Alicia Keys’ life has changed significantly since the release of her fourth album, The Element of Freedom. She is new mother to her 2-year-old son Egypt and wife to her husband Swizz Beatz. An imprudent scandal cast a dark shadow over her last LP, so the Grammy-winner was sure to spread as much light as possible to make sure her latest effort wouldn’t go unnoticed.
The “Girl On Fire” has been in promotional overdrive for months in support of the album. So much so, it was difficult to keep up with everything she was doing. Being the trusty blogger that I am, I’ve recapped some of her most significant performances, interviews, etc. Brace yourselves–it’s extensive.
Alicia held an innovative album listening session at her New York City recording studio, Jungle City Studios. She kindly invited adoring fans inside the studio to really experience the discussion about the creative process for the album and conception of the songs. A select few fans were able to tune in via video chat and partake in a Q&A with Keys herself. The event streamed on YouTube and Google Plus.
Alicia visited Katie Couric’s talk show to perform “Girl On Fire” and “Brand New Me” and sit down for the interview. They discussed Egypt’s placement on “When It’s All Over,” hanging with “Jay and Bey,” meeting the Queen of England at the Royal Variety Show and more. Prior to the broadcast, the ladies visited Crunch gym to workout with Keys’ trainer Jeanette Jenkins. Katie opted for wine and Cheetos instead of plié squats and crunches.
“Girl On Fire”
“Brand New Me”
Interview
Alicia took her fiery show to Good Morning America and gave vocally pleasant performances of “Brand New Me” and “Empire State of Mind.” She delivered crisp and entertaining choreography during the “New Day”/“Girl On Fire” medley. On 12.12.12, Alicia, along with Kanye West, Bon Jovi and Paul McCartney, will perform at Madison Square Garden as part of the Hurricane Sandy Relief Concert.
“New Day” & “Girl On Fire”
“Empire State of Mind”
“Brand New Me”
Interview
The “Livest Audience” of BET’s 106 & Park was in for a treat when the girl on fire set the stage ablaze with “Girl On Fire” and “Brand New Me.” She also reminisced with co-host Bow Wow and detailed some of her Instagram photos.
“Girl On Fire”
“Brand New Me”
Interview
Alicia warmed hearts in the iHeartRadio studio with a performance of “No One” featuring Egypt. In the accompanying interview, she discussed working with funnyman Bruno Mars and more.
Watch iHeartRadio Concert
If you’re nostalgic for classic cartoons, the following video may be too much to take in. Alicia sat at her piano and delivered a soulful rendition of Adventures of the Gummi Bears theme song on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. She also gave a sultry performance of “Girl On Fire.”
“Gummi Bears”
“Girl On Fire (Blue Light Version)”
Interview
Alicia recently sat down with Hot 97’s Angie Martinez, who admitted to crying after listening to Girl On Fire. In part one of the interview, she discussed her 2-year-old son Egypt, the concept of Girl On Fire, collaborating with her husband Swizz Beatz, her charity Keep A Child Alive, touring with Miguel and having nightmares called “Mitt Romney.” She also previewed new material from the album and answered questions from the in-studio audience. In part two of the interview, she discussed recording “Fire We Make” with Maxwell, her songwriting inspiration and expanding her family.
Part 1
Part 2
While the X Factor (UK) contestants anxiously awaited their fate, they were entertained by Alicia. Donning an all-black strapless dress, the fiery girl delivered a stunning performance of her bold single.
Alicia treated a Birmingham audience to a 50-minute set at for a BBC Radio’s 1Xtra Live event. The slick-haired soulstress crept on stage to “New Day” and later treated the thirsty audience to some water.
Earlier this week, the Empire State Building illuminated New York City with its inaugural LED light show. Alicia’s “Girl On Fire” and “Empire State of Mind” was synched to the lighting system and broadcasted over NYC’s Clear Channels simultaneously.
Girl On Fire is availble in stores and on online retailers (iTunes) now!
