way meant to have a literal, political or negative connotation.
April 16, 2008
:: After suffering an emotional breakdown two years ago, Alicia Keys fought back
to make her deeply personal third studio cd As I Am. Propelled by the anthemic
single ''No One,'' the disc debuted at No. 1 and sold more than 3 million copies.
Now Keys is hitting the road with R&B crooner Ne-Yo and Jordin Sparks for
the U.S. leg of her As I Am tour, which kicks off on Saturday in Hampton, Va.
The singer-songwriter and actress called EW.com from the set of the video shoot
for her third single, ''Teenage Love Affair,'' to discuss her vision for her grandest
tour yet.
Entertainment Weekly: "What's the overall concept for your tour?"
Alicia: "This is an arena tour. It's the biggest show I've done yet. Because
it's the As I Am tour, we are kind of telling a story through the music. Basically,
we take you on a journey from my beginning - where I started, how it was, searching
for my dream - to where I am now. It tends to feel like you're wrapped up not
only in great music, but also a whole body of work. When I go to a show I wanna
feel like I'm enraptured in the artist, their vibe, and their world, and so it's
been exciting to put this show together because we really wanted to come up with
something that was a little bit more conceptual". Read the full interview
by clicking
here.
:: I've added more photos from Teenage Love Affair shoot. Thx to Anh Khoa for
the last one!
April 15, 2008
:: Alicia called Ryan Seacrest this morning to clear up her statements in a latest
issue of Blender Magazine. You can get full audio interview from here. Miss Keys
also called Tom Joyner to talk about it. Click
here to listen to the interview online. Big thx to Melissa
for heads up!
April 15, 2008
:: While Lizzie is preparing to be a bridesmaid yet again, her feelings about
wanting to settle down and get married come into focus. Alex and Diane try to
make her realize that she shouldn't feel any pressure to find a husband, but it
takes throwing her a "wedding" party in order for Lizzie to see that
she has plenty of time to find a husband, and that right now her friends are all
she needs. Catch this week episode of Fresh Takes on Mtv.
April 15, 2008
:: Kerry 'Krucial' Brothers is seldom seen, often heard, and his impact is always
felt. He has the career every music producer dreams about. Growing up in a musical
household in Queens, New York planted the seed of a music career in the young
Krucial's mind. While first attracted to hip-hop as a rapper and producer he was
later taken in a different direction. It was at this time when he hooked up with
Alicia Keys. Not only did Krucial have a large hand in the production of all three
of the songstresses albums but the writing as well. Sixshot.com recently caught
up with Krucial to discuss working on Alicia Keys’ albums, winning two Grammys
and being the only producer to have Nas and Rakim on the same track. Read the
interview here.
April 14, 2008
:: Miss Keys become a little more political as of late. In a recent interview
with Blender magazine she's gone conspiracy theorist. During the interesting interview,
the singer went outside her regular genre of R&B to talk about gangsta rap,
saying the subgenre "was a ploy to convince black people to kill each other.
'Gangsta rap' didn't exist." As of late, Keys has been catching up on her
reading, revealing she's read several Black Panther autobiographies recently,
and now wears a gold AK-47 pendant around her neck "to symbolize strength,
power and killing 'em dead." Blender called Keys' mom, who said "She
wears what? That doesn't sound like Alicia". In addition to her theory that
the government created "gangsta rap," she also explained how the deaths
of Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. were contributed to by the government as well. She
claims that the East-West feud was fueled "by the government and the media,
to stop another great black leader from existing". Alicia's new outlook will
also be present in her future music as well. She says that she now plans to write
more political songs, saying that if black leaders "had the outlets our musicians
have today, it'd be global. I have to figure out a way to do it myself".
The entire interview is published in Blender magazine May issue, you can read
it from the scans. Big thanks to awesome Samme for sending me these!
