Alicia Keys, Princess of Pop

As a pop star whose music delights people all over the world, Alicia Keys is now touted as the new Princess of Pop. Her songs have always had a fresh feel about them. Keys' ability to give such mesmerizing tracks has established her as a highly credible artist who is known worldwide as an actress, songwriter, Grammy winner, and performer. She has tasted scintillating success with her latest album As I Am, her most personal creation to date.

As I Am debuted at number 1 at the Billboard 200, and had a record sale of 742,000 copies within its first week of release. This was the largest sales week for a female artist since the debut of Feels Like Home, Norah Jones's record-breaking album in 2004. Keys also holds the distinction of having the maximum number of number 1 debuts on the Billboard charts by a female pop artist since Britney Spears. And, unlike Spears, Keys comes across as a performer who has just the right kind of stability and sensuality. On the United World Chart, the album debuted at the number 1 position. Her most popular track was “No One,” which peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It won her the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song at the Grammy Awards in 2008.

As a performer, Keys portrays the best blend of girlish charm and a grown woman's maturity. The same effect is seen in her creations. She had the honor of performing at the opening ceremony of the Grammys singing Frank Sinatra's song “Learnin' the Blues.” The opening ceremony was welcomed with great applause by everyone; the performance bowled viewers over, and it was clear that Keys had the charm, musical sense, and talent to take on the world.

Keys impressed fans and critics alike with her mature look and sensible music, making her one of the best-selling R&B singers in the world. “You'll Never See Me Again” made her a worldwide hit and established her as one of the best-selling artists of all time. Many claim that if there was a woman who could take on the mantle of being a Pop Princess—a title that was earlier donned by Britney Spears—it was Keys. Keys's fresh outlook has won the heart of her fans and people all over the world, and given her the feel of just the kind of woman every man would want to take home to mom.

Apart from her songs, Keys has established herself in the arena of mainstream acting, as well. She is expected to star in a film titled The Secret Life of Bees, to be released in 2008. Among her other roles is Composition in Black and White, based on the world renowned piano player Philippa Schuyler and the biographical book by the same name. Keys said that this was her most challenging role to date.