Alicia nearly quit music over Mariah Carey 'clone' bid

Alicia Keys says she was worried her record company wanted to turn her into a Mariah Carey clone.

She almost gave up the music business.

Alicia claims her old label Columbia wasn't happy with her hip-hop soul style.

Since switching to J Records, she has had a number one album in the US with Songs In A-Minor.

Her current single Fallin' is a Top 10 hit in the UK.

Alicia said: "It was so frustrating when they wanted me to turn in to a clone of Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston.

"I wasn't interested in doing something like that. I had to be myself."

"I've been brought up to do what I believe in and never do what is demanded of me. That's why I had a problem at my old label.

"They wanted me to be something I'm not. I'm not the high-heel and cleavage type."