April 14, 2008
::
Among today's young female stars, Alicia Keys - 11-time Grammy-winning singer
& songwriter, budding actress, anti-AIDS activist and all-around pop-culture
role model - would seem one of the least likely to have a nervous breakdown. But
there was a time, about a year and a half ago, when Keys could have easily imagined
becoming a tabloid statistic. Frayed by the whirlwind pace of her multifaceted
career and the illness of a close family member she won't identify, she was feeling
"a little confused and out of it," Keys says. "I would be someplace,
in some situation, and I would say to myself: 'This is how it happens. This is
how people crack.' I would actually see why some of the greatest artists have
gone through crazy things, because of who's around them or what influences are
pushed on them. Or because you're so overtired that you do that one last thing
and end up passing out. "I could see that happening. It was that close to
me." Read the full story on USA
Today. Btw. according to this article Alicia will appear on Late Night With
David Letterman on April 29.
April 13, 2008
:: Alicia has slammed journalists for choosing to focus on the antics of troubled
celebrities rather than on more serious world issues. In a clip filmed during
a recent trip to Africa, Keys moaned of media outlets, "If AIDS got half
of the attention that the media gives to celebrity dramas, this issue would be
well on its way to being solved." Serving as a Global Ambassador for AIDS
charity Keep the Child Alive, Keys met with families riddled by the growing pandemic
during her visit, encouraging viewers to make a donation as she noted, "It's
crazy... how you can change the lives of people forever for the price of a pair
of shoes". I've added captures from Alicia in Africa movie.
April 13, 2008
:: I feel like I should say something about spreading rumours about Alicia's wedding.
MediaTakeOut.com reported that Miss Keys is planning to tie her knot to boyfriend
Kerry 'Krucial' Brothers in the summer. Alicia is looking to rent the ultra-luxurious
Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York for July 4th Weekend. Allegedely to hold
a private event at the extravagant 443 acre castle, which is a popular wedding
venue for the rich and famous. Even tho she is renting it, it doesn't necessarily
mean she wants to get married. Please don't ask me about it, I don't know anymore
than you do.
April 12, 2008
:: For its 13th consecutive year, NBC's Today show is bringing together the biggest
names in music to rock the Plaza. This year's 'Toyota Concert Series on Today'
kicks off with a special performance by Alicia Keys. She will perform live at
7am on April 21. Mark your calendars now!
April 11, 2008
:: 'Mother Nurture: Life Lessons From the Mothers of America's Best and Brightest'
by Stephanie Hirsch: What makes someone a star? Some say having the loving support
of a mom who helps nuture a dream. In a series of interviews with the mothers
of men and women who've reached the apex in their fields, Stephanie Hirsch sheds
light on the life lessons that have helped shape some of America's most well-known
citizens. Hirsch spoke to the inspiring moms of Beyonce, Uma Thurman, Justin Timberlake,
Alicia Keys, Steven Spielberg and more. On this
page you can watch video interview with Hirsch talking about her book. Click
here if you want to order it from Amazon.
:: I've made new livejournal icons, feel free to use them.
April 11, 2008
:: It's early Friday evening in Copenhagen and Alicia Keys is about to emit some
deeply bizarre sounds. These trills and jabbers will loosen her vocal cords, exercise
her diaphragm and guard against any accidentally bizarre sounds when she takes
the stage at the Falconer Salen, an ultramodern concert hall carved into a boxy
luxury hotel. Her valet, a skinny guy named Francis, enters her dressing room,
adjusts the height of an electric Yamaha keyboard, then disappears to get his
boss some potato-spinach soup. The decor suggests a mail-order catalogue called
Diva Comfort Depot: Floral-printed scarves enshroud floor lamps; scented candles
glow atop ottomans draped with light-purple fabric; dainty white ramekins cradle
dried fruits; and in the corner, a humidifier puffs out little steam clouds of
calm. The tableau is a portable monument to mood. On tour, every night, this is
where Keys goes "to get my head right". Read more on Blender.com.
April 10, 2008
:: Alicia is on the cover of Blender magazine and she looks hot! :) Thx to Sarah
for it!
April 10, 2008
:: Join Keep a Child Alive, Alicia Keys and SpiralFrog as we bring life to fight
the AIDS pandemic! Lifesaving AIDS medications have transformed this deadly disease
into a manageable illness, yet millions around the world are dying without access
to this necessary care. But you have the power to change this. Now. KACA and SpiralFrog
have joined forces to get this message to you, and show you how to be part of
the solution. Watch the film now, and experience how $1/day is changing lives!
You can download full Alicia in Africa movie by clicking here.
