Alicia Keys Rocks In London

Alicia Keys generously gave London its second audience with the New York Grammy hoover in just over four months, despite being one of the busiest women in pop.

The 27-year-old seemed most at home tucked behind a grand piano, the instrument that provided both her stage name and the backbone of hit ballads such as Fallin’ and You Don’t Know My Name.

Alicia Keys looked slightly awkward encroaching into Beyoncé’s thigh shaking realm. She was far better at the piano, alone and bluster free, performing Sure Looks Good To Me and her Prince cover, How Come You Don’t Call Me. When holding an epic high note and then milking the applause, the crowd was completely hers.

Her latest album, As I Am, sees her edging away from soul towards more mainstream ballads thanks to collaborations with Linda Perry, the woman who gave Pink and Christina Aguilera their biggest hits. Though Superwoman tried too hard for the Girl Power vote, The Thing About Love was a fine tune.

Alicia Keys performing at the 02 Arena in London