Alicia Keys has returned with her new song “Kaleidoscope,” which will appear in her Hell’s Kitchen musical.
On the feel-good song, Keys sings, “Don’t wait for the end, let’s start a beginning / Better to be alive than just to be living.”
“Kaleidoscope” includes supporting vocals from Maleah Joi Moon, who stars as Ali in Hell’s Kitchen.
Hell’s Kitchen will debut at the Shubert Theatre on March 28, with the opening night set for April 20. The coming-of-age musical was written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, directed by Michael Greif and choreographed by Camille A. Brown. Keys is at the helm of the music and lyrics, of course, while Emmy winner Adam Blackstone is the musical director.
Per the logline: “In the mid ’90s, in an apartment high above the energy and grit of Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, 17-year-old Ali squints toward the horizon until she can just see the Hudson River. Despite the warnings of her protective mother, the symphony of the street calls to her—promising freedom, excitement, and the possibility of love. Finding herself. When a wise piano teacher helps her find her voice, Ali learns she can make the city her own.”
“Kaleidoscope” is Keys’ first song release since dropping “Lifeline,” the lead single from The Color Purple soundtrack, on Nov. 27, 2023. In late December, she debuted the official video for the uplifting anthem, which was directed by Diane Martel.
After winning a Grammy for The Diary of Alicia Keys (Best Immersive Audio Album) in early February, Keys joined Usher at the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show to perform their hit duet “My Boo.” Keys also treated the audience and viewers to her other hit “If I Ain’t Got You.”
According to Apple Music, “If I Ain’t Got You” saw a 1,800% increase in listeners on the streaming service that Sunday, while “My Boo” had an uptick of 738%.
Earlier this month, Alicia Keys achieved two new certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Her 2019 single “Show Me Love” with Miguel got certified platinum and her 2012 track “Brand New Me” was certified gold.
On May 4, Keys will perform at the Lovers & Friends Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. The legendary lineup also includes Janet Jackson, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Keyshia Cole, Monica and more.
Stream Alicia Keys’ new song “Kaleidoscope” below.
Get tickets to Hell’s Kitchen at hellskitchen.com.