New York Knicks owner James Dolan said Alicia Keys will perform during the team’s victory parade on Thursday, according to ABC7 in New York City. Dolan announced the appearance as the franchise prepares to celebrate its NBA Finals title.
Keys, a multiple Grammy Award-winning singer and pianist, is scheduled to sing “Empire State of Mind,” the 2009 hit she recorded with Jay-Z, ABC7 reported. The song has become an anthem for New York sports celebrations.
Knicks fans were seen singing the song jubilantly after the team clinched the championship, which was secured in five games against the San Antonio Spurs, according to ABC7. The performance is expected to be part of the postgame festivities carried into the parade.
The lyrics of “Empire State of Mind” make reference to both the Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets, and include a Jay-Z verse that name-checks courtside life and interactions with players and teams, ABC7 noted. The song’s local references have made it a staple at civic celebrations.
The Knicks’ parade will begin near Bowling Green and proceed along Broadway to City Hall, ABC7 said. There has been no indication that Jay-Z will join Keys for the parade performance.
