Onlookers were left confused when Alicia Keys decided to perform her very American hit song “Empire State of Mind” at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee concert.
via Page Six:
The song is one of the popular performer’s top hits, but with its lyrics written as a love letter to New York City, many were confused why Keys chose to perform the song at the British celebration.
“She’s singing about New York in London… She can’t do that,” one observer tweeted during the performance.
“Why is Alicia Keys singing about how amazing New York City is at an event to celebrate the Queen? Maybe choose another song?” another questioned.
“Although I love the song about New York, you’re in London baby,” one more tweeter commented.
Another bewildered fan shared, “I love Alicia Keys and everything but if this is meant to be best of British, why are we singing about New York in the middle of London?”
“Ahh yes. Because nothing says #PlatinumJubilee than Alicia Keys (who I do adore) singing about New York,” one more joked.
Keys caught on to the crowd’s confusion and quickly switched the lyrics in the next verse from “New York” to “London.”
“Not Alicia Keys changing ‘now you’re in New York’ to ‘now you’re in London’,” one user wrote with a crying emoji.
Despite a few satisfied fans, most concert viewers did not approve of the bizarre and unfitting performance choice. On top of belting out her love for New York in front of Buckingham Palace, Keys upset some Brits by beginning her performance by comparing London to New York.
“When I’m in London I feel like I’m home. It reminds me of New York,” Keys said before breaking out into song.
“How to win and lose your audience in 5 seconds,” one critic joked.
Neil McCormick called her intro a “a slightly awkward attempt to shoe in her signature anthem” and Christopher Snowdon thought it was nothing short of a “clever excuse” to sing her song.
Keys also sent the crowd reeling with mixed reactions performing “Girl on Fire” and “Superwoman.”
Keys was one of many A-list musicians from the world to performing at the event along with Queen, Hans Zimmer, Ella Eyre, Craig David, George Ezra, Lin Manuel Miranda, Andrea Bocelli and Diana Ross.
The Platinum Party at the Palace is taking place at Buckingham Palace, with thousands of fans gathering outside to enjoy the concert and celebrate the Queen’s reign.
It comes as one of many events during the four-day national celebration honoring Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne.
Why is Alicia Keys over there singing for the Queen anyway? They don’t have British talent? Where’s Adele?
