Alicia Keys Hits Houston

The Smart Financial Centre was graced Tuesday September 13th, when Grammy winner Alicia Keys took the stage and the crowd was a perfect representation of just how much range the Global Icon has. Fans from all ages in Sparkly dresses, matching homemade shirts, and even a few suits lined up and down the sidewalk waiting for the venue to open their doors. Many had been waiting for this night for over two years since the North American tour was canceled due to Covid issues back in 2020 . Now the “Girl on Fire” was back and ready to showcase her newest album KEYS along side her 2020 self-titled album ALICIA making this the ALICIA + KEYS World Tour.

The mood was set earlier in the evening by Pink Sweat$. He brought everyone to their feet encouraging the crowd to get ready for a spectacular evening. The stage went black, and a dark blue light was swimming up and down the rows of the venue. What looked like a bright burning Sun in the center of the stage had quickly turned into a squiring vortex. Something was about to happen! From the back center of the stage was Alicia Keys with lights pouring down on her starting the show with just a taste of the new song ‘Nat King Cole Original,’ from her 2021 KEYs album.

Alicia Keys, enjoying the crowd’s energy reached out to welcome everyone. “Are we in Houston tonight… Yes, we are! Tonight, is all about letting your shoulders drop. It’s about feeling free…tonight is about singing at the top of your lungs!” She was taking us to the “Alicia + Keys Universe”.

Alicia sat down at the Grand Piano on stage and started to play a familiar melody that had the Houston crowd ready to sing their heart out. The 2003 hit song “You Don’t know my name” tickled across the keys. Hands in the air and voices singing loud the night was off to a phenomenal start. Alicia would talk a few times during the night about the vibe and how thankful she was to be back sharing her music. She explained that her plan for this tour was to make it more of an intimate show for the fans.

A lot of thought and rehearsal went into the structure and layout for this tour. Alicia has been interviewed speaking about how the shows would be broken into 3 Acts. This was meant to showcase her broad range of musical talents and spend time not only blessing the Houston fans with her works on the piano but also the MPC and beat pads. She has created the atmosphere of being in the studio right there on stage.
One of these acts included Alicia walking down from the main stage and walking through the crowd which was something she did during all her World Tour stops. I can honestly say I was proud of my fellow Houstonians for their appropriate behavior and excitement as she made her way across the venue. I say this because on this same tour in other cities, adoring fans had reached out and kissed Alicia as she walked by… Thankfully Alicia made it through The Smart Financial Centre with no extra lip gloss applied.

Giving the audience a chance to pick the lineup for part of the night Alicia played hit songs from her newest albums. The task was given to make a choice, she would play three songs and the by roaring applause the crowd chose either the Originals or the Unlocked versions for Alicia to play. Skydive played first, Houston came to a unanimous decision to play the Unlocked track. Then the signer got personal with her fans letting them know that this next song was written for the love of her life, and it was his birthday. The Original version of “Only You” played and won the hearts on Houstonians. “We’re celebrating love and life tonight! Stand up!”- Alicia shouted up to the top rows. The unmistakable melody of “My Boo” played. The sweet smile that came over Alicia while she looked out into the heart touch crowd was one of wonder and fulfillment. The artist had certainly kept her word of this being a night of singing at the top of your lungs.“Houston, can you feel my love tonight…Thank you for welcoming me back to Houston tonight, I’ve missed you so much!” With a Kiss bye and a promise of “Can’t wait to see you soon” Alicia left the stage.

It was a show stopping performance that left eager fans wanting more. Many stayed after the show shouting “Alicia! Alicia!” But the classic que was given, and lights were turned on confirming the show had really come to an end.

Till next time Houston!