at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, the first in a string of stops over the next few weeks. “It’s the best show I’ve ever done,” Keys tellsof the showcase. “Visually, musically, it’s a whole new world and level. I feel so excited—and the summer energy is amazing.” Along with performing some of her biggest hits, like “Fallin’” and “No One,” Keys is bringing the fashion heat with her stage wardrobe.
Working with stylist Anna Trevelyan, Keys wanted to tap into a new fashion mood for the tour, while still feeling authentically herself. “I have such an androgynous energy—it’s both masculine and feminine—and I really wanted to bring that energy to the forefront,” says Keys of her stage looks. “I wanted to bring a mixture. I love that it’s also very colorful and bright: It really captures my spirit and the summer.
Fans got their first glimpse of Keys’s new ensembles at the Tampa show. Some of her favorites? “I love the Pucci [outfits]; I love that they’re very colorful, and how the fabric glows,” she says. Another highlight is the custom Valentino creation, also complete with a dramatic cape coat. “It feels quite elegant and chic,” says Keys. “I love the drama of the cape, and the beading. I have these stairs that I walk down, and the way that it falls down the stairs is so incredible.
Given the star has only just kicked off her tour, she has plenty more fashion transformations to pull off over the next few weeks. She keeps up the momentum by grounding herself and looking after her wellbeing. “I stay sane during touring by making sure I’m having a great time and feeling good—making sure I’m getting rest and taking care of my health,” Keys says. “I also do things that are fun on my days off; it’s the summer, and I can go to the beach or by the pool.
As for what fans can expect from her shows to come, Keys says, “I’m looking forward to continuing to shock people. People have never seen me do a show like this and they’re loving it—so I’m looking forward to continuing to give that energy.” She also can’t wait to hit certain cities along the way. “I’m looking forward to going to cities that I haven’t been to in a long time—New Orleans, Memphis,” she says. “There’s stops on this tour that I’m really looking forward to making magic at.