Alicia Keys isn’t holding back when it comes to the music industry’s long-standing power structure.
The 17-time Grammy winner is calling out what she describes as a “good old boys’ network,” urging greater access and opportunity for women, while pushing artists to think beyond the spotlight and take ownership of their work.
As she gears up to appear as a guest mentor on “American Idol” and perform during the upcoming season finale, Keys is making it clear that success in today’s industry isn’t just about talent, but about control.
Keys is speaking candidly about the barriers women still face behind the scenes in music. In a recent interview with The Times, the “Girl on Fire” singer described the industry as a “good old boys network,” noting that while female artists may be highly visible, opportunities remain limited for women working as producers and engineers.
“The music world becomes a good old boy network, and all the incredible women working as engineers and producers are not given an open door,” Keys said. “Women make up 2% of the entire business. I’m a producer, and here we are, doing a bunch of work, killing it, so it’s shocking that the number is so small.”
Rather than just voicing frustration, Keys said the focus now is on creating more opportunities to help shift the imbalance.
Keys Advocates For Artists To Own Their Work
Keys is also encouraging artists to think beyond the creative process and focus on ownership.
While many of her songs have been embraced as feminist anthems, the singer also explained that the messaging was often not deliberate but rather a reflection of her personal journey.
“I didn’t aim to come up with feminist message songs, and most of them were written because I wasn’t feeling that strong, so I had to give myself a pep talk to keep going, but it is a thread through my work,” she said.
For Keys, that same mindset extends into the business side of music, with artists needing to advocate for themselves and take control of their work in order to truly thrive.
Alicia Keys Shares Hard Truths About The Business Side
Keys is keeping her advice for emerging artists firmly rooted in the business realities of the industry.
When asked what up-and-coming talent should focus on, the “No One” singer emphasized the importance of ownership, urging artists to do everything in their power to retain control over their creations and long-term careers.
She noted that navigating the business side can be especially challenging, with many artists left to figure things out on their own.
“No one tells you these things,” Keys said. “You deal with all these executives and lawyers who love to take their percentages and overcharge you, but they never say, ‘How can we ensure you’re here to stay?’”
Keys Set To Join ‘American Idol’ Finale
Keys is adding another major feather to the cap of her already stacked résumé. According to Deadline, the multiple award-winning singer is set to appear on “American Idol” as a guest mentor, where she’ll help guide the top three contestants as they compete for the title.
Keys is also scheduled to perform twice during the three-hour live finale, including a special set marking the anniversary of her 2001 debut album, “Songs in A Minor.” One of the performances will feature the finalists themselves.
Alicia Keys Reflects On 25 Years Of ‘Fallin’’
Speaking earlier this year at the “She Is the Music’s Women Sharing the Spotlight” event, Keys reflected on the 25th anniversary of her breakout hit “Fallin’,” which spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2001 and later won Song of the Year at the Grammys.
“I’m not sure how I wrap my head around this whole existence called life,” Keys said, per PEOPLE Magazine. “It’s very crazy and wonderful and exciting and amazing.”
Looking back at her younger self, she admitted she was figuring things out in real time.
“And just thinking back to that girl in me at that time and how she had no idea, none. That she was completely what you call ‘fake it till you make it,’ that’s what she was doing, and she did a damn good job.”
