Alicia Keys Parodies 'A Star Is Born' 's 'Shallow' with James Corden to Prep for Grammys

Should Lady Gaga need help singing "Shallow" at the Grammys, Alicia Keys is certainly ready to step in

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Published on February 7, 2019 02:05 PM

Before Alicia Keys takes the stage to host Sunday’s 61st annual Grammy Awards, she’s getting a little advice from one of the show’s former emcees.

On Wednesday, the 38-year-old “Girl on Fire” singer paid a visit to The Late Late Show with James Corden, where she asked the comedian — who has hosted the Grammys for the past two consecutive years — for some tips.

Of course, Corden, 40, couldn’t just pass on his guidance without having some fun with it. He and Keys bonded together instead in song, singing a cover of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper‘s ballad “Shallow” from the Oscar-nominated film A Star Is Born.

The tune is up for four Grammys this year, including record of the year and song of the year. It’s also expected to be performed live by Gaga herself, who will be taking the stage on music’s biggest night for the fifth year in a row..

But until that happens, Keys and Corden are owning “Shallow.”

THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH JAMES CORDEN — Terence Patrick/CBS

Their parody gives Corden the chance to share some valuable hosting recommendations with Keys, including the importance of “comfy shoes” and the knowledge that “after four hours you’ll find yourself drinking cheap booze.”

“Try not to be scared / Act like you’ve been there,” he sings to Keys — who quickly reminds Corden, “You know I’ve won 15 times…”

She then has a question: What to do “If a speech goes long or I hate someone’s song?”

Corden’s got that covered. “The host has to be polite,” he reminds her.

This will be Keys first time hosting the Grammys. She’s the first woman to host the Grammys since Queen Latifah in 2005.

Keys shared the news on social media on YouTube with a video, shot while she learned the news that she got the gig over the phone. “Wait a minute? What, wait? Are you serious!?” Keys raved.

“I’m so excited,” Keys said in the YouTube announcement. “There’s so much in store and I can’t wait for y’all to see it all come to life.”

“I know what it feels like to be on that stage and I know what it feels like to be proud of the work that you’ve put in, and to be recognized for it. And I just feel grateful that I’m able to bring that light and that energy,” she said in the video. “This is a first. It’s a first. It’s amazing. And I think it’s perfect timing. Honestly, I’m really excited. I feel really good about it, because I feel like it’s the perfect opportunity to give the light back [and] to lift people up, especially all the young women who are nominated. To me, it feels like sister vibes.”

61ST ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS — Alicia Keys. Jaclyn Martinez/Courtesy of AK Worldwide, Inc

Performers include Maren Morris, Little Big Town, Ricky Martin, Cardi B, Post Malone, Kacey Musgraves, Miley Cyrus, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Janelle Monáe, as well as Shawn Mendes, Brandi Carlile, Camila Cabello, Dan + Shay and H.E.R. — who will make their Grammy performance debut.

Nominees Chloe x Halle, Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson and Travis Scott have also been announced as performers. Dua Lipa will also perform with Grammy winner St. Vincent.

Additionally, Dolly Parton and Diana Ross will get star-studded tributes.

The 61st Annual Grammy Awards live from Staples Center in Los Angeles, Sunday (at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) on CBS.