(L-R) Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary (Erica and Tina Atkins), India Arie, Alicia Keys, Jill Scott and host Oprah, photographed during the taping of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” by George Burns in 2001.

With the spotlight on rising female singers, the episode included performances from Yolanda Adams, Alicia Keys, Mary Mary, India Arie and Jill Scott. Airing on Thursday, June 21, 2001 at 4 p.m.

Alicia recalled the taping to Jet magazine in August: “That was an unforgettable experience to be around so many artists who I admire and are truly artists. The vibe in there was so nice.”

J Records LLC’s chairman, Clive Davis, wrote Oprah a personal note asking her to have Alicia on her show to debut her talents. Oprah accepted. And this was Alicia’s very first television feature, promoting Songs in A Minor. The following day on the 22nd, Alicia appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, airing at 11:30 p.m. Jet magazine revealed that celebrated host Jay Leno “couldn’t wait to hear [Alicia] perform” during the taping of the show. So he came to watch her perform during the sound check, donning his casual jeans and sneakers.