After watching the beautifully talented Alicia Keys take that stage at the sold-out pavilion of DTE Energy Music Theatre on a neo-soul trip this weekend, it’s hard to forget hearing the first industry buzz about this five-time Grammy winner.
Two years ago a representative of J Records’ marketing and promotion team told me Keys was going to be huge. He presented a press kit detailing the then-commercially unknown Keys.
And in just a few short months, MTV, BET and VH1 were featuring her hit single “Fallin‘,” off her debut album “Songs in A Minor.”
It turns out the J Records representative was right. People from all walks of life came to see the New Yorker at DTE.
With her trademark beads in her braided hair and a red scarf tied around her head, Keys glowed with that now famous youthful look. The once unknown artist has become a household name.
Even as she performed for her Michigan fans, Keys displayed her Brooklyn roots. With a backdrop resembling Brooklyn apartments, complete with fire escapes, Keys band brought the stage to life. Brass horns filled the fire escapes and percussion drums lay underneath.
As Keys emerged from the building to Notorious B.I.G’s “Juicy,” the crowd began to scream, shout and cheer.
The confident songstress walked across the stage and welcomed her fans with a warm “What’s up, Michigan,” as a shinny black piano rolled out to center stage. As the songbird sat down fans knew they were in for a great show.
And Keys didn’t disappoint, opening with a remake of Prince’s “How Come You Don’t Call Me Any More.” The song showcased her vocal range as fans sang along.
Keys mixed classic music and hip-hop creatively to please the diverse group of fans that chanted her name. She performed most of the songs from her debut album and a few funny skits including one about bugs because she was swatting away a moth and joking about it while performing.
She also performed “Troubles” and “Rock Wit U.” Before taking a brief intermission, Keys’ live band battled her DJ and a 15-year-old boy she called, “the best human beat boxer from Brooklyn, ever,” entertained the crowd.
Once Keys returned she jumped back in front of her piano, wowing the crowd with more of her unique sounds.
The second half was highlighted by songs “Girlfriend,” “Butterflyz” and “Women’s Worth.” The songs encouraged women to get things off their chest, symbolized the importance of women to men and society and expressed how a certain man makes Keys feel.
At any given time during the show Keys would change jackets and hats presenting the many different sides of her performing personality. She’s an energetic performer who knows how to remain humble to her fans or her family.
Keys is at the top of the music industry because she represents a side of America youth with a neo-soul, hip-hop and classical perspective.
