Alicia Keys played a major role in New York City’s celebration of the Knicks’ NBA championship, closing the team’s victory parade at City Hall on Thursday. The Grammy winning singer, who was born and raised in Manhattan, paid tribute to her hometown team with a memorable appearance that combined music, fashion, and local pride.
For the event, the 45 year old artist wore a black leather Pelle Pelle jacket decorated with rhinestones, matching leather pants, and a diamond covered Ruff Ryders chain. Her hair was styled in a slicked back twisted double ponytail, while diamond hoop earrings completed her look. The outfit was a tribute to the Knicks and their historic championship victory.
During the celebration, Keys performed “New York State of Mind” and “Empire State of Mind,” the popular song she recorded with Jay Z in 2009. The performances were well received by the large crowd gathered to celebrate the team’s success. The event marked one of the biggest public celebrations in New York City following the Knicks’ championship win.
This was not the first time Keys had shown her support for the team during the week. At the closing night of the Tribeca Festival on Saturday, which turned into an unofficial celebration after the Knicks secured the title, she wore a blue version of the same Pelle Pelle jacket. The jacket, called the For The City of Knicks jacket, was created through a partnership with Allan Houston’s FISLL social impact brand. A limited edition cropped version for women is currently available for $1,675. The design features orange patches, a decorated “New York” across the front, and the Knicks logo on the back.
Alicia Keys celebrating with the Knicks after a historic championship win in New York City. 🏆🗽
— JATANCE (@mediaoneuniv) June 19, 2026
Some moments are bigger than sports—they become part of a city’s soul.#AliciaKeys #NewYorkKnicks #NYC #Championship #Basketball #NewYork #Victory #NBA #Trending #FYP pic.twitter.com/3slpAlI28k
Keys, who grew up in Hell’s Kitchen near Madison Square Garden, has long been a supporter of the team. Although she was unable to attend the Knicks’ Game 5 victory in San Antonio because she was attending the premiere of her documentary “Girl From Hell’s Kitchen,” she quickly joined the celebrations afterward. She shared videos of fans singing “Empire State of Mind” and wrote on Instagram, “It’s a New York moment!!!!!! The @nyknicks are officially world champions.”
Ahead of the parade, Keys and Knicks player OG Anunoby shared a FaceTime conversation on Instagram to promote her appearance. During the call, she told him, “This is my city, and the city’s on fire. There’s so much love in the city. We’re proud of you.”
The ticker tape parade traveled from Battery Park through the Canyon of Heroes before ending at City Hall. There, Mayor Zohran Mamdani presented Finals MVP Jalen Brunson and other members of the team with the keys to the city. The celebration marked the Knicks’ first NBA championship in 53 years after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games.