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Alicia Keys sang the latest Bond film theme tune, Another Way To Die, for Quantum Of Solace, as a duet with Jack White. Keys, 28, has sold more than 20 million records and has won 11 Grammy Awards, but is also a successful actress.
She will soon be starring in the new film ‘The Secret Life Of Bees,’ with Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson and Paul Bettany. She is a committed charity campaigner, doing extensive work for Keep A Child Alive, which provides antiviral drugs for families suffering from Aids in Africa.
What were your dreams as a child?
I always wanted to be a star. I’d stand in front of a mirror with a brush as a microphone and sing. I would dream of performing on stage. I said to myself: “One day people will sing my songs” and that has happened.
Was there a moment when you realised you were famous?
I felt I had made it when I was on Oprah. I said ‘Wow, this is weird,’ because I had watched that show so often from my couch.
What has been your greatest challenge?
To maintain my personal life and my career. I’ve never been one to go to the ‘It’ restaurants and do the ‘It’ things.
What has been your greatest moment of desperation?
I had a tough time touring for my last album. My grandmother died and we were so close, I broke down. But you have to break down to build back up, to realise something had to change. No one’s perfect — you can’t be. I needed a break, so I went on vacation to Egypt, which inspired me musically and as an artist and a person. That trip was the most crucial thing I’ve ever done for myself.
Rich and famous or poor and anonymous?
Fame is double-edged and having a private life is tough, but I love my work and I am blessed to get paid well. Fame enables me to reach a large group of people — to say something good and do positive things in the world. I appreciate what I have because I didn’t have a lot growing up; my mother worked very hard. She was raising a girl single handedly in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, trying to make ends meet. I am very secure in myself and don’t feel I have to put on any airs in terms of possessions. I don’t need to impress anyone with money or lifestyle. I am who I am with everyone.
What is your biggest extravagance?
I love clothes and I can’t resist shoes with very high heels — Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Sergio Rossi, Giuseppe Zanotti. I do love dressing up. But I saw a cream cashmere V-neck sweater that I liked in a store the other day — for $700. I could afford it, but I would be uncomfortable spending so much when there’s so much poverty and so many struggles in the world.
What would surprise us about you?
How normal I am. People often think I am a diva, but I am so regular that when I walk along the street, most people think I’m an Alicia Keys lookalike. I am a very low-key lady living a very normal life, and I like it like that. I’m not going to pull up in a Rolls-Royce and have 17 people hop out of the car with me and necklaces dripping, that’s not really my thing.
Who would you like to be stuck in an elevator with?
Oprah and Barack Obama.
Who are you more like, your mother or father?
A mixture — both my parents have been big influences. My mother is Irish-Italian and my father African — I have the tastebuds of an Italian and the spice of an African. My mom is my rock. She had to be superwoman when I was growing up and she taught me not to quit. She taught me to honour myself, because no one will honour or respect me if I don’t respect myself.
Are you spiritual?
Spirituality is at the centre of my life. Music is the closest to God that we can get, it’s God’s gift to humanity. I believe that music has a mystical dimension because when I meet people from all over the world we can connect through music. It’s like a common language.
What is it like being a sex symbol?
That’s just an opinion. I would rather be called smart than sexy. As long as I’m beautiful on the inside that’s the kind of beauty I want.
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February 7th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Alicia keys i wanna be just like you when i grow up and its crazy because i remember everytime you came out with a new video my mom would always have my hair done exactly like yours…
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:03 am
Great website. Good start on the translation. Keep up the good work
June 24th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Yap, u are damn right, beauty from d inside is d best thing 2 have than d outside beauty.
July 9th, 2009 at 1:17 am
How are you doin my name is ladajah jumper i am 15 years old an i am in the 9th grsade tryin to get finished with school right now an do wht a youung female is sapose to do as a cild i have been singin ever sense i was 3 years old i love it so much i spend time on it wirting songs about my life an how went an is going now as a child i just try to do little diffrent things like singing i=on my choir an joining lots of socials an things tht little kids do like talents shows i work hard on singing i put my all into anything i love an this right here i love to sing my wish is for sme one whos already made it is to help others make there dream cme true i love you so much an wish tht you could try sitting with me an talking woth me more even if its over the phone ima fighter in evrything i do to make it cme true love you so much
July 17th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
i can do this all night becues i cant sleep with out her in my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i love you here my number 601-323-4568 Alicia Keys im wish and dreame is to have you i want you i need you if she does not call i’ll kill my saff to night and you wood thinck she you see wat was wrong with me
October 19th, 2009 at 8:27 am
You are such an amazing influence! You do wonders with the blessings that God has given you. It’s really hard to find true musicians that are not phased by the glitz and glamour. You are beautiful and keep it real.
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:02 am
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.
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July 28th, 2010 at 7:07 am
Interesting article dude Thank you