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16 Interesting Facts About Alicia Keys: Her Weird Habits, Why She Hates Makeup, and More

alicia keys performing on stage in a unique outfit
Image from Shutterstock.

Alicia Keys is one of the most famous singers in the world. She’s well-known for many smash hits, including “Fallin'” and “If I Ain’t Got You.” Few people, however, know more about her than her best-selling albums and songs.

If Alicia Keys is your favorite singer, take a seat and get ready as we dive into some interesting facts about Alicia Keys.

1. Alicia Keys Isn’t Her Real Name

alicia keys in a hair wrap against a greay background
Image from Shutterstock.

First on our list of facts is that Alicia Keys isn’t actually her legal name. She was born on January 25th, 1981, in Manhattan, New York, under the legal title of Alicia Augello Cook. She picked the last name Keys as part of her stage name because she thought it sounded more catchy than the last name Cook.

2. She’s Played The Piano For A Long Time

alicia keys playing piano
Image from Shutterstock

Alicia Keys is well-known for her ability to play the piano, but she’s had that valuable skill for a very long time. She’s had training since she was four, composed her first song at 12, and eventually singed for Columbia Records at the young age of 15 thanks to her awe-inspiring skills.

3. She Loves Cracking Her Neck

the voice 2022
Screenshot from YouTube of the Voice 2022 judges.

Alicia Keys has some interesting habits, including loving to crack her neck no matter where she is. As a judge on The Voice, Keys was often seen cracking her neck while sitting alongside fellow judges Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, and Gwen Stefani

Related: 25 Best Blake Shelton Songs

4. In Addition to Singing, She’s A Director And Actor

alicia keys in a low cut dress in front of a grey background
Image from Shutterstock

Not only is Alicia Keys a fantastic singer, but she’s also an artist in the movie and television world. She’s been in The Cosby Show, The Secret Life of Bees, American Dreams, Charmed, Aces, and The Nanny Diaries, along with directing several short films.

5. She’s An Activist

alicia keys on stage holding up a microphone
Image from Shutterstock.

Next on our list of facts about Alicia Keys is that she is an activist who is very vocal about many causes, from women’s rights to global health. She is an ambassador for global health and justice, including speaking up about AIDS and partnering with Bono to spread the word about the deadly disease. 

6. She Comes From Harlem

image of a street in harlem with the movement blurred
Image of Harlem by Cam on Unsplash.

Alicia Keys lives in a luxurious home in Manhattan, but she didn’t always occupy such an expensive location. She was born in Harlem and grew up around many influences from various cultures in her diverse neighborhood.

7. She’s Married

alicia keys and swizz beats
Image from Shutterstock.

Alicia Keys is married to artist Swizz Beatz, a hip-hop producer she has known since childhood. They married in Corsica and have two children, while also raising his children from a previous marriage. 

8. She Made An Obama Theme Song

president barrak obama close up
Image from Shutterstock.

Alicia Keys is very open about her support for the Obamas, so much so that she even wrote a theme song for Barack Obama in 2013. The song was created to celebrate the man heading into his second term as president of the United States.

Related: 19 Famous Musicians Who Are Democrats

9. Her Childhood Was Tough

alicia keys holding a microphone
Image from Shutterstock.

Although Alicia Keys has a much more straightforward life now, she didn’t have a very comfortable childhood. Keys’ parents separated when she was young, and it had a dramatic impact on her younger self, helping fuel the person she is now.

10. She Has A Multicultural Background

the jamaican flag
Image by Engin Akyurt on Unsplash

Alicia Keys grew up in Harlem, exposing her to many different types of people and backgrounds throughout her childhood. On top of that, her mother is Irish Italian and her father is Jamaican American, further diversifying her background. 

11. Alicia Keys’ Favorite Food

four grilled fish lined up on a plate
Image by Alex Teizeria on Unsplash

It’s no surprise Alicia Keys stays in shape when you consider her favorite food is grilled fish and spinach. To be honest, we are a little surprised she didn’t at least mention something sweet! 

12. Alicia Keys Favorite Movie

bette midler recieving an award
Image from Shutterstock.

Alicia Keys has two favorite movies. The first is the heartbreaker Beaches, which stars Bette Midler, another famous singer. What’s a bit more strange is that her other favorite movie is Set it Off, a heist crime action film. 

13. She’s Done A Movie Soundtrack

spider man reading a book
Image by Road Trip with Raj on Unsplash

Alicia Keys is a valuable creator, so it makes sense that she would be asked to create the background music for movies. She assisted on The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and helped write a theme song to a James Bond movie.

14. She Has 2 Children

alicia keys with her son egypt dean
Image from Shutterstock.

Not only is Alicia Keys married, but she also has two children. Her oldest child is Genesis and the younger is Egypt, both boys and likely future musical champions.

15. How Tall is Alicia Keys

alicia keys standing on stage next to a piano
Image from Shutterstock

Alicia Keys is of average height despite her above-average talent, standing at 5’6” tall.

16. She Loathes Makeup

alicia keys performing on stage in a unique outfit
Image from Shutterstock.

Last on our list of crazy facts about Alicia Keys is that she is very against makeup, so much so that she even ran a campaign against the product for the sake of women. She’s gone makeup free and believes it hurts women more than it helps them.

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Written by Hope Davis

Long-time music lover Hope became a full-time writer in 2020 after being laid off from her regular job due to COVID-19. She now spends her time traveling the world to see her favorite bands while writing about them!

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