Brief facts:
Birth Name: Alicia Augello Cook
Birth Date: 25 January 1981 (Birthday Countdown)
Birth Place: Harlem, New York City, New York, USA
Education: New Yorks Professional Performing Arts School. Accepted by Columbia University at age 16
Sign of the Zodiac: Aquarius
Height: 173 cm
Father: Craig Cook (flight attendant)
Mother: Terri Augello (paralegal)
Nationality: American

Biographical Notes:
Alicia's mom is Italian-American, her dad is African-American, they divorced when she was just two, so Alicia was raised by her mum in Hell's Kitchen, New York. A friend of the family gave Alicia a piano when she was seven and she started piano lessons: within two years she was playing Chopin sonatas! At 12, Alicia entered New YorkÕs Professional Performing Arts School to study voice, dance and jazz piano. Two years early and first in her class, in 1996, she graduated (she was just 16) and a scholarship to Columbia University followed. But, with a recording contract with Columbia Records already signed, she dropped out of school after a month in order to pursue her music career. She plays also guitar.
Named one of People Magazine's "Breakthrough Stars of 2001" and also named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine in 2002. Won a MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist, won a vh1 Award, three Billboard Awards, two American Music Awards and five Grammys including Best R&B Album, Best R&B Song, Song of the Year, Best New Artist and Best R&B Female Vocal Performance. 2001 Best New Artist MTV Video Music Award.