Michelle Obama praised Alicia Keys for her talent and grace at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday.

The former First Lady remembered her first time listening to the artist as she introduced her for a special performance celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut album, Songs In A Minor.

Remarking on Alicia’s range, Michelle said Keys’ music made her feel like it took her ‘to church and to the symphony and to a candle light dinner and couples therapy and everywhere else, all in a little more than three minutes.’

‘I remember what it felt like to hear the song Fallen for the first time. It was edgy and soulful, graceful yet raw,’ the Becoming author gushed.

‘This young singer was taking us to church and to the symphony and to a candle light dinner and couples therapy and everywhere else, all in a little more than three minutes.’

Mrs. Obama was an instant fan, saying: ‘I knew right then and there that this wouldn’t be the last we’d hear from Alicia Keys. And in the years since, she’s amazed us again and again in so many ways.’

But Michelle’s praise went beyond Keys’ musical talent, telling audiences: ‘Alicia is not just an artist she’s also an advocate for women and families around the world.

‘A leader on social justice, a wife, a mentor, a mother, but most of all, she is herself, always thoughtful, always hopeful, always Alicia. And in bearing her true self, she calls us all to do the same in our own lives, and for each other.

‘Alicia, you are such a shining light, such a singular force. You inspire me and my daughters and millions of fans all around the world.’