Summer is here, this Monday, June 24, 2013, at the Palais Omnisport de Paris-Bercy. It’s only 6:15pm and we’re waiting wisely in the sun outside door 35. The one with the dressing rooms and ” VIP ” access.
“In da place” for Alica Keys’ 1st concert at Bercy
Reebok made me very happy to be invited tothe first Parisian concert of Alicia Keys. But it seems that a “nice surprise” awaits us. And when my guardian angel hands me the sesame, a ” Meet&Great “to meet the diva backstage backstageI’m in the shoes of a fan and I’m jubilant.
Alicia Keys’ “Meet & Great” on her Girl On Fire tour in Paris
I had come “only” to see her, to listen to her, to perform a perfect set for this world tour… With a subtle alternation of tracks from her new5th album, “Girl on Fire“and her many previous hits (“Karma“,“Diary“,“Fallin”), it was flawless.
Imagine the chance, the honor, to greet her before she took to the stage, even if only furtively. Barely enough time for a “hi, how are you?”, an exchange of smiles and kisses, and she replies ” thank you for coming tonight “… The photo is taken, the ultimate souvenir with the star. It’s one of a kind.
She seemed so approachable, natural, almost frail, and smaller than in our minds. Yet on her feet, she’s wearing a pretty pair of red Reebok Freestyle Hi Wedges from her own collection: classy.
Sketch of the pair of Reebok Frestyle Hi Wedge designed by Alicia Keys
The artist has been collaborating with the Classics brand since 2012, and her ultra-feminine touch combines perfectly with the most fashionable sneakers on the market.
Wearing my Melody Ehsani X Reebok Betwixt Mid, I shudder and leap like a 15-year-old (well, that’s okay, I’m barely twice as old, but I don’t make them ;)). The privileged lady that I am -I know and say THANK YOU again-met Alicia Keys. Wow.
An hour later, she’s back on stage, literally transformed. I’d call it the “face A / face B” effect. The sweet personality protected by 3 bodyguards has given way to a stage beast.
But she’s not one of those show-girls who tries too hard; she gives, she receives, she plays the piano, for all audiences, in the pit, in the stands on all sides… she has the air of a goddess, it grooves, it dances, it heats up. If we had to remember just one feeling, it would be “fire”.
There’s a clear sensuality here, and her dancers have a hand in it. She also manages to create a delicate intimacy with the 18,000 dazzled and enthralled spectators.
Girl on Fire tour in Paris on June 24, 2013
At 32, she’s an accomplished musician and a radiant woman who offers us her soul, full of rhythm, with a communicative peachiness. When she sings ” listen to your heart “, we long for a ” brand new me” in a “ new day “. Like a beacon of hope.
There’s a divine quality to some of her performances, perhaps the prayers she recites before joining her audience have something to do with it?
In any case, she radiates and delivers more than you’d expect. 2 hours of hits, a magical moment, full of generosity. And a farewell where adrenalin gives way to emotion, with a reprise of ” Empire State of Mind “. New York and Paris are one and the same, the American star is at home in France: we welcome her back whenever she wants, the charm has worked!
Jessica Gauzi
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