Alicia Keys is set to celebrate a significant milestone as her iconic ballad “Fallin'” approaches its 25th anniversary in March 2026. The song, which launched her career upon its release in 2001 when she was just 20 years old, spent an impressive six weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned her the prestigious Song of the Year award at the Grammy Awards in 2002.
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Reflecting on the impact of “Fallin'” during a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the She Is the Music’s Women Sharing the Spotlight event in West Hollywood, Keys expressed her delight at the song’s enduring legacy. “I’m not sure how I wrap my head around this whole existence called life,” the 45-year-old artist remarked. She added, “It’s very crazy and wonderful and exciting and amazing,” as she recalled her younger self during the song’s debut.
In discussing her past, Keys shared a poignant insight into her mindset at that time. “That girl in me at that time had no idea, none. She was completely what you call ‘fake it till you make it’ — that’s what she was doing, and she did a damn good job,” she noted, highlighting her growth since then.
“Fallin'” catapulted Keys into the spotlight, earning her five Grammy nominations and wins in 2002. These accolades included not just Song of the Year, but also Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song, Best R&B Album, and Best New Artist. Keys reflected on this formative period of her life, acknowledging the strength and clarity she possessed even amid uncertainty. “The more I grew, the more I learned,” she explained. “She was strong, she was clear. Even though she didn’t know everything, she knew what she didn’t want and what she had to hold onto — and that was authenticity and truth and honesty and music.”
Emphasising the evolution of her artistry, Keys expressed gratitude for the journey that has brought her to this point in her life. “I recognize her in me today. So that’s a beautiful thing,” she stated. “To be able to come all this way and have all these years to be creating and to have not even hit the tiny bit of where I’m going is a really, really exciting thing. So I’m grateful.”
At the Women Sharing the Spotlight event, which focuses on boosting the representation of women in the music industry, Keys also introduced a notable figure who influenced her early career. Reflecting on her roots, she identified Jody Gerson, the CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group and co-founder of She Is the Music, as a significant mentor. “Jody has been my publisher since I was 14 years old. She definitely took me under her wing and saw something in me that was special,” Keys shared.
Gerson’s support played a crucial role in Keys’ development as an artist, as she recounted, “She said, ‘I know this girl is up to stuff,’ even before I knew I was up to things.” Keys expressed her appreciation for Gerson’s mentorship, noting that such guidance can create valuable opportunities for aspiring talents.
As “Fallin'” approaches its 25th anniversary, Keys takes pride in her achievements and the strong foundation laid by her early experiences in the industry. The song remains a cornerstone of her legacy, exemplifying her dedication to authenticity and artistry.
Having made an indelible mark on the music scene, Alicia Keys is poised to continue inspiring others with her work. In commemorating the past while looking to the future, she remains a powerful advocate for women in music, furthering the mission of She Is the Music to foster diversity and representation in an evolving industry. With the celebration of “Fallin'” on the horizon, fans can anticipate not only a reflection on the song’s impact but also the continuing journey of an artist committed to her craft.