Alicia Keys – When memory, present and art intersect in Hanoi

The fire still burns brightly after 2 decades

Someone who grew up with “Fallin'”, who shared his feelings in “If I Ain't Got You”, who listened to “No One” again on a day when the city was falling apart. Alicia Keys' music has its own way of staying in the hearts of listeners: strong, gentle and very real. It is the kind of music that survives time, without needing to be noisy, without following trends but like a special “playlist” to remind oneself, to find a bit of tranquility in the midst of an increasingly hurried life.

For two decades, Alicia Keys has remained the same. Her voice and simple yet proud lifestyle still accompany those who are growing up from dreamy days to maturity. Now, Alicia Keys is not only an award-winning artist, but also a symbol of independence, self-confidence, and a steadfast artistic attitude: no frills, no show-offs.

That is why the news that Alicia Keys will perform in Hanoi as part of 8Wonder Winter 2025, an event organized by Vingroup , brings a feeling of both surprise and excitement. Her appearance is not to “stir up the market”, nor is it a show on a high-class stage, but a gentle invitation for those who used to love music and “live slowly” to have the opportunity to meet themselves again through the music that has stayed with them for a long time.

A rare opportunity for the 8x and 9x generations to relive their memories

The selection of Alicia Keys as a special piece has affirmed the vision of 8Wonder Winter 2025: creating a multi-colored international music festival, where famous names, powerful voices and pioneering spirits shine together on one stage. 8Wonder not only keeps up with trends, continuously bringing in youthful icons, but also persistently cultivates real values: top-notch “live” experiences, unique artistic stories and a truly enjoyable space for all generations of audiences.

And for Alicia Keys, what leaves a lasting impression is not just a performance, but the feeling of being heard, of being felt, of being touched to the deepest part of the emotion - a rare experience that not every artist can bring.

Anyone who is truly interested in live music knows that Alicia Keys rarely tours in Asia and this is her first time appearing in Hanoi . Despite being a global star, the Southeast Asian stage has never been a familiar “destination” for Alicia. Therefore, this moment is both a milestone for international music festivals in Vietnam and a truly rare occasion for the generation that grew up with her - moments that are hard to repeat, where memories are relived, emotions are “updated” with their idol.

In this music night, besides the fiery performances, there will also be a space deep enough for every lyric, every melody, every silence to be fully felt. That is the way for a generation of mature audiences – who are already more demanding with music – to truly “enjoy”, not just “watch the show”.

A very different Hanoi, a very different Alicia Keys

What makes Alicia Keys special is her ability to hold her own amidst change. In recent years, she has not only maintained her power on the big stages but has also continuously expanded her creative self, crossing boundaries between fields, touching many aspects of artistic life.

In 2025, Alicia Keys received the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the Grammys – a mark not only for her music, but also for the way she chooses to dialogue with the world: engaging, inspiring and leaving a social impact. On Broadway, Hell's Kitchen - a musical that depicts Alicia's youth and very real emotions, continues to prove an artist's spirit of constant experimentation, always confidently reaching the end of emotions.

Together with her husband Swizz Beatz, she also made her mark in the contemporary art world, with collections displayed at major museums around the world, as an affirmation: art, for Alicia Keys, is a borderless dialogue - from music, stage to gallery.

The “no-makeup” style that has created a global wave is also Alicia’s personality statement: natural beauty and confidence. Every night, she not only brings legacy songs like Fallin' , If I Ain't Got You , Girl on Fire … but also always breathes unexpected variations into them – from arrangement, staging, to subtle interaction with the audience, making each performance an unrepeatable experience.

That is the reason why Vietnamese audiences can expect a very different Alicia Keys at 8Wonder Winter 2025, not only a diva of memories, but also an artist of the present, constantly reinventing herself, calm but full of fire, and turning every moment on stage into a delicate conversation with souls who know how to listen and feel.

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/alicia-keys-khi-ky-uc-hien-tai-va-nghe-thuat-giao-nhau-o-ha-noi-post820578.html