Alicia Keys Has A Declaration For This Years Grammy's

Last year, the Grammy Awards came under fire for only featuring one female winner on the telecast, and not allowing Album of the Year nominee Lorde — the only woman nominated in that category — a solo performance slot, when all the other Album of the Year nominees received one. Well, what a difference a year makes.

As People magazine points out, this year’s telecast is being hosted by Alicia Keys — the first time in 14 years that a woman has hosted the Grammys. In addition, five women are nominated in the Album of the Year category: Cardi B, Janelle Monáe, edgy country star Kacey Musgraves, singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile and H.E.R.

So, is 2019 the Year of the Woman as far as the Grammys are concerned?

“One billion percent,” Alicia tells People. “It’s the Century of the Woman as far as I’m concerned. It’s all around us, politically and here in music. We’re more creative than ever before.”

Alicia also recalls her first Grammys back in 2002, where she was nominated for six trophies, and ended up winning five.

On Grammy night, Alicia says, “I was sick as [I’ve] ever been. I had a head cold and congestion and everything felt like a dream…I could barely sing, I could barely get the notes out.”

“We had to work some wonders, Vitamin B, something, to get me to sing for three minutes,” she adds. “It was equally exhilarating and terrifying. I didn’t want to trip up the stairs. I remember seeing Gwen Stefani and Céline Dion and I was like, what planet am I on?’ It was unforgettable.”

The Grammys air February 10 on CBS.