Alicia Keys celebrated 20 years of her groundbreaking debut Songs in A Minor at Sunday’s Billboard Music Awards.
Prior to taking the stage, Michelle Obama appeared in a pre-taped video to introduce the Grammy-winning icon and philanthropist.
“Alicia, you are such a shining light, such a singular force,” said the former First Lady. “You inspire me and my daughters and millions of fans all around the world.”
Keys then delivered a three-song medley of hits off her 2001 debut while dressed for the occasion. She brought back her signature braids and even recreated the back cover of Songs in A Minor in a custom Balmain denim coat and pants.
“So much is different, so much me is still the same,” said Alicia during the “Piano & I” intro. “And I remember when they doubted me, but we flipped it.”
Seated at the piano, she kicked things off with “A Woman’s Worth” before picking up the payphone for “How Come You Don’t Call Me,” capping it off with her breakout hit “Fallin,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and won three Grammys.