Larisha Paul
Contact Larisha Paul on X View all posts by Larisha Paul June 17, 2026
Alicia Keys attends the Sanremo Music Festival 2026. Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images Jay-Z and Alicia Keys‘ anthemic single “Empire State of Mind” has been inescapable in New York City ever since the New York Knicks brought the NBA Championship home for the first time in 53 years. It’s only right, then, that Keys will be taking the stage at City Hall on Thursday, June 18, for a special performance following the championship parade.
“The city’s asking for you,” Knicks forward OG Anunoby told Keys in a FaceTime video shared to her Instagram account. “Are you pulling up?” The musician’s son popped up in the background to assure the athlete, noting, “I’ll make sure she gets there. Don’t worry.”
During the call, Keys checked in with Anunoby, who played a crucial role in securing the team’s coveted win. “I just feel like if there’s a time for you to smile, it’s right now. Like, how could I not?” Keys said. “This is my city, and the city’s on fire. There’s so much love in the city, it’s crazy. Y’all brought all that energy, everybody just united, feeling amazing. I’m super excited and we’re proud of you. We excited for you. Big, big love. We’ll see you there.”