April 9, 2008
:: Courtesy of this
site here are new photos from Teenage Love Affair video shooting at Drew University,
NJ. Alicia is looking fabolous <3 This video is allegedly to be premiered on
Bet on April 23rd. Thx to Ashley for posting these pics.
April 9, 2008
:: Idol Gives Back is a music celebration raising awareness and benefiting various
U.S. and international charities. The one-of-a-kind charity special will feature
incredible international artists including Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon,
Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Fergie, Carrie Underwood and more. Additional talent
scheduled to participate in the star-studded event include Hillary Clinton, John
McCain and Barack Obama, Adam Sandler, Alicia Keys, Julianne Moore, Felicity Huffman
and more. During the show, viewers will be able to make donations via toll-free
lines and the Internet.
Don't forget to watch Idol Gives Back today at 7:30pm EST on Fox.
:: I've added photos from show in Paris on March 31 taken by Manuel
Trules. Thx for sharing!
April 8, 2008
:: Ann posted two new shout out videos with Alicia on the KrucialKeys Blog, make
sure to check them out!
Thanks to amazing Lene for heads up :)
April 8, 2008
:: Alicia performs June 3 at the Bell Centre in Montreal and June 6 at the Air
Canada Centre in Toronto, with guests Ne-Yo and Jordin Sparks. Alicia Keys' third
studio album is her strongest yet. It's not perfect, but she's coming into her
own, having gained notable confidence and strengthened her songwriting and delivery
since her last album. As I Am is filled with 14 strong, distinct songs showcasing
Keys' robust - and slightly raspy - voice and her affinity for unadulterated soul.
There are clear nods to Prince (specifically to the Diamonds and Pearls era),
to Roberta Flack, the Supremes and Marvin Gaye. And, as the album's title suggests,
the songs are personal, emotive and revealing. But while Keys willingly shows
off her vulnerable side, she balances it with a strong feminist drive mostly lacking
from other female neo-soul singers. Keys is sexy without getting raunchy and comes
across as an authentic, legitimate artist who isn't overly concerned with the
number of hits the album might produce. Read
more.
:: Visit Mtv.com
to watch the latest episode of Fresh Takes. The best one so far!
April 7, 2008
:: Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland is the breathtaking documentary
of Grammy Award-winning musician and Keep a Child Alive Co-Founder Alicia Keys'
month-long trip to Africa to visit communities affected by HIV and AIDS. Alicia's
commitment to the fight against AIDS is contagious and she is leading the effort
to spread the message of KCA virally: "Start a Virus to Stop a Virus."
"Everyone who visits Africa is changed by the experience, but not everyone
can afford to go to Africa," Alicia explained. "Come with me on my journey
and learn as I learn. Let's start a virus to stop a virus- send the film to everyone
you know. Let's change this nightmare into our generation's greatest success story."
Spreading the message is so important to Alicia that she is making the documentary
available for free online. A portion of the film will debut live on American Idol
on April 9 on FOX. Viewers who visit americanidol.com will be directed to aliciainafrica.com
where they can watch the entire documentary. Alicia in Africa will also be available
to download on spiralfrog.com
and available to watch on impact.myspace.com.
"Each time I visit Africa, I'm reminded of what's most important in this
life and uplifted by my African sisters' and brothers' courageous spirit,"
said Alicia. "Hopefully, my documentary will inspire others to help us in
our mission to give the people of Mother Africa their dreams back, let their children
be happy and healthy and preserve the family structure that is so important to
them." The full press release can be found here.
April 7, 2008
:: John Mayer was a guest on XM Radio and he said: "When most people ask
me, 'Who do you want to duet with?' I just say Alicia Keys. It's my catchall answer,
because if I could make a career out of doing nothing but making music with Alicia,
I would do it. There's just not enough hours in the day, and I'm not that likeable
person for her to want to hang out with all the time".
:: Teenage Love Affair is #23 on Rolling Stone' Top 100 Best Songs of 2007: This
sunny head-bopper is an old-fashioned R&B make-out song, never getting past
second base. But that doesn't mean it isn't full of erotic heat when Keys whispers,
"Hey, boy, you know I really like being with you/Just hanging out is fine."
The full list can be found here.
Thx to Ahn Khoa for info!
