- 2007
Alicia Covers EW
Keys appears on the cover of Entertainment Weekly, where she discusses her breakdown as a result of always saying "yes" and working nonstop to her subsequent breakthrough that led to her latest album As I Am. "This CD was so severely personal, it changed my voice," she says. "There's so much more that I needed to say...I'm at the point now like, F--- it. Who gives a s---? I don't really care what you think about me...I'm not gonna sacrifice my spirit for nobody.''
- 2008
Alicia Wins Two Grammys
Keys opens the 2008 Grammy Awards singing along with Frank Sinatra, who is shown on a screen above the stage, on his 1955 hit "Learnin' the Blues." Before the night is over, Keys wins two Grammys for Best Female R&B performance and Best R&B song for her hit, "No One," which she later performs with John Mayer.
Bees Dramatic Buzz
The film adaptation of The Secret Life of Bees opens in third place, earning $11.1 million. Costarring Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah and Jennifer Hudson, the film centers on three sisters, a young girl, and her caretaker that band together in 1964 South Carolina. "She's a passionate, emotional person, but she's definitely been hurt and it's a hard time," Keys says of her character, Boatwright sister June.
- 2009
Alicia's New Beat
Keys makes headlines when hip hop producer Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean – while in the process of divorcing his wife Mashonda – reveals that he and Keys are an item. "What we have is so precious," he tells New York's Daily News. In July, the couple attends a preview event of Whitney Houston's comeback album – where Houston sings "Million Dollar Bill," a song the duo produced together.
Let 'Freedom' Ring
After collaborating with Jay-Z on the New York City anthem "Empire State of Mind," Keys releases her latest album, The Element of Freedom, which tops the R&B albums chart. "The sound of it is very different," she tells MTV. "It almost feels like you're flying."
- 2010
Alicia's Mediterranean Wedding
In a Grecian-inspired Vera Wang dress, an expectant Keys exchanges vows with Swizz Beatz in front of family and friends on the Mediterranean Sea. "Everything was just wow. It was a blessing," Beatz tells Access Hollywood of their nuptials. "It was positive energy, and we're still in those moments."
A Baby for Alicia
The newlyweds welcome their first child, son Egypt Daoud Dean. "Alicia is definitely one of those great parents-to-be," Swizz Beatz – who has three children from a previous relationship – told PEOPLE in May. "She's super ready. Super glowing. Super happy."
Photo Credits
BIOGRAPHY (top to bottom): Valerie Macon/Getty; Twentieth Century FOX; Liquid Entertainment; amazon.com; Stephanie Pistel; Johns PkI/Splash News Online
- Name
- Alicia Keys
- Real Name
- Alicia Augello Cook
- Date of Birth
- January 25, 1980
- Birth Place
- New York, N.Y.
- Relationships
-
Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, husband (2009 to present)
Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, ex-boyfriend (1990s to 2008)
- Children
-
Egypt Daoud Dean, son (10/14/2010)
