Alicia Keys

With 2001's Songs in A Minor, Alicia Keys convinced an entire generation hooked on Britney, boy bands and backup dancers that the simplicity of a woman and her piano can have pop appeal. Her blend of R&B, hip hop and classical music has sold more than 20 million albums and earned Keys nine Grammy Awards.

Keys grew up in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen where her single mother pushed her into the arts, and at 16, she left Columbia University to embark on her music professionally – blossoming under music mogul Clive Davis's J Records label.

Keys, who parlayed her fame into philanthropic work as an ambassador for HIV/AIDS organization Keep a Child Alive, welcomed her first child, son Egypt Daoud Dean, in October 2010 with music producer hubby Swizz Beatz.