April 6, 2008
:: Miss Keys will perform at another festival - Umbria
Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy on July 19th. I'll let you know when tickets
are on sale. Thx to Alessandra for news!
:: Tune in to American Idol Wednesday April 9th for a sneak preview of 'Alicia
in Africa: Journey to the Motherland'. Click on image below to watch movie trailer.
April 6, 2008
:: Summerfest has landed
two of the hottest names in pop music - Alicia Keys and John Mayer - for back-to-back
headline shows at the Marcus Amphitheater. Alicia will perform at 7:30 pm on July
1st. Tickets for the Keys show go on sale at noon April 12 at the amphitheater
box office and at Ticketmaster outlets, (414) 276-4545 and Ticketmaster.com.
Tickets are $35 - $80. Summerfest runs June 26 through July 6 at the Maier Festival
Park.
April 5, 2008
:: Alicia Keys made no secret on Friday to extend her warmest wishes to Beyonce
and Jay-Z, who are rumored to be tying the knot in NYC. Of the couple's impending
nuptials, Alicia told OK!, "All the best wishes possible, and I think that
love is beautiful and when you love somebody, just let it shine and shine bright."
:: Susana sent me scans from portuguese Super Pop magazine. Thanks Susana
:)
April 5, 2008
:: Alicia will come back to Italy on July 20th at the Lucca
Summer Festival on Piazza Napoleone. Tickets can be bought on Ticketone.it.
Big thanks to Barbara & Janeth for info!
April 3, 2008
:: Jai just posted it on AKOBoard: "A guy won some contest on 106&Park,
they had a phone call for him and it was Alicia! She gave him two tickets to her
concert in MSG, she said there are going to be surprises in every city (guest
appearances, etc!) and also that she was going to be on Wild Out Wednesday on
April 23rd. I really think that is when she will give them Teenage Love Affair
video". Mark your calendars! Thanks Jai <3
:: Here are (low quality) images of 'Teenage Love Affair' Promo Single, contains
Album version, Instrumental (you can listen to it here)
and Call Out Hook.
April 3, 2008
:: Fresh off a European tour, Alicia Keys is gearing up for her North American
jaunt, adding a few dates and tweaking the schedule. The trek, which features
Jordin Sparks in the opening slot, is due to kick off April 19 in Hampton, VA,
and visit arenas all over the US and a couple in Canada through mid-June. The
grand finale is set for June 18 at New York City's Madison Square Garden. Since
last check, shows have been added in Memphis and the California cities of Anaheim
and Sacramento. Also, gigs in Philadelphia, Cleveland, Montreal, Toronto, Detroit
and the Chicago area have been moved to new dates. Previously announced performances
in Phoenix and Cincinnati have been removed from the calendar. An updated itinerary
is listed here.
April 2, 2008
:: 'Teenage Love Affair' is the thirth single of 'As I Am', AKFC
confirmed. The song was officially launched at Urban Mainstream radio on March
31st and impacts the Urban Adult format on April 7th. The shooting for the video
starts this week.
April 2, 2008
:: Miss Keys' "No One" is RCA's first-ever gold-selling ringback tone,
with 500,000 downloads, according to the label. Ringback tones are song clips
that mobile users can choose to play when others call them. By way of comparison,
"No One" sold more than 2 million master ringtones, which the called
party hears. In total, Keys has sold 4.3 million mobile downloads of one sort
or another-including ringback tones, ringtones, full tracks and bundled offerings,
reports Billboard.
April 1, 2008
:: Alicia talks about her friendship with Armani, why she won't wear fur around
her neck and mishaps on stage: "My biggest fashion faux pas is all the times
I've worn fur around my neck. It just doesn't work: you think it looks nice in
the mirror, and it probably does look nice in the mirror, but when you see it
back on TV, or in a picture, it looks like you're being attacked by an unruly
animal. We have hundreds of wardrobes for all the performance clothes. They are
transported from city to city on a truck at the end of each night. Luckily, there
are also two wonderful wardrobe assistants who set out the clothes each day, keep
them clean and repair any damages. Personally, I just take out the stuff I need.
I'm travelling with three suitcases at the moment, which isn't too bad, but they're
all stuffed to the brim. It gets a little bit overwhelming and I still haven't
quite figured out how best to travel". Read
the full story.
