Twenty two years ago, singer-songwriter Alicia Keys dropped her debut album “Songs In A Minor.” It’s a record that has held up for the R&B superstar who now has nine studio albums under her belt and 15 Grammy awards to show for it.
Even with all of the accolades, Keys is still seemingly so humble and low-profile. But on stage, during the final evening of her in-the-round Alicia Keys to the Summer Tour at Kia Forum in Inglewood on Wednesday, Aug. 2, she was a shining talent, showcasing just how she’s become one of music’s leading ladies.
The crowd was already geared up and ready to go for her set thanks to opening act Simi, a Nigerian afrobeats artist that stunned the audience with afro fusion hits “Running (To You)” and “Duduke.” Her artistry aligned with the entire vibe of the evening, as many fans with their beverages in hand, swayed to the rhythms of Simi’s band.
But when Keys finally hit the stage, that vibe was elevated. The New York-born singer and pianist made sure to showcase herself on this tour on a 360-degree stage. She had the crowd hypnotized as she strutted her way out with a short a cappella version of her breakout hit “Fallin,” with her backup band coming in shortly after. For nearly two hours, Keys flipped through beloved and deep song cuts that reflected her latest material, but more so the classics from past records including “The Element Of Freedom,” “Songs In A Minor,” “The Diary Of Alicia Keys” and “As I Am.”
The diamond-shaped stage was connected by two catwalks, one leading up to a silver staircase that allowed Keys to interact with the audience at multiple angles. The focal point was the bedazzled grand piano that slowly rotated as Keys started to show off her chops in between songs. After getting the crowd singing and ready to go with “New Day” and “Love Looks Better,” she made her way to the platforms to connect with each side of the arena.
There were some renditions of classics like…
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