Alicia Keys knows what it means to sit at “The Table” and is doing her part to help others achieve their dreams.
On Friday, June 28, the 16-time Grammy winner, 43, teamed up with Mercedes-Benz to host The Table, an experiential culinary event in Los Angeles. The evening is designed to highlight rising stars and established talent and celebrate the unique perspectives and ideas that drive creativity and innovation.
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The “Empire State of Mind” singer was joined by husband Swizz Beatz and other celebrity guests including Andra Day and Victoria Justice at Verse LA for a four-course meal prepared by chef Oscar Torres.
Alicia Keys (left) and Victoria Justice.
Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock for Mercedes-Benz USA
During the dinner, attendees were introduced to Ayoni, a singer-songwriter mentored by Keys as part of her organization She Is the Music.
The “If I Ain’t Got You” singer spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about the work she did with the Barbados-born talent.
“I’m so proud of the work we’re doing with She Is the Music. It has been such a wonderful experience to watch Ayoni grow into the artist she is today. She is absolutely brilliant,” Keys told PEOPLE.
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Alicia Keys, Andra Day and Ayoni.
Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock for Mercedes-Benz USA
Keys — who joined Usher on stage earlier this year for the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show — also opened up about what it means to her to help artists develop their talents and grow.
“I think mentoring is incredibly important, which is one of the key themes of the Table. Having someone who can give you advice and provide a different perspective can go a long way,” she added.
As Ayoni sang a medley of new and unreleased songs, attendees dined—starting with live Santa Barbara uni, followed by chicken pepián tetela. Torres’ staff brought out lamb T-bones for the third course and cardamom cake for dessert for “Angeleno cuisine,” inspired by Torres’ Latin American roots.
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From left: Manny Marroquin, Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys, Andra Day, Ayoni, Melody Lee and Oscar Torres.
Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock for Mercedes-Benz USA
Just a short walk from Verse LA is Larrabee Studios, where a pre-dinner mixer was held. Manny Marroquin, an 18-time Grammy winner and owner of both venues, has also worked with Keys on many of her musical projects.
Larrabee Studios is also where Keys recorded her 2012 hit single “Girl on Fire.”
The singer has two children with Beatz — Egypt Daoud and Genesis Ali, along with Beatz’s three children from previous relationships, Prince Nasir, Kasseem Jr. and Nicole.
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At Friday’s event, Keys — who, in addition to mentoring, recently launched her own Broadway musical called Hell’s kitchen — shared how she chooses the perfect ride for her blended family.
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“It’s hard to pick your favorite Mercedes-Benz rides when there are so many amazing models to choose from,” she told PEOPLE, adding that the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 all-electric SUV and the Mercedes-AMG G 63 are her current favorites.
“My kids love the futuristic technology, especially the pillar-to-pillar MBUX Hyperscreen, and they all also love the front and rear seat massage functions,” she said of the Maybach, which she described as “the pinnacle of luxury.”
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Source: HIS Education