Alicia Keys

Even as a kid, Alicia knew music was in her heart. Fortunately, she grew up in New York City, a place offering everything from free concerts in Central Park to the background music of street and subway performers. She had the chance to take advantage of the culture the city provided as well as its quality education. At 12 years old, she auditioned and was accepted to the Professional Performing Arts School. For Alicia, the school was an artistic playground. Soon, she was on her way to her first recording contract.