I didn’t realize that the “Alicia Keys is a lesbian” rumors had reached such a crescendo that she actually felt the need to address them in the media. But apparently they have, and Alicia says she’s not bothered by the rumors, but she’s “as straight as they come,” according to the Sun. Apparently Keys was “rough around the edges” and that’s why everyone thought she was gay. Didn’t realize that.

R&B superstar ALICIA KEYS can understand why she was labeled a lesbian at the beginning of her career – because she was ‘rough around the edges’. The singer’s sexuality was the subject of much speculation after the release of her 2001 debut album Songs In A Minor.

Alicia is adamant she isn’t gay but realizes her appearance and attitude may have led people to draw their own conclusions. She said: “I was definitely rough around the edges. I look back at certain interviews and I’m like, ‘Damn! Did I have to look that hard? Did I have to do my hair that way? I could see why people couldn’t see the diamond in the rough. I didn’t take it to heart. I know what I am. I know it’s not true.”

[From the Sun]

Somehow I did not pick up on that at all. Keys never came off as uber-feminine, but I liked that about her. She was also dating her high school boyfriend for a seven years or so time, and was last linked to rapper Krucial. I didn’t realize it, but according to Wikipedia she graduated from the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan at sixteen and was the class valedictorian. She also had a full scholarship to Columbia, but dropped out to pursue her music career. Normally I’d say that was a dumb move, but it seems to have worked out pretty well.

Picture note by Jaybird: Here’s Alicia leaving “The Live Lounge for Jo Whiley” in London on November 2nd.. Images thanks to PR Photos.