Growing up, I had one particular artist I've always admired.

Alicia Keys.

I was in Form 5, preparing for SPM, I think. That was the period when I went on a full crazy discman and walkman mode - while studying, my ears would be blasted off with various artists' albums to accompany me, and Alicia Keys was one of the few. At that time, I was open to all kinds of genres - I had Linkin Park, Britney Spears, Maroon 5, NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Blue, T.A.T.U (I KNOW!) and all other-worldly artists' CDs and cassettes.

Think boarding school would do that to you. Discman and walkman, they're our life essentials at the hostel, OK?

So. Finished SPM, upgraded to MP3 player (a gift by my sister - it's actually a hand-me-down -_-) and got into AAJ, UM to further my studies. Entered a language school, and the MP3 player era started. One can never survive a kanji test without a full on 5-hours kanji memorizing session the night before, I learned. And the MP3 player was there to accompany me.

Among the (limited) songs in my playlist, was Alicia Keys' If I Ain't Got You and Fallin'.



I remember that time, I was so into her that in my Friendster page (Friendster was the shiz back then), I only put her name for my 'Favorite Artists' section. Only hers. And a guy made fun of it - he put for his section, 'Any artist except Alicia Keys'. He didn't think I'd notice, but I did lol.

Then, embarking into a new relationship with someone who's equally into music as much as I do (maybe more), I was introduced to a whole new world of rock. This person loves Metallica, Arctic Monkeys, Weezer, etc - I was intimidated. So I began rediscovering music i.e Jem, Weezer, Norah Jones,  The Fray, Green Day; the sorts I'd never imagine I'd like.

So I forgot about Alicia Keys. Still, in my playlist, those 2 songs of hers would remain - but I forgot about her other songs.

Until I was at home recently, and saw The Voice on TV.


And my girl crush since 2004 is back.

I've always loved watching The Voice (last season they had Gwen Stefani, girl crush no 2), but now, expect me to be in front of the TV for this season.

Alicia Keys is awesome.

(P/S : If you're wondering why she isn't wearing makeup, read here. The more reasons to love her!)