Alicia Live In Las Vegas

The last time MTV News saw Alicia Keys play live in Las Vegas her performance was overshadowed by the side-show in the crowd.

It was of course the fight that broke out between Tommy Lee and Kid Rock at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards. So without a Pammy ex-husband in sight, all eyes in the MGM Grand Garden Arena were on Miss Keys Friday in Vegas.

The question was - after a decade, 11 grammys and a blossoming acting career - would she simply go through the motions? The answer: an emphatic NO. In fact , because she's been such a constant it's easy to forget what a talented performer she is - just as capable of a dance routine (Teenage Love Affair) as she is sat at the piano belting out the ballads we know and love.

Her show even included a camera on the keyboard so everyone could see what a skilled classical pianist she is. Her storytelling in an attempt to link the whole set together could have became a bit tiresome had she not followed it up with a hit each time.

If you were to pick a highlight based on the reaction of the crowd then 'Superwoman' (off the new album 'As I Am') would have to be it. As she sang "Even when I'm a mess I still put on a vest, With an S on my chest, Oh yes I'm a Superwoman" all the ladies were out of their seats claiming the lyrics as their own.

Cabaret, opera, sing-a-long. Whatever you want from a show - Alicia Keys can deliver. Tune in to MTV Base at 1pm on May 24th to catch Making The Video: Alicia Keys