Alicia Keys prepares new Keys II album for 2026 release
Published on 09/02/2026 at 14:52 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Alicia Keys is preparing to return with new music in 2026. According to recent Polish reports, her next studio project Keys II is nearly finished and scheduled for release later this year, marking her first major album campaign since Keys II appeared as a double set in 2022.
Keys II – what we know so far
Polish culture outlet Trojka Radio reports that Alicia Keys has revealed her upcoming album Keys II is almost complete, with the release planned for 2026 and the exact date still under wraps. The Trojka feature notes that the singer has taken time to refine the project, aiming for a cohesive statement building on her recent work.
A later report from JazzSoul published on August 20, 2026 adds that Keys has indicated fans may only have to wait around two more months, suggesting an autumn release window if everything stays on schedule. JazzSoul’s article interprets this as pointing toward October 2026, though neither a firm date nor a tracklist has been announced.
Album history and chart context
The new Keys II campaign sits in the context of Alicia Keys’ recent discography. In 2020 she released her seventh studio album ALICIA, a record the Recording Academy described as aiming to inspire listeners and accompanied by a livestream performance on release day. The Grammy.com feature highlighted collaborations with artists such as Jill Scott and Miguel and framed the album as part of her role as a 15-time Grammy winner.
In 2022 she followed with the double album KEYS II, issued as an expanded edition of KEYS and described by Apple Music as exploring dual versions of songs with both “Originals” and “Unlocked” interpretations. This dual structure underlines how she balances classic piano-driven R&B with more experimental, producer-led reworkings. Apple’s editorial notes emphasize that the project reflects her interest in duality and in presenting songs in contrasting sonic frames.
All news and background on Alicia Keys
Stay up to date on Alicia Keys’ upcoming album, past tours and chart history with more coverage and analysis.
How the music of Keys II is likely to sound
While specific songs from the new Keys II set are not yet public, the existing version of KEYS II offers clues about her musical direction. Apple Music’s description underlines how she pairs stripped-back tracks centered on piano and voice with more adventurous renditions shaped by producer Mike Will Made-It and others, reinforcing her role at the intersection of soul, pop and hip-hop.
Across her catalog, songs such as Fallin', No One and Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down have defined her core style: warm, gospel-inflected harmonies, strong piano motifs and lyrics that balance vulnerability with resilience. The upcoming material is therefore expected to sit within contemporary R&B and pop but maintain the melodic and harmonic richness that helped earlier albums connect on charts in the US, UK and mainland Europe.
Where Alicia Keys stands right now
As of September 2, 2026, Alicia Keys has signaled that her new album Keys II should arrive later in 2026, with autumn mentioned as a target period, but she has not yet announced a detailed tour schedule or confirmed German concert dates for this campaign.
Alicia Keys at a glance
- Act: Alicia Keys
- Genre: R&B, pop, soul
- Origin: New York City, United States
- Active: since 2001
- Lineup: Solo
- Label: RCA Records
- Key works: Songs in A Minor (2001), The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003), As I Am (2007), ALICIA (2020)
- Current album/single: KEYS II, released 2022
- Charts / certifications: Multiple Grammy Awards and international chart placements for albums such as Songs in A Minor and The Diary of Alicia Keys
- Next live date: no announced live date at present
Frequently asked questions about Alicia Keys
When is Alicia Keys’ new album Keys II expected to be released?
Recent Polish reports state that Keys II is planned for release sometime in 2026, with Alicia Keys hinting that fans may only have to wait around two months from August 20, 2026, pointing toward an autumn date, though no exact day is confirmed.
Has Alicia Keys announced any 2026 tour dates in Germany?
Available 2026 listings from major ticket platforms and official tour pages do not yet show confirmed German dates for Alicia Keys linked to the upcoming Keys II campaign.
What kind of music can fans expect on Keys II?
The existing edition of Keys II is described by Apple Music as a double album built around dual versions of songs, one more classic and piano-led and the other more experimental, suggesting the new material will continue to mix soulful ballads with modern, producer-driven arrangements.