:: Visit Dove website to watch
second episode of Fresh Takes. Caps are added to the gallery.
April 1, 2008
:: Alicia was on Chicago's morning show in the radio B96 yesterday. You can listen
to podcast on this
page or download mp3 directly from here.
Thx to Shannon for heads up!
:: X17 spotted Miss Keys leaving the Daylight Studio after a photo shoot in Paris.
The R&B star was in town to perform at Zenith concert hall. Watch a video
by clicking
here.
April 1, 2008
:: Alicia's tour schedule now includes stops in Anaheim, CA on May 4 and in Memphis,
TN on May 15! Also, a few dates have been changed: Alicia will now be heading
to Cleveland, OH on April 24 (instead of June 5), to Chicago, IL on June 7 (instead
of April 24), and to Detroit, MI on June 6 (instead of June 3). Check out AliciaKeys.com
to stay updated on all things Alicia.
April 1, 2008
:: Christian Slater's producer mother is making a movie about a New York apartment
block that has been home to stars like Alicia Keys, Angela Lansbury and Larry
David. The trio all lived at Manhattan Plaza, a government-subsidised building
for performing artists in the city's Hell's Kitchen neighbourhood. Mary Jo Slater
has gathered together famous former residents - and actor Samuel L. Jackson who
once worked as a security guard in the block - to help her make The Miracle on
42nd Street. The documentary is due for release later in 2008.
:: Here are hq photos from concerts in Rotterdam and Milan, click on thumbs.
March 30, 2008
:: I've added photos from concert in Milan, Italy. Credit goes to Luis
for these.
March 29, 2008
:: Alicia Keys lent her time to AIDS education, and NYU students got a sneak peak
at the film that resulted. On Thursday at the Kimmel Center, NYU's chapter of
the Keep A Child Alive organization previewed the unreleased documentary "Alicia
in Africa: Journey to the Motherland." In the film, Keys narrates her journey
to areas of Africa devastated by AIDS. She meets people whose lives have been
drastically affected by HIV/AIDS, including people who have lost children or parents
and those who are infected themselves. While Keys' experiences are heartbreaking,
she discovers hope in the middle of devastation. She visits sites where KACA is
supplying support by providing housing and medication. Keys also explores KCA
sites under construction that will bring more AIDS relief in the near future.
CAS senior Kate Otto, founder of NYU's chapter and current employee of Keep A
Child Alive, said the documentary is "a powerful piece of work." Read
the full article here.
March 28, 2008
:: Here is email I got from lovely Lene: "Last night on a tv show called
"Lydverket" here in Norway, they took three members of AK's band (Onree,
Jeff and Steve) Skiing, and talking to them about playing with Alicia. It's small
parts during the show, so you have to watch all of it!" Click
here to watch the video. Thx girl!
:: Here are some photos from yesterday's concert in Paris. More pics added, thx
to Titouille24.
March 28, 2008
:: Click
here to watch great video from Stockholm backstage. Thx to Cherry for link!
:: I've added more photos from concert in Rotterdam.
March 26, 2008
:: Visit USmagazine.com
to watch a video interview and read 20 questions with Alicia Keys. Here is my
favourite: What advice would you give other twenty-something women?
Alicia: "My advice is to pursue your dreams and never give up. No matter
where you come from or what obstacles you may have to overcome, keep striving
and remain confident. Congratulate yourself for small victories, but never become
complacent".
:: Here are more photos from Fresh Takes shooting and behind the scenes.
March 26, 2008
:: Ann posted a new video from Oslo concert backstage, be sure to check
it out!
:: I've made caps from first episode 'Dating By Committee' of Fresh Takes.
March 26, 2008
:: Here is a video with a short interview and some footage from her yesterday's
concert at the Sportpaleis Antwerp in Belgium. Thx to Jacob for sending it!
March 25, 2008
:: If you want to watch first episode of Fresh Takes just visit Mtv
page. You can also watch exclusive interview, check out some photos and read
about the ladies of the show there.
:: I've uploaded photos from yesterday's Rotterdam concert.
