Singer and The Voice judge Alicia Keys performed her hits during a free concert for Tidal subscribers Sunday night (Oct. 9) in Times Square in anticipation of her upcoming album, Here, which will drop on Nov. 4.
Fans of the “In Common” singer didn’t know the details of the surprise performance right away, but a few Twitter videos of rehearsals gave some insight on what to expect. Little did they know that superstars Jay Z, Nas, Q-Tip, Quest Love and John Mayer would be joining her.
Keys and the Jigga Man performed their ode to NYC, “Empire State Of Mind,” and the crowd predictably went crazy. Quest Love and John Mayer joined the Grammy-winner for her song “If I Ain’t Got You” and a rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine” in honor of the late-musician’s birthday. New York natives Nas and Q-Tip were also on hand, delighting the crowd with their song “One Love.”
It seems like it was a great time. Check out some videos of the night below.
It was only a matter of time before they performed this live in #TimesSquare. @aliciakeys & @S_C_ come together for ‘Empire State of Mind’. pic.twitter.com/5GKDQ67TM2
— Times Square (@TimesSquareNYC) October 10, 2016
.@aliciakeys, @johnmayer and @questlove came together for a rare performance in #TimesSquare. #HEREinTimesSquare pic.twitter.com/rkoCYitykV
— Times Square (@TimesSquareNYC) October 10, 2016
Happy birthday, @johnlennon. @aliciakeys performs ‘Imagine’ live in #TimesSquare with a message of hope and love. pic.twitter.com/C7AOX1SFmH
— Times Square (@TimesSquareNYC) October 10, 2016
.@AliciaKeys and @Nas perform before an audience in the heart of #TimesSquare. #HEREinTimesSquarepic.twitter.com/ecXm0TcREc
— Times Square (@TimesSquareNYC) October 10, 2016
Thank you NYC!! Last night was a dream!! I 💜 you! #HEREinTimesSquare
A photo posted by Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) on
With A.K. Goin off in Times Square NYC Tonight! Salute to @aliciakeys Great Show
A photo posted by Nasir Jones (@nas) on
Alicia Got Time Square doin Dat-da-Dat-doodoo-day dat dat.
A photo posted by Questlove Gomez (@questlove) on