Alicia Keys reveals Queen Elizabeth ‘personally’ requested songs for Platinum Jubilee concert

Adele, 34, and Harry Styles, 28, reportedly turned down the opportunity to perform at the Platinum Jubilee weekend.The artists did not take to the stage as part of the four-day celebrations to honour the Queen's 70 years of service.The Platinum Party at the Palace was a huge show as part of the Queen’s celebrations earlier this month.The event saw a number of global superstars perform outside Buckingham Palace, including the likes of Queen, Rod Stewart and Alicia Keys. Concert organisers were apparently keen for Adele to join the line-up. However, the Los Angeles-based reportedly turned them down, snubbing the concert in spite of being awarded an MBE for her services to music in 2013. "They were told she couldn’t do it,” a source claimed.“Scheduling issues, or something like that, were given as an excuse."It caused a lot of surprise, particularly as she was awarded an MBE. “After all, how many chances will there be to perform in front of Buckingham Palace for the Queen?" the insider told The Daily Mail. Meanwhile, a source told the paper that Harry “was asked”, but did not go into further detail.A source close to the former One Direction explained to Express.co.uk that he has been busy on his tour as well as promoting his new album.He also headlined Radio 1's Big Weekend in Coventry the week prior.Express.co.uk have contacted Adele and Harry’s representatives for comment. Platinum Party at the Palace took place on June 4, featuring the Queen herself in a pre-recorded comedy segment with the much loved Paddington Bear. Comedian Lee Mack served as host for the event, while Prince William and Prince Charles gave speeches.There were some pre-taped tribute messages from some huge names, including Sir Paul McCartney and former

Queen Elizabeth in 2013 when she received a CBE.The former Olympian has recalled the experience exclusively to Express.co.uk, revealing that it was all "very choreographed".Victoria was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2009.She was then appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2013 for her services to cycling and met the Queen who gave her the prestigious award.Speaking to Express.co.uk about the experience, she said: "You go in and get taught where you have to walk, then you take a few steps forward and you have courtesy then you take a few steps backwards before you turn away."It’s all very choreographed, so you need to worry about your steps and not fall over!"I think my legs were probably shaking a little bit."Victoria then detailed how "nerve-wracking" the experience is, leading to an awkward encounter.She continued: "It was one of the most nerve-wracking moments of my entire life."Normally I’m fine and am chatty but I couldn't really think of anything to say really. My face ached as I was smiling so much."It was such a huge honour to be awarded a CBE and be standing face to face with her royal highness.

Alicia Keys has truly been playing up to the locals during her recent run of U.K. shows, performing for the Queen outside Buckingham palace one weekend and then bringing out Johnny Marr in Manchester the next.

Alicia Keys brought Johnny Marr out on stage last night (June 11) to cover The Smiths when she performed in Manchester.The US R&B star was headlining the city’s AO Arena when she invited the guitarist to join her to perform one of the band’s classic songs.“I’ve talked a lot about New York tonight,” Keys reportedly told the crowd at one point during her set. “Now I want to talk about Manchester.” Marr then came out and accompanied her on a version of ‘This Charming Man’.“Johnny Marr!” She shouted as the track neared its end and the big screen focused on the guitarist.

Elvis Costello has clarified his criticism of the Platinum Jubilee, including Rod Stewart’s controversial performance, after reportedly making savage remarks about it at a recent gig. The 67-year-old musician, whose hits include Everyday I Write The Book, performed in Glasgow, Scotland on his tour with his band The Imposters last week. During the gig, Elvis reportedly took a moment to share his thoughts on the Jubilee’s Party at the Palace concert, which took place at Buckingham Palace in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign, and featured performances from Sir Elton John, Alicia Keys and Diana Ross. Elvis was said to have ripped into Sir Rod’s surprise performance of Sweet Caroline, after many others called out the music icon’s vocals on the Neil Diamond hit. However, he’s since clarified his comments and tweeted: ‘If you read my actual remark, it about the wrong-headed idea of asking Sir Rod pass up “You Wear It Well” to lead a f*****g singalong. Ms.

infamous mom Anne Boleyn met a bloody and bitter end. On the show, she lives with Henry’s widow, Catherine Parr (Jessica Raine). Things become complicated when Catherine’s husband, Thomas Seymour (Tom Cullen) takes an interest in Elizabeth. “The most surprising thing for me was how dangerous that world was. It wasn’t glossy at all.

Mike Tindall is shedding some insight on Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.  Tindall, who is married to the Queen’s granddaughter Zara, recently appeared on "The Good, The Bad and The Rugby" podcast, where he shared that the Royal children had a "real sugar high" during the last event of Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee on Sunday. Tindall shared a first-hand account of the celebrations to the host Alex Payne and touched on Prince Louis’ viral moment during the pageant.  (Rear L-R) Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Mike Tindall and (front row L-R) Kate Middleton and Prince Louis attend the Platinum Pageant.Tindall shared that the children had a "real sugar high" during the celebration.

Mike Tindall is providing new insight about Prince Louis‘s now viral moments from the Platinum Jubilee over the past weekend in London.

