Alicia Keys looks back on the 25-year milestone of her hit song Fallin’, describing the moment as “pretty surreal” and hard to believe.

The emotional track stayed at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks in 2001 and later earned the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2002.

Looking back 25 years after releasing her breakthrough single Fallin’ brings a deep sense of gratitude and amazement for Alicia Keys. Speaking at a February event in West Hollywood hosted by She Is the Music, the artist reflected on how surreal it feels that the song — released in 2001 when she was just 20 — became such a defining moment in her life and career. She said it’s incredible to think about her younger self, who stepped into the industry unsure but determined, essentially “faking it till she made it,” and succeeding beyond what she could have imagined.

The ballad went on to dominate the charts, spending six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its success, along with her debut album Songs in a Minor, helped her win five Grammy Awards in 2002, including Song of the Year and Best New Artist. Keys explained that as she matured, she grew to appreciate how focused and grounded she was early on — even without having all the answers. She said her younger self understood the importance of staying authentic, honest, and true to her musical vision.

Now, she feels proud to still see that same spirit within herself today. She described the journey as fulfilling and said she remains excited about continuing to create and explore new possibilities in her career.

At the same event, Keys also spoke about the mentor who supported her early on: Jody Gerson of Universal Music Publishing Group. Keys shared that Gerson began working with her when she was just 14 and recognized her potential long before she fully realized it herself. She credited that early belief and guidance as an important factor in helping her find opportunities and grow — making their continued collaboration today especially meaningful.