At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Alicia Keys was honored with the prestigious Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. This accolade, established in 2023, recognizes artists whose influence transcends music, celebrating their entrepreneurial achievements, philanthropic efforts, and profound global cultural impact.

Alicia Keys, a 16-time Grammy winner, has been a formidable presence in the music industry since her debut album, “Songs in A Minor” (2001). With over 65 million records sold worldwide and more than five billion streams, she stands as the top RIAA-certified female R&B artist of the millennium. Beyond her musical achievements, Keys is a New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s equality in the music industry. She co-founded She Is The Music, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities and equity for women in music, and launched Keys Soulcare, a lifestyle and wellness brand.

In her acceptance speech, Keys emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the music industry. She stated, “DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift. And the more voices, the more powerful the sound.” She also highlighted the contributions of female producers, saying, “This is for all the ladies that know the magic that they bring to the room.” Keys concluded her speech with a message of resilience: “When destructive forces try to burn us down, we rise from the ashes like a phoenix.”

The Dr. Dre Global Impact Award was first presented to Dr. Dre himself in 2023. Subsequent recipients include Lil Wayne, Missy Elliott, Sylvia Rhone, JAY-Z, Lenny Kravitz, and Mariah Carey. Alicia Keys is the latest artist to receive this honor, recognized for her significant contributions to music and culture.

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, praised Keys, stating, “From her timeless music to her unwavering dedication to uplifting others, Alicia has made an indelible impact on the world. Alicia embodies everything the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award represents—her artistry knows no bounds, her advocacy inspires meaningful change, and her influence has profoundly shaped culture.”

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards also featured notable moments such as Beyoncé winning Album of the Year for “Cowboy Carter,” Kendrick Lamar securing both Song and Record of the Year for “Not Like Us,” and performances by artists like Shakira and Billie Eilish. The event included tributes to music legends and raised $7 million for wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles.

Alicia Keys’ recognition with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award underscores her multifaceted influence as an artist, producer, philanthropist, and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the music industry.

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