March 24, 2008
:: Today, Alicia Keys is starring in "Fresh Takes," a new micro-series
created by Dove go fresh, aimed at giving women a fresh take on life in their
twenties. The series, premiering tonight during "The Hills" on MTV,
follows three girlfriends as they embark on their adult lives juggling the pressures
of being a 20-something woman - career, relationship, beauty, family and friends
- all intensified by their own critical inner voice. Amidst these pressures, friendship,
humor and honesty help them realize a wider definition of success and ultimately
feel beautiful. This premiere celebrates the launch of new Dove go fresh –
a fragrance-driven product collection. "I am so excited to be starring in
'Fresh Takes' created by Dove go fresh because it puts the pressures that I deal
with every day in a new light and opens my eyes to the reality that I can be successful
in many different ways and have every reason to feel beautiful right now,"
says Keys. "I hope the series inspires other 20-somethings to get a fresh
take on the pressures in their lives and start enjoying the ride." Here are
some photos from the show. More added!
March 24, 2008
:: Titouille24
sent me a link to a video interview with Alicia from French tv, where you can
see a part of the show in Marseille and some photoshoot. Click
here to watch it.
March 23, 2008
:: Here are great photos I got from Melissa
from yesterday's concert in Marseille. Thx girl!
March 22, 2008
:: I've added awesome photos sent by fans from different As I Am tour concerts:
Frankfurt (pics taken by Ankini), Madrid (pics taken by Deborah) and Barcelona
(photos by Meritxell Rodriguez). Big thank you for sharing guys! Click on thumbs
to view all three galleries.
March 22, 2008
:: Here is a video interview from Dove 'Fresh Takes' shooting. Micro-series will
air in between The Hills, so be sure to watch first 3 minute spot on Monday. You
can watch the interview on Access
Hollywood or download it from videos page. Thx to Moni
for this link!
March 22, 2008
:: I wish you a very pleasurable, bright and cheery, entertaining and peaceful
Easter holiday! :)
March 21, 2008
:: Miss Keys showed off a "fine-tuned frame" while performing in Madrid
Monday night at the Sports Palace, reports the NY Daily News. According to rumors,
Alicia – currently on a world tour behind her album "As I Am,"
is flying out a private trainer to help her get in shape for a marathon.
:: There are two new videos from portuguese tv news programs uploaded on youtube.
You can see interview with Alicia and a short footage from her concert in Lisbon.
Click here
and here
to watch these. I've added some caps too, click on thumb below.
:: Julia sent me scans
from polish Popcorn, so I've put them in the gallery. Thx girl!
March 20, 2008
:: Ann posted a new message, some pics from Oslo M&G (holla Ivanka, Lene,
Jessica!) and video from Frankfurt backstage, where Alicia is talking about her
being sick and how happy she is to be on tour again. Be sure to check that out
on KrucialKeys blog!
March 20, 2008
:: Brina sent me a link to video from german Sat1 channel featuring part of meet
& greet and Alicia's concert in Hamburg last week. You can watch it by clicking
here.
Thx Brina!
:: Three new photos have been added: Alicia performs during her concert held at
Atlantic Pavillion in Lisbon, Portugal yesterday. Check out the gallery!
March 20, 2008
:: Alicia will perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland on July 17th.
Tickets for her concert at the Auditorium Stravinski will be on sale from April
17th. You can visit official
site for more information. Thx to Sophia
for letting me know about it.
:: Here are scans from polish Twist and Bravo Girl sent by Julka,
thanks for sharing!
March 19, 2008
:: Miss Keys appeared on Spanish tv in reality show 'Fama', where some of the
dancers went to Sports Palace in Madrid to dance for Alicia. It was recorded right
before the concert. Watch it on youtube.
Thx to Patricia for link! I've also added several photos from that show taken
by Kenzo, check the gallery! Thanks Kenzo :)
March 19, 2008
:: Luisa sent me scans from portuguese Cosmopolitan, check them in the gallery.
Thanks girl!
March 18, 2008
:: I've uploaded two full performances from Frankfurt concert, recorded and shared
by my friend Roman. You can get both 'I Need You' and 'No One' now. Worth to see!
Thx so much Roman <3
March 18, 2008
:: The setting sun reflects on the porch of a garish pink farmhouse as Queen Latifah,
Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys stand, in '60s dress, gazing toward the west.
