Alicia Keys Defends Decision To Perform ‘Empire State Of Mind’ At Platinum Jubilee Concert Amid Criticism, Says The Queen Personally Requested Her Song Lineup

Alicia Keys Defends Decision To Perform ‘Empire State Of Mind’ At Platinum Jubilee Concert Amid Criticism, Says The Queen Personally Requested Her Song Lineup

Alicia Keys is defending herself against the naysayers!

Alicia Keys has been receiving backlash for performing her hit song ‘Empire State Of Mind‘ at Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebration in the UK on Saturday (Jun.4). The song choice was met with criticism since the song is about New York City and she was performing in England. Despite the backlash, Alicia Keys is defending her song choice and notes that the Queen herself requested that song to be performed. According to reports, the “No One” singer claimed,

 “every song was requested personally by the Queen.”

Alicia Keys

In a behind-the-scenes video, Alicia Keys can be heard telling her sons Egypt, 12, and Genesis, 7, “that the Queen requested the songs” she would be singing.

Her eldest son, Egypt, responded that it was ‘pretty cool’ as they sat on a golf cart. He then jokingly said,

“You can’t refuse the Queen. It’s against the law here.”

She also revealed that Queen Elizabeth requested she perform her 2009 hit single ‘Empire State of Mind.’ While Alicia did honor The Queen’s request, she did change the lyrics at one point in her performance and sang “Now you’re in London” rather than “Now you’re in New York.”

Queen Elizabeth

Ahead of her big performance, Alicia Keys reflected on how she would be “playing with a 70-piece orchestra” for the first time and the struggle to decide which outfit to wear. While trying on different looks, she had trouble choosing between beautiful black and gold cape dress or a jumpsuit.

Before hitting the stage, Alicia Keys said a prayer and then went on to sing her hit songs “Girl On Fire,” “Superwoman” and more in front of a crowd of 22,000 people outside of Buckingham Palace.

Alicia Keys’s performance was one of many star-studded appearances at Saturday’s concert, with musical acts including Elton John, Queen, and Diana Ross.

This year’s Jubilee Celebration marked the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II. Royal Jubilees are an occasion to celebrate the life and reign of a Monarch and are significant events that are celebrated around the world. The term is most closely associated with the Royal Family and the ceremony and spectacle which the term symbolizes.