1xtra Presents... Alicia Keys: 'Hear it for London!'

WOW! what can I say, Alicia Keys was truly amazing still can't believe I was one of the lucky few to win tickets. Here me Live on Twin B's 1xtra show nervously giggling throughout: 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00q0h3p/Westwood_Tinie_Tempahs_in_with_Twin...pass_out!/

I have been a fan of Alicia Keys since I can remember so it was a dream come true last night when I attended the exclusive 1xtra Presents at the legendary  BBC Maida Vale studios. Arrived so early that we had to walk the block for a few minutes, excitement was building and I really did not know what to expect. When we entered the studio I realised how personal it was going to be with only a few hundred attendees many famous 1xtra/ radio 1 DJ's, Press and of course us lucky competition winners. 

unfortunately we weren't allowed to take photos or film while she was performing, so only got a few...

When Alicia came out it felt so surreal, she was so close and you often felt that she would give you a personal smile. Her set was amazing she did about 10-12 songs that blew the audience away. 

 Alicia doing her thing- image via Punch Bowl Blog 

I couldn't possibly tell you which was my favourite song as to me they were all so incredible but I would say that Un-thinkable (I'm Ready) and Empire state of mind (part II) which she broke down to different levels, they were definite stand outs. she looked gorgeous in a casual understated look of skinny grey jeans, killer boots and a black body top, minimal make-up, which her beauty shown through. She would introduce each song with a personal message or emotion that she  has attached to that song, not only did she do all her past hits, all with a new AK twist, even adding in some much loved reggae beats. She also performed many tracks of her new album, The Element of Freedom 

Her band and backing singers I must also mention were also amazing on the night. image via RWD mag 

She seriously gave me shivers down my spine, many of the ladies in the audience were connecting with her and admiring her incredible voice while many of the men I think we admiring her in a very different way with heckles coming from the back when she took of her jacket, boys will be boys I suppose. 

excuse the awful filming! but this is part of the wonderful Interview with Trevor Nelson who opened the questions up to a few of the competition winner who had some great questions for Alicia. In this video she talks a bit about her inspiration for the new album and where the name The Element of Freedom came from. I agree with Trevor also when he mentions how this album really has a different sound ('global sound') to any of her previous albums, yet still equally as impressive.



Alicia Keys is so humble yet you have to admire her strength and passion for what she does. She is worthy of where she is today, she is a talented superstar who is not there just for the fame but is there because she loves what she does and i think that is a quality that is rare in this day and age. She is my idol and last night only confirmed to me more why I love her and it is a night i will never forget, i mean how could you!


I am truly appreciative of having the honour to even been given the chance by 1xtra to come and witness and be a part of such a special (& iconic) night. Thank you so much BBC 1xtra!


Make sure you tune into Trevor Nelson this Saturday (23rd) on BBC Radio 1 Xtra – Alicia Keys special 7.00pm-9.00pm bbc.co.uk/1xtra and catch the full session on Mon 7pm. Video online on Sat (look out for me dancing and singing away!)