Alicia Keys champions diversity with Dr. Dre Global Impact Award

Grammy-winning artist calls for inclusion and unity in a politically charged speech.

Alicia Keys accepts the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the 67th Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, on February 2, 2025. Photo by Sonja Flemming/CBS/Getty Images

By Hayu Andini and Adila Ghina

Alicia Keys delivered a passionate speech on diversity and inclusion while accepting the prestigious Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the 67th Grammy Awards on Sunday. The acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer used her platform to highlight the importance of amplifying diverse voices in music and beyond, addressing an audience filled with industry leaders and fellow artists.

Earlier in the evening, Keys had already celebrated a win in the category of best musical theater album for Hell’s Kitchen, marking another milestone in her celebrated career. When Queen Latifah introduced her as “a global force” before presenting the Impact Award, Keys took the stage with a message that resonated deeply amid ongoing debates about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

“This is not the time to shut down the diversity of voices,” Keys declared. “We’ve seen on this stage talented, hard-working people from different backgrounds with different points of view, and it changes the game.”

A message of inclusion in a politically charged climate

Keys' speech arrived at a moment when DEI initiatives face increasing scrutiny and pushback in various sectors, including entertainment. Her words served as both a celebration of progress and a rallying call for continued efforts to foster inclusivity.

“DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift,” she said, reinforcing the idea that diversity strengthens artistic expression rather than diminishes it.

Throughout the Grammy telecast, other musicians also took the opportunity to address pressing social issues. Lady Gaga, who won the award for best pop duo/group performance alongside Bruno Mars, used her moment to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, declaring, “Trans people deserve love, and the queer community deserves to be lifted up.”

Shakira, upon winning for best Latin pop album, dedicated her victory to immigrant communities, stating, “This is for all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country.”

Meanwhile, Chappell Roan, who won the Grammy for best new artist, addressed labor conditions within the music industry. She called on record labels “to treat their artists as valuable employees with a livable wage, health insurance, and protection.”

Alicia Keys' legacy of advocacy and empowerment

Keys' commitment to social justice and representation has been a defining feature of her career. As a classically trained pianist turned global superstar, she has frequently used her platform to advocate for causes ranging from education reform to criminal justice initiatives.

Her speech on Sunday underscored her belief in the transformative power of music and the necessity of inclusion.

“The more voices, the more powerful the sound,” Keys told the audience. “When destructive forces try to burn us down, we rise from the ashes like a phoenix. And as you see tonight, music is the unstoppable language that connects us all.”

She closed her speech with a call for continued empathy and action, referencing Nobel laureate Toni Morrison:

“Let’s keep showing up with compassion, with empathy, what I call soul care. Keep opening the doors, the dreams that the world ought to be. Dream the world as it ought to be, as the great Toni Morrison said.”

The Grammys and the ongoing conversation on diversity

The Grammy Awards have long been at the center of discussions about representation in the music industry. While the Recording Academy has made efforts in recent years to address diversity gaps—such as expanding membership and increasing transparency in the nomination process—challenges remain.

Keys' speech served as a reminder of the importance of these efforts. Her words reinforced the need for the industry to not only celebrate diversity but to actively sustain it.

With her Impact Award win, Keys joins a distinguished group of artists recognized for their contributions to music and culture. However, beyond the accolades, her speech will likely be remembered as a defining moment of the night—a call to action in a time when the fight for inclusion remains as urgent as ever.