Alicia Keys has reworked her 2004 hit “If I Ain’t Got You,” bringing in an orchestra that featured over 70 women of color.
“If I Ain’t Got You (Orchestra Version)” was created for the soundtrack to the Netflix series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, but also celebrates the song’s forthcoming 20th anniversary.
Keys also released a video for the new version, with all the women donning Bridgerton-era costumes and make-up as they play their respective instruments – and being led by South Africa’s first Black female conductor, Ofentse Pitse.
“The entire idea was quite ambitious,” Alicia Keys said in an interview with Billboard. “I feel like it’s going to open the minds of many people to realize that women of color belong everywhere and we’ve always been everywhere. It’s magical.”
She continued: “I know they’re gonna be very emotional when they see it because the women who were there were extremely emotional. Our conductor said, ‘It feels like when we have an orchestra of all women of color from all over the world, that we’re finally doing something right.’ This is what our ancestors never experienced.”
Check out the new version of “If I Ain’t Got You” below:
Along with Alicia Keys, the Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story soundtrack also includes instrumental covers of songs by Beyoncé, SZA and more.
In related news, Keys is gearing up to hit the road – recently announcing that her Keys To The Summer tour will trek through North America later this year.
Kicking off in June, the 23-date run will hit arenas throughout the United States and Canada before it wraps in August. According to a press release, the tour will feature the singer in a 360-degree production setup “which will allow fans to experience her live performance in an entirely new and exhilarating way.”
“The Keys To The Summer tour is going to be completely unforgettable and unmissable!” Alicia Keys said. “I describe it as a celebration of freedom and self-liberation! It’s going to be colorful, magical and will light up your body, soul and all of your senses! This is my first time creating a 360 experience and we’ve made sure it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen! I’m so excited to see y’all this summer!”
Tickets are available now on Live Nation.
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