My Publicist Note Book

The 61st Grammy Awards on Sunday night could be more forward-looking and eclectic after recent firestorms over diversity and representation. The pop music industry is in flux — reshaped by the rise of streaming services, remixed by cutting-edge genres and styles, redefined by the swift ascent of new voices from across the globe. In recent years, the Grammy Awards has sometimes lagged behind the times and stumbled into cultural firestorms. But this year's ceremony (Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on CBS), hosted by 15-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys, could be more forward-looking and eclectic. Here's a look at some of the major storylines heading into the show. WOMEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT In the wake of last year’s ceremony, the Record Academy was embroiled in a furor over gender representation and diversity. But this year’s show is shaping up to be a loud-and-clear showcase for female artists, from reigning hip-hop queens to rising stars. The four marquee categories — rec...

The Oscars may still be without a host, but the Grammys have found theirs! Alicia Keys joined the esteemed ranks of Andy Williams, Queen Latifah, Paul Simon and Jon Stewart   on Tuesday when she announced that she’ll be hosting the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.  The “No One” singer shared her news with a nearly 10-minute-long video in which she coincidentally is filmed while finding out about the hosting gig. Her charm will be a welcome change from James “The English Jimmy Fallon” Corden, who’s emceed the last two years. Who knows— maybe Keys will go on to a five-year hosting stint , just like LL Cool J. On Tuesday, “Fallen” singer Alicia Keys announced that she’ll be hosting the 61st Annual Grammy Awards — set to take place Feb. 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. “I’m soooo EXCITED,” Keys said. “There’s so much in store and I CAN’T WAIT for y’all to see it ALL come to life.” She shared the news on social media with a video...

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. ( NOV. 30, 2017 ) — The Recording Academy ™  Producers & Engineers Wing ®  will honor GRAMMY ®  Award winners Alicia Keys and Kasseem Dean, aka "Swizz Beatz," at their annual GRAMMY Week celebration on  Thursday, Jan. 25 ,  2018, at  Rockefeller Center's iconic Rainbow Room  in New York City. The prestigious, invite-only event will celebrate the artistic contributions of the Producers & Engineers Wing's professional members and will highlight the unparalleled accomplishments of Keys and Dean. The event, now in its 11th year, is well-regarded among producers and engineers as well as industry titans. GRAMMY Week culminates with the 60 th Annual GRAMMY Awards ®  on  Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018,  airing live on the  CBS Television Network , at  7:30 p.m. ET /PT . "With multiplatinum success, fierce dedication to the craft, and unwavering support for the art of recorded sound, Alicia Keys and Swizz ...

Alicia Keys  has been leading a barefaced revolution after  penning an essay  about her commitment to going makeup free every day, including on the red carpet and TV.  Key’s is currently on the judging panel for  The Voice !  And the singer is not alone in her makeup-free movement:  Today ‘s Tamron Hall,  Kim Kardashian  and now Gabrielle Union, are all jumping on the bandwagon — and Union is so on board with Keys’ natural vibe, she’s stealing her signature look. Alicia Keys is the queen of the #nomakeup look and she may be starting Hollywood’s first-ever barefaced revolution. The singer even penned an essay on why she decided to go makeup free — that’s including on TV and the red carpet! And now she’s inspiring other celebs to do the same.  Gabrielle was so inspired by Alicia’s signature look, she made a Snapchat video dedicating her #nomakeup look to the singer. “No makeup, head wrap, hey Alicia Keys I see y...

Alicia Keys closed the curtain on day 2 of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia with a musical performance dedicated to the mothers of their slain children. “Women are the answer. We have the power to ensure this country gets on the right path,” Keys said before singing “Superwoman” on Tuesday evening. “I dedicate this song to the Mothers of the Movement and all mothers who have lost their sons and their daughters to senseless violence. Until we deal with gun violence in this country, we can’t claim home of the brave.” Mothers of the Movement:  "We're going to keep telling our children's stories, and we're urging you to say their names ." Earlier in Tuesday’s program, the mothers of the late Martin, Sandra Bland, Jordan Davis, Eric Garner, Hadiya Pendleton, Dontré Hamilton, Michael Brown, and Oscar Grant  delivered powerful speeches honoring their children and calling for change. Keys introduced her next song, “ In Com...

Alicia is the face of Givenchy’s new fragrance “Dahlia Divin” Alicia Keys for Dahlia Divin by Givenchy Givenchy  has revealed a radiant new campaign for its Dahlia Divin fragrance starring R&B singer  Alicia Keys . “Alicia is a remarkable woman whose magnetic and charismatic personality and beauty perfectly espouse what a Givenchy product has always been: precious, unique and unexpected. We can’t wait to collaborate on this fascinating project of a new fragrance,”  said Global President of Parfums Givenchy   Thierry Maman.  The TV commercial starring Alicia as a golden goddess has just debuted and we wanted to share with the mp Fam (make sure to turn up the volume so you don’t miss the music Alicia composed for the spot)! Dahlia Divin is in stores now at Macy’s, as well as department stores and other specialty beauty retailers around the world. For those of you in New York City: Macy’s is offering the first 200 customers who pu...

Alicia Keys' 'Girl on Fire': On Billboard's November  Cover  Working with a wide range of partners from Bruno Mars and Babyface to ReeBok and CitiBank, Alicia Keys prepares to launch her most personal album ever, " Girl on Fire"  The Nov. 27 RCA Records release- her first since former label J Records was absorbed under the RCA banner .      The singer/songwriter/musician/ producer/actress has penciled in a few more hyphens next to her name. In addition to becoming a wife and mother, Keys began co-managing her career, produced her first Broadway play, directed her first short film, executive-produced a made-for-TV movie as well as an upcoming theatrical film, designed her own Reebok shoe line and recently launched an animated storytelling app for children. Issue Date: 11...