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Early Life: A Star in the Making

Born on January 25, 1981, in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, New York, Alicia was raised by her mother, Terria Joseph, after her parents separated.

Terria, an actress and part-time paralegal, instilled in Alicia a love for the arts and a resilient work ethic.

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Growing up in a multicultural environment—her father is of African American descent, and her mother is of Italian and Irish ancestry—shaped her worldview and fueled her creativity.

Alicia’s prodigious musical talent was evident from a young age.

She began playing the piano at six, mastering classical composers such as Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart. By the time she reached adolescence, Alicia was composing her own music and demonstrating the vocal prowess that would later catapult her to fame.

At just 16, Alicia graduated as valedictorian from the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan.

Despite being offered a scholarship to Columbia University, her passion for mu