Dakota Fanning runs down a path toward them while a film crew struggles to capture
the moment in the fading light. After several takes, they resort to bringing in
a spotlight as filming on "The Secret Life of Bees" nears its conclusion.
A setting sun was fitting. It was Latifah’s last day on set in this crossroads
farming town about 30 miles north of Wilmington, N.C., last month. A few days
later, filming wrapped on the Fox Searchlight Pictures adaptation of the beloved
first novel by Sue Monk Kidd. The book was a publishing phenomenon, selling more
than 3 million copies and remaining on best-seller lists for months. Although
it took years to bring it to the screen, moviegoers this fall will finally be
able to see the civil rights era drama of white girl Lily who runs away with her
black caretaker. Read the full article here.
March 17, 2008
:: I've uploaded awesome photos from concert at the Sports Palace in Madrid.
March 17, 2008
:: Kevin of Takedablog
sent me his great photos from yesterday's concert in Spain and scans from 'Que
Fem?' magazine of La Vanguardia newspaper in Barcelona. Big thx for sharing Kevin!
March 16, 2008
:: Here is a video for you to download. It's an interview from Dolce Vita show
in Hong Kong, where Miss Keys is talking about her life and future plans. Caps
can be found here.
March 16, 2008
:: I've added beautiful photos from Harper's Bazaar magazine. I'm guessing it's
May issue of US edition. Jennifer sent me scans from German Cosmo, so check out
the gallery. Thanks Jen!
March 15, 2008
:: Miss Keys looks amazing on another covers of Cosmopolitan magazine, South Africa
(March issue) and Portugal (April) editions. If anyone could send me scans please
contact me here.
March 14, 2008
:: Alicia is nominated for Mtv Music Awards Japan in Best Female Video category
('No One'). The show will broadcast live on Mtv from Saitama Super Arena on May
31.
:: Here are first photos from today's Zurich concert.
March 14, 2008
:: I've uploaded many new photos from Alicia's concert in Hamburg yesterday. I've
also added photoshoot taken before the show with Zascha Moktan and two candids
of Alicia leaving her tour bus. Thx to Concerteloop
for these two pics. Click on thumbs.
March 13, 2008
:: The German tv channel Sat.1 announced that they will show something about the
Meet & Greet with Alicia in Hamburg tomorrow in the show "Frühstücksfernsehen"
(from 5.30am to 10.00am). Thanks to Brina for news!
:: Miss Keys is on the cover of German Cosmopolitan magazine April issue. You
can already buy it in stores. Thx to Brina for heads up again!
March 13, 2008
:: I've made several new animations from 'Fresh Takes' commercial spot. Feel free
to use them. Captures can be found in this
gallery, low quality tho.
March 13, 2008
:: After topping the charts last week with her album Discipline, Janet Jackson
slid two spots to No. 3. With 57,400 copies sold she has totaled a respectable
238,900 albums in two weeks. It looks like Alicia Keys is finally relinquishing
her choke hold on the charts, after experiencing a 33% drop in sales of her third
album, As I Am. Keys dropped to No. 8, but the 38,500 scanned this week brings
her grand total to a soaring 3,245,300.
:: I've updated two galleries with As I Am tour photos: London and Copenhagen.
Thx to Stine for some of these pics! I've also put Armani Tour Outfits found by
Ankini, thanks :)
March 12, 2008
:: Lene sent me a link with a short clip of Miss Keys leaving her hotel in Oslo
before the concert. You can watch it by clicking on image below. Thx girl!
March 12, 2008
:: With a hit album titled "As I Am", it's no wonder why Dove chose
Alicia Keys to play the starring role in their new Campaign for Real Beauty TV
micro-series, "Fresh Takes". The series is about the everyday life of
a 20-something year old female and the pressures she has to overcome in order
to pursue her passions. Each mini episode will air as commercial interstitials
during the March 24th (10pm EST) premiere of "The Hills" on Mtv. Enter
for a chance to win a walk on role and hang out with the cast of Fresh Takes.
For more info visit Mtv.com.
Big thanks to monium for info!
:: I've added more pics from amazing Interview magazine photoshoot. Sorry about
tags ;)
March 12, 2008
:: More great photos from concert in Norway have been added to the gallery. Big
thx to Lene <3<
