Here is a transcript of Alicia Keys' recent teleconference from Paris with several journalists.:
Q Since I work in Minneapolis, I have two Minnesota questions for you. First of all, how did it feel to be name-checked by Bob Dylan in his song "Thunder on the Mountain"?
A. I loved that, I've got to say it. It definitely was a bit of a shock. I wasn't really expecting that. And I didn't quite believe it, honestly. My friend John Mayer was the first person that told me about it. And I was like, "Stop it, John. Why?" I didn't understand why. And so obviously after I found it was definitely the truth, it was just a great honor. You know he's one of the greatest songwriters of all time, and I thought that for me to live in his songbook is pretty damn cool.
Q My other Minnesota question is how did you go about writing the speech that you gave when you inducted Prince into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and what did it feel like to deliver it?
A. When they asked me to do that, of course I was like, absolutely. When and where do I have to be? And I just wrote from my heart, just like I do with everything, with my songs and anything else that I write. I just wrote exactly what I feel. And they were like, "Do you want us to write something for you?" And I was like, "Absolutely not, I have to say what I feel about him." And that's exactly what I feel. Honestly, I wrote that, probably, in just one sitting, like just writing what I felt and then I went back and edited it to keep it tight, because I probably went on and on too much.
Q What did it feel like to give that speech?
A. It felt fantastic, because here I am saying exactly what I feel, and I think so many other people feel about him, and being able to induct him in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which obviously, he belongs in. It was exhilarating, I felt exhilarated.
Q As far as this tour compared to previous tours, what are you hoping to do?