Alicia Keys’ comeback campaign led her to grand (yet random) stage over the weekend – the UEFA Champions League Final in Milan.
The soccer extravaganza is one of the most-watched games in the sport, which perhaps explains why Team Alicia viewed it worthwhile.
However, after watching the showing – which saw her perform a medley of ‘Girl On Fire,’ ‘Empire State Of Mind,’ and new single ‘In Common’ – we share a different view.
Watch below…
Despite her heartiest efforts, the audience were dry as toast.
And we doubt it’s because Alicia didn’t deliver; because she actually served up a generally decent showing.
From where we’re standing, she’s just not the type of artist one would expect would be enlisted for such an event. Historically, such spectacles skew more towards the over-the-top, show-stopping, and highly choreographed acts. All traits folk don’t associate with “Alicia Keys.”
More broadly, we’re beginning to worry about the performance of ‘In Common.’ It’s such a bop, yet doesn’t seem to be gaining the momentum it deserves. Sure, it was launched softly, but there’s no denying that after performing it on several major stages (such as The Voice, SNL, and now this) it should be doing better? Like, as at writing, it has yet to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 – which is mind-boggling given the dizzying height of success she’s enjoyed in the past.
If she really does intend to drop an album this summer, we say a remix of ‘In Common’ featuring a charting name would be a smart play. Or christen it a buzz single and go all out with its follow-up (i.e. radio and sync deals).