Looking pretty in pink, R&B soulstress Alicia Keys graces the March issue of Flare magazine.

From poverty to pop stardom, the chart-topping singer-songwriter shares her story filled with change, hope and glory.

A.Keys on her high level of success: “I have plenty more to go. I’ve definitely reached a certain height I’ve never had before. But there’s definitely a lot more to do.”

A. Keys on playing up her glamorous side: “I’m a lot more open to it now than before. Before, I was so much more closed. I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin. I felt like everyone was out to change me, and I was so resentful and rebelious of that. I’m still being myself, but now, I’m more open to exploring different sides of me.”

A.Keys on her 2002 trip to Africa: “I went to Africa for a concert that was about raising AIDS awareness. While there, I was able to really see firsthand what people were going through. People who were not only infected but affected by AIDS. Especially when I met people my age or younger who were really trying to figure it all out. On top of maybe having lost both parents and havnig to raise their younger siblings, they’re still at school and need to also deal with regular things: what happens when I have a boyfriend? What are my dream?”