She's a Girl On Fire! Alicia Keys wows Manchester as Max George and a host of WAGs attend historic show
By FAY STRANG
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She's a Grammy Award winning songstress who has performed all over the world.
And on Monday evening Alicia Keys added stunning Manchester Cathedral to the long list of historic venues she has taken to the stage in.
The 31-year-old singer headlined MTV Crashes Manchester, a free event which was attended by The Wanted's Max George as well as WAGS Bouchra Van Persie and Joe Hart's other half Kimberley Crew.
Inspiring: Singer Alicia Keys performed at the historic Manchester Cathedral as part of MTV Crashes Manchester on Monday evening
Following the event, Alicia said: 'It was great, I loved it. I’ve been feeling so interestingly different performing these songs. Today I felt so calm, and paced, and right in the zone with the crowd. I loved this show, and what a beautiful venue.'
She also wrote on her Twitter page: 'Lovin Manchester! Incredible place , spectacular vibe!! Thank u for rockin w me!'
Alicia was supported by Mercury Prize nominee Lianne La Havas, who was equally as delighted to perform at the event, she said: 'The atmosphere was electric..and to share a stage with Alicia Keys...wow'
Music: The event was the first time Alicia played songs from her new album Girl On Fire in the UK
Chic: Alicia wore a simple yet stylish outfit of black high-waisted trousers and a white tank top
The show marked Alicia's first UK performance of songs from her new album Girl On Fire.
The mother-of-one, who was introduced on stage by Laura Whitmore, dressed simply and stylishly for the big occasion.
Showing of her taut body she wore a pair of black high-waisted trousers with a tucked in white tank top and a pair of wedged heels.
Talented: Alicia, who also plays the piano, played some of her back catalogue as well as the new tracks
Historic: The concert held in Manchester Cathedral was a free, ticketed live music event in association with Manchester City Council.
Keeping the outfit fuss-free, she wore a chunky gold chain and a dash of red lipstick.
Her short hair, which looked sleek, was styled with a large side-sweep.
Surprisingly the WAGs who attended the concert looked relatively dressed down.
Up and coming: Alicia was supported by Mercury Prize nominee Lianne La Havas
Manchester United footballer Robin van Persie braved the weather alongside his wife Bouchra who wore a pair of tie-dyed stone-wash jeans, with a black leather jacket and black heeled ankle-boots.
She completed her look with a pair of hoop earrings and a black quilted Chanel handbag.
Fellow WAG Kimberley Crew, who is dating Manchester United player Joe Hart, also opted for a pair of jeans.
Standing tall: Alicia Keys was tweeted about how much she enjoyed the show in Manchester
Football: Manchester United player Robin Van Persie attended with his wife Bouchra
Manu Duo: Robin van Persie and Alexander Buttner, who both play for Manchester United, both wore leather jackets for the occasion
She teamed her black pair with a peplum top, a cropped jacket and the same Chanel quilted black bag worn by Bouchra.
The Wanted's Max George, who is also from Manchester, was seen arriving at the venue alone, as was TV presenter Jameela Jamil.
The T4 favourite looked like she had attempted to keep dry wearing a red hat, however her fur coat looked a little on the wet side. It didn't dampen her spirits though as she flashed her trademark peace sign as she arrived.
Romantic: Alexander Buttner brought his girlfriend, who wore a silver jacket, along for the occasion
Fans: The Wanted's Max George (L) and TV presenter Jameela Jamil made sure they didn't miss out on the historic occasion
Whatever the weather: Footballer Joe Hart and his girlfriend Kimberley Crew braved the rain to attend
Ahead of her performance, American singer Alicia said: 'All of the love and work I’ve poured into Girl On Fire has been for moments like this —when I’m able to travel the world and share the experience of performing my favourite songs with my family across the globe.
'I’m so excited to be a part of MTV Crashes Manchester and to celebrate music in such an inspiring and historic setting.'
After the event she was as equally as enthusiastic, tweeting: 'Lovin Manchester! Incredible place , spectacular vibe!! Thank u for rockin w me!!'
Welcome: MTV's Laura Whitmore was on hand to welcome Alicia on stage
Rivals: Liverpool player Raheem Sterling wore an Amy Winehouse T-shirt for the event. He attended with his girlfriend Shana Ann Rose
MTV Crashes Manchester was a free, ticketed live music event, created in collaboration with Manchester City Council and filmed for MTV World Stage.
Alicia, who is married to Swizz Beatz, recently revealed that she decided to scrap a music video she made with Beyonce because the project 'didn't quite come together' properly.
The powerful singers got together back in 2009 to record Put It In a Love Song, which appeared on her album The Element of Freedom.
At the time the women flew out to Rio de Janiero in Brazil to make a video but Alicia now says it was shelved because it just didn't quite work.
Boys play: Manchester City player David Silva and The Wanted's Max George were amongst those who were attended the event
Biker: Robin Van Persie and his wife Bouchra were amongst those who watched Lianne La Havas and Alicia. The couple wore complimentary leather jackets
Speaking to Essence magazine, she said: 'Sometimes with creative things (it) all comes together and it's (perfection) and sometimes things almost come together and it's better to just leave it. So we love that song. We had a ball shooting the video.
'It just so happens that the whole thing, for some reason or another, didn't quite come together so we just decided to leave it. And that's what happened.'
'It just so happens that the whole thing, for some reason or another, didn't quite come together so we just decided to leave it. And that's what happened.'
Alicia will be performing at the iTunes Festival on Friday September 28, at the Roundhouse Camden. Lianne Le Havas will be supporting her once more.
4Music will be airing a live one hour special at 10pm of her performance.
Football fans: The world of football and music combined as a number of players attended. Both Raheem Sterling and Joe Hart brought their girlfriends with them
City gents: Pablo Zabaleta and Javi Garcia were also present at the concert
Windy: Alicia was up early on Tuesday morning to visit the BBC Breakfast Studio in Manchester wearing a pink dress with a scarf and gloves to keep warm
VIDEO: Alicia Keys and Lianne La Havas perform in Manchester
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2208300/Alicia-Keys-performs-WAGS-Max-George-historic-Manchester-Cathedral.html#ixzz27WauvQFj
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