Alicia Keys demonstrated only dignity when she turned up on the red carpet at the Recording Academy New York Chapter Honours.

The RnB singer’s new album, As I Am, is released the same date as Britney Spears’ as yet untitled album - on November 13.

But Alicia, who wore a fetching white blouse, figure-hugging black trousers and black gloves, admits that she’s not worried in the slightest about the competition, saying: “Absolutely not. For the new album, you can expect the unexpected. You won’t believe your ears, I promise you.”

The 27-year-old also showed no dislike for the troubled popstar, adding: “I hope she’ll come back.”

Alicia was there to receive her honour for her contribution to music, which was presented to her by her record boss, Clive Davis.

“It means a lot to be honoured, especially by an academy that is based in music and recording. That’s my passion, that’s my love,” she revealed.

“So when people recognise the things that I do and what I put my heart into, it really means a lot. It’s very humbling honestly. It just makes me feel so blessed and so thankful.”