Alicia Keys, as featured on MTV’s presentation of Teen People magazine’s “25 Hottest Stars Under 25” television special hosted by MTV VJ's Quddus and Hilarie Burton broadcast in mid 2001.

Sisqó, Pink and JC of N’Sync were additionally among the 25 Hottest Stars Under 25 as they covered the May issue of Teen People’s magazine release in 2001.

Teen People’s Senior Entertainment Editor Gloria Wong speaks on selecting Alicia for the list: “There was no way we couldn’t put Alicia Keys on the list. She’s won all these awards this year. Her music is really solid. And her lyrics are really good, and she’s just a really talented person. It’s that singer-songwriter who is really feeling her emotions and putting it into her music in a way that people can feel too. It’s really exciting.”

When asked about her hot artist status, Alicia remains grounded: “Hot is your own style and you not trying to be like anybody else, you being yourself,” the singer says. “Do I consider myself hot? Well, I mean sure why not? Cause if you don’t consider yourself hot [then] nobody else will!”