Jeni Watson
Where is the concrete jungle, the stuff of dreams?
Many people were perplexed when Alicia Keys sang her song “Empire State of Mind” at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration.
The song is one of the Keys’ biggest successes, but with lyrics that are a love letter to New York City, many people were perplexed as to why he chose to sing it at the British celebration.
“In London, she’s singing about New York… During the performance, one audience member tweeted, “She can’t do that.”
“At an occasion honoring the Queen, why is Alicia Keys singing about how magnificent New York City is?” “Could you pick a different song?” another inquired.
“Although I adore the song about New York,” another tweeter said, “you’re in London darling.”
“I love Alicia Keys and everything, but if this is supposed to be the best of British, why are we singing about New York in the center of London?” another perplexed admirer wondered.
“Yes, yes, yes, “Nothing says #PlatinumJubilee like Alicia Keys (whom I adore) singing about New York,” added another.
The amazing voice of @aliciakeys belting out a favourite song of mine #NewYork#QueenElizabeth70Years #PlatinumPartyatthePalace pic.twitter.com/ncxU33IhtH
— 💛🤎🏈I-tram (@HawksGirl67) June 4, 2022
Keys sensed the audience’s bewilderment and instantly changed the lyrics in the next stanza from “New York” to “London.”
“Not Alicia Keys switching ‘now you’re in New York to ‘now you’re in London,'” one person said, weeping.
Despite a few happy fans, the majority of concertgoers did not approve of the strange and inappropriate performance choice.
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Keys enraged some Brits by beginning her performance by comparing London to New York, in addition to singing out her love for New York in front of Buckingham Palace.
“When I’m in London, I feel at ease.” Before launching into the song, Keys added, “It reminds me of New York.”
One critic joked, “How to win and lose your audience in 5 seconds.”
This Girl is on Fire by Alicia Keys for her Majesty is, perfect match.#PlatinumPartyatthePalace
— Captain *Mir doch egal* ⛵🖕💉💉💉 (@itnopred) June 4, 2022
Her intro was described by Neil McCormick as “a little clumsy attempt to shoe in her famous anthem”. While Christopher Snowdon believed it was a “good excuse” to sing her song.
Keys also sang “Girl on Fire” and “Superwoman,” which elicited mixed reviews from the audience.
Queen, Hans Zimmer, Ella Eyre, Craig David, George Ezra, Lin Manuel Miranda, Andrea Bocelli, and Diana Ross were among the many A-list musicians who performed at the event.
Thousands of admirers gathered outside Buckingham Palace to watch the concert and honor the Queen’s reign at the Platinum Party at the Palace.
Alicia Keys sang Girl On Fire to commemorate 30 years since Windsor Castle burned down and forced the Queen to start paying her taxes because the public was furious at the suggestion they’d be footing the bill for repairs #PlatinumPartyatthePalace
— SHANE REACTION (@imshanereaction) June 4, 2022
It’s one of several events scheduled for Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th year on the reign, which will last four days.
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