BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- She may have five albums, 15 Grammys, but even Alicia Keys has faced self-esteem issues.
"For as long as I can remember, I've hidden myself. " the American singer writes in her latest blog.
From a young age, Keys explains, she used to get much attention from men because of her curvy figure. Keys recalls how men would catcall her on the streets of New York, which made her nervous to draw any more attention.
So early on in her career, she started wearing long braids and baggy jeans, embracing a "tomboy" style that allowed her to deflect unwanted advances.
She chose the baggy jeans, ponytail and hat, without makeup, bright color lipstick or pretty dresses. It's the way she chose to hide.
However, because of the way she dressed or spoke, people started calling her gay. She felt judged by some people.
"Out came the shell again and me under it. Hiding, piece by piece. Little by little. More and more...I became comfortable hiding my intelligence, my physical appearance, my truths, my thoughts, myself," she adds.
Keys says she started changing her appearance when she began to be recognized as an artist. She slowly started putting feminine touches into her style.
"I don't have to give up one to be the other. I don't have to hide anymore, I don't have to pretend and hold back, " she writes, because "You are allowed to be smart, beautiful, yourself," she writes.
(Agencies)
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