Alicia Keys is one of the most talented and successful singers of our time. She has won 15 Grammy Awards, sold over 90 million records worldwide, and inspired millions of fans with her soulful voice and empowering messages. But did you know that she also made a bold decision to stop wearing makeup and embrace her natural beauty? In this article, we will explore Alicia Keys’ journey from a young piano prodigy to a global superstar, and how she dealt with the rumors and controversies about her appearance.
Alicia Keys’ Early Life and Career
Alicia Keys was born on January 25, 1981, in New York City, as Alicia Augello Cook. She is the only child of Teresa Augello, a lawyer and part-time actress, and Craig Cook, a flight attendant. Her father is African American, and her mother is of Italian, Irish, and Scottish descent. Alicia grew up in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, where she was exposed to various musical influences, such as classical, jazz, soul, and hip hop. She started playing the piano at the age of seven, and began composing songs at the age of 12. She also attended the prestigious Professional Performing Arts School, where she graduated as valedictorian at the age of 16.
Alicia was signed by Columbia Records at the age of 15, but she soon left the label due to creative differences. She then signed with Arista Records, and later with J Records, where she met her mentor and producer, Clive Davis. In 2001, she released her debut album, Songs in A Minor, which became a huge success, selling over 12 million copies worldwide and earning her five Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist and Song of the Year for “Fallin’”. The album showcased her unique blend of R&B, soul, pop, and classical music, and established her as a new force in the music industry.
Alicia Keys’ Achievements and Challenges
Alicia Keys continued to release critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, such as The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003), As I Am (2007), The Element of Freedom (2009), Girl on Fire (2012), Here (2016), Alicia (2020), and Keys (2021). She also collaborated with other artists, such as Usher, Jay-Z, Jack White, Miguel, and Khalid, and produced hits like “My Boo”, “Empire State of Mind”, “Another Way to Die”, “Show Me Love”, and “Underdog”. She also ventured into other fields, such as acting, writing, activism, and entrepreneurship. She starred in films like Smokin’ Aces, The Secret Life of Bees, and The Nanny Diaries, wrote a memoir called More Myself, co-founded a non-profit organization called Keep a Child Alive, and launched her own beauty brand called Keys Soulcare.
However, Alicia Keys also faced some challenges and controversies in her career. One of them was the speculation about her plastic surgery. Some people claimed that she had undergone a nose job, a skin-lightening treatment, and other facial procedures to enhance her appearance. Some of the evidence they cited were her before and after photos, which showed some differences in her nose shape, skin tone, and facial features. Some also compared her to other celebrities who had admitted to having plastic surgery, such as Chrissy Teigen, JWoww, and Martha Stewart.
Alicia Keys’ Response to the Plastic Surgery Rumors
Alicia Keys has never confirmed or denied the rumors about her plastic surgery. She has also not addressed them publicly, leaving her fans and critics guessing what changes to her appearance might be due to surgical alterations or natural aging. However, she has expressed her views on beauty and self-love in various interviews and platforms. She has also made a bold decision to stop wearing makeup and embrace her natural beauty.
In 2016, Alicia Keys wrote an essay for Lenny Letter, where she revealed that she felt pressured to look perfect and wear makeup since she was a teenager. She said that she was tired of trying to meet the unrealistic expectations of the society and the industry, and that she wanted to be free from the “constant judgment of women”. She also said that she felt empowered and liberated when she decided to go makeup-free for a photoshoot, and that she wanted to continue that way. She said, “I don’t want to cover up anymore. Not my face, not my mind, not my soul, not my thoughts, not my dreams, not my struggles, not my emotional growth. Nothing.”
Since then, Alicia Keys has appeared in various events and shows without makeup, such as the MTV Video Music Awards, The Voice, The Grammys, and the Billboard Music Awards. She has also inspired other women to join her movement, which she calls #NoMakeup. She has said that she is not against makeup, but rather against the idea that women have to wear makeup to be beautiful or accepted. She has said that she wants to encourage women to be themselves and to love themselves as they are.
FAQ
How old is Alicia Keys?
Alicia Keys is 42 years old as of 2023. She was born on January 25, 1981, in New York City, United States.
What is Alicia Keys’ net worth?
Alicia Keys has an estimated net worth of around £110 million ($130m) as of 2024. She has earned her wealth from her music sales, tours, endorsements, and other ventures.
What is Alicia Keys’ religion?
Alicia Keys has not revealed her religion publicly, but she has said that she believes in God and spirituality. She has also said that she respects all religions and cultures, and that she likes to learn from different traditions and practices. She has also incorporated elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism in some of her songs and performances.