Mike Tindall is shedding some insight on Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.  Tindall, who is married to the Queen’s granddaughter Zara, recently appeared on "The Good, The Bad and The Rugby" podcast, where he shared that the Royal children had a "real sugar high" during the last event of Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee on Sunday. Tindall shared a first-hand account of the celebrations to the host Alex Payne and touched on Prince Louis’ viral moment during the pageant.  (Rear L-R) Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Mike Tindall and (front row L-R) Kate Middleton and Prince Louis attend the Platinum Pageant.Tindall shared that the children had a "real sugar high" during the celebration.

Alicia Keys has revealed a big backstage secret from her performance at the Queen's Party at the Palace.The American singer, 41, was invited to take part in the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, joining a number of other top musicians who performed for the monarch at Buckingham Palace. But the singer has dropped a massive bombshell, confirming that the Queen herself chose the entire setlist that she performed, including Alicia and Jay-Z's 2009 hit song, Empire State of Mind.

Gatekeep queen. Queen Elizabeth banned Lilibet photos from being taken. The British monarch met with her great-granddaughter during her Platinum Jubilee. However, she forbid photos of her and her namesake together.

Platinum Jubilee concert on June 4.The “No One” crooner, 41, performed her hits “Empire State of Mind,” “Girl on Fire” and “Superwoman.” However, British viewers were especially confused when Keys decided to harmonize her 2009 single, a love letter to New York City, on a London stage.The Manhattan native took to social media on Monday and revealed in a behind-the-scenes featurette that the 96-year-old monarch herself “personally” requested the concert’s playlist.“Telling the boys that the Queen requested the songs that I’m singing,” she said in her clip as she lounged with her sons Egypt, 11, and Genesis, 7, in a golf cart. “And they were like, ‘You can’t refuse the Queen.'”“You can’t refuse the Queen.

Even the Queen of England loves that concrete jungle where dreams are made of.

Alicia Keys has defended her decision to perform Empire State Of Mind at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in the UK on Saturday.The song choice was met with backlash because the song is about New York City and she was performing it in England - at the Jubilee which marked the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II.However, 15-time Grammy winner, 41, claimed 'every song was requested personally by the Queen.' Are you sure? Alicia Keys has defended her decision to perform Empire State Of Mind at Platinum Jubilee Concert amid backlash - and insisted the Queen PERSONALLY requested the set list Celebration: The No One hitmaker revealed The Queen requested she play her 2009 track Empire State of Mind - (pictured the day after the Jubilee)In a recording taken behind the scenes, Alicia she can be heard gushing to her sons Egypt, 12, and seven-year-old Genesis 'that the Queen requested the songs' she would be singing at the Party at the Palace.Her eldest responded that it was 'pretty cool' as they sat on a golf cart. 'You can't refuse the Queen.

Alicia Keys is seemingly addressing the backlash surrounding her performance at Queen Elizabeth‘s Platinum Jubilee concert.

certainly played up his antics for the camera during Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee last weekend.So much so that he was giving royal photographer Chris Jackson a hard time snapping the young royal during the festivities.The 4-year-old was quite the superstar during celebrations to commemorate the queen’s 70 years on the throne when he made plenty of funny faces during various events.On his Instagram Stories, Jackson — who has photographed the British royal family for over two decades — admitted that he had a difficult time shooting Louis because he was too busy cackling to take a good photo.“I was struggling to keep the camera still as I was chuckling whilst taking these photos, what a character,” he wrote, according to Hello! Magazine. “Thanks to everyone for all your comments and kind messages over the last few days.

Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee where they performed some of their biggest hits, including “Don’t Stop Me Now.”

Australian-born British gay activist Peter Tatchell revealed that he had refused an invitation from the organisers of the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations to join the event as a ‘national treasure’.Tatchell, in a piece in The Guardian, cited his opposition to the monarchy, the royals’ history of “war, colonialism and slavery” as well as the Queen’s refusal to acknowledge her LGBTQI “subjects” as the reason for refusing the honour. Tatchell said that he was surprised to receive a letter from the organisers inviting him to join the pageant outside the Buckingham Palace on June 5 on the final day of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations “as one of a select group of ‘National Treasures … celebrated, respected and admired people’.”The activist, who is a supporter of the campaign group Republic, said he turned down the invitation for a number of reasons. “While I doubt that the Queen is a raging homophobe, she doesn’t appear to be gay friendly.

Prince Louis’ parents are poking fun at him for his antics. Following the conclusion of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Prince William and Kate Middleton took to their shared Twitter account to reflect on the weekend’s festivities — and their 4-year-old son’s viral moments.

Prince Louis definitely stole the show during Queen Elizabeth‘s Platinum Jubilee!

Prince Louis' parents are poking fun at him for his antics. Following the conclusion of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Prince William and Kate Middleton took to their shared Twitter account to reflect on the weekend's festivities — and their 4-year-old son's viral moments.The couple also shares Prince George, 8, and Princess Charlotte, 7.«What a fantastic weekend of celebrations.