Once tech issues cleared up, Keys performed “Empire State of Mind” for the crowd.

Alicia Keys experiences technical difficulties during Knicks parade performance

Once tech issues cleared up, Keys performed "Empire State of Mind" for the crowd.

By Sharareh Drury

June 18, 2026 3:14 p.m. ET

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Alicia Keys at the victory rally for the New York Knicks on June 18. Credit:

Angelina Katsanis/Getty

- Alicia Keys' performance at the New York Knicks championship parade began with a few technical difficulties.

- Keys performed Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind" and her and Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" in front of New York City Hall.

- The New York Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs on June 13, winning their first NBA championship in 53 years.

The New York Knicks championship parade drew massive crowds to celebrate the team winning the 2026 NBA Finals — but the celebration hasn't been without its hiccups.

Alicia Keys' performance outside of New York City Hall on Thursday seemingly had a few technical difficulties. As the 17-time Grammy winner was announced to come on stage, "Empire of State Mind" began to play but quickly cut off. The song's intro replayed a few times before the audio switched to "Good Times" by Nile Rodgers & CHIC.

Keys eventually made her way to the stage, shouting to the excited crowd, "This is our time. This is our time. We are champions."

"We on fire today!" Keys added, addressing the parade attendees in the 80-degree heat, before launching into the "New York State of Mind."

The New York Knicks clinched the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games to secure their first championship in 53 years.****Before switching over to her and Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind," Keys addressed the historical significance of the Knicks getting to have their first ticker-tape parade in decades.

"We've been waiting over 50 years for this moment and we never going to stop," Keys told the crowd before asking them to sing along with her.

Alicia Keys performing at the New York Knicks Championship rally on June 18.

Kevin Mazur/Getty

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Following the Knicks' 94–90 victory against the Spurs on Saturday, a mix of celebrities who were either sitting courtside or watching from afar celebrated the team's win.

Timothée Chalamet was among those who flooded the court to celebrate, hugging Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns and proclaiming to ESPN’s SportsCenter that he'd "way rather this [win] than the Oscars." The actor's comment comes months after he lost best actor at the Academy Awards, his second loss in the row.

Knicks superfan Ben Stiller, who is making a documentary about the team, also spoke with ESPN that night, saying he was "as happy as I've ever felt."**

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