When Alicia Keys and John Mayer shared that stage in Times Square back in 2016, something shifted. It wasn’t just a "celebrity appearance." It was a moment. If you've seen the grainy YouTube footage of them mashing up "If I Ain't Got You" and "Gravity," you know what I’m talking about. The chemistry? Off the charts. The musicality? Masterclass level.
But there is a lot of noise out there about what their relationship actually is. Are they secret best friends? Did they ever date? Why haven’t they released a full joint album yet?
Honestly, the truth is way more interesting than the gossip. It’s a story about two people who basically "speak" the same rare musical language. They aren't just pop stars; they’re technicians. And that shared DNA has led to some of the most genuine, unscripted moments in modern music history.
The Grammy Incident: A Broken Trophy and a "Hammy"
Let’s talk about 2005. This is the year most people point to when they ask about Alicia Keys and John Mayer.
The scene: The 47th Annual Grammy Awards. Both were nominated for Song of the Year. Alicia had "If I Ain't Got You"—a song that has since become a literal requirement for every singing competition on Earth. John had "Daughters."
When Stevie Wonder opened the envelope and read John’s name, Alicia was visibly surprised. Even John looked a little stunned. Most artists would just give a speech and go to the after-party. Not John.
He literally broke his Grammy in half.
Years later, while hosting the 2019 Grammys, Alicia finally showed the world what happened behind the scenes. John felt so strongly that "If I Ain't Got You" deserved the win that he snapped the gold gramophone off its base. He gave the top half to Alicia and kept the bottom for himself.
💡 You might also like: Ashley My 600 Pound Life Now: What Really Happened to the Show’s Most Memorable Ashleys
She calls it her "Hammy"—half a Grammy.
"This has got to be the coolest joint custody agreement in showbiz history," John joked when he joined her on stage in 2019 to reunite the two pieces for a night. That’s not just a PR stunt. That is a level of mutual respect you rarely see at the top of the charts.
Why Their Musical Chemistry Works (The Technical Side)
You ever wonder why they sound so good together? It’s not just the voices. It’s the "pocket."
Alicia is a classically trained pianist. She understands the architecture of a song. John is a blues-obsessed guitar nerd who happens to have a pop voice. When they play together, they aren't just singing at each other. They are listening.
The Times Square Medley
In October 2016, Alicia did a surprise show in Times Square for her Here album. She brought out Questlove on drums and John on guitar.
The transition from "If I Ain't Got You" into "Gravity" is a masterclass in musical phrasing. At around the 4-minute mark of that performance, John starts this bluesy, slow-burn solo. Alicia doesn't try to out-sing him. She leans back, smiles, and just lets him cook.
- The Vocals: They don't fight for the high notes. They find the harmony in the mid-range.
- The Timing: Neither of them rushes. There’s a specific "swing" to soul music that you can’t fake.
- The Connection: Watch their eyes. They aren't looking at the crowd of thousands; they’re watching each other for cues.
The Secret Collaboration: "Lesson Learned"
A lot of casual fans don't even realize they actually have a studio track together. It’s called "Lesson Learned," and it’s tucked away on Alicia’s 2007 album, As I Am.
📖 Related: Album Hopes and Fears: Why We Obsess Over Music That Doesn't Exist Yet
It’s a moody, stripped-back song. John’s guitar work here is subtle—no flashy solos, just texture. His background vocals provide this husky contrast to Alicia’s powerful lead.
Why didn’t it become a massive #1 hit?
Probably because it’s too "cool." It doesn't have a giant pop hook. It feels like a late-night jam session in a smoky studio. It’s a song for people who actually like music, not just radio fluff.
Addressing the Rumors: Did They Ever Date?
People love to ship talented humans. It’s a natural reflex.
Because of the "Hammy" incident and their obvious comfort with each other, tabloids have spent decades trying to link them romantically. But the reality is much more "vibe-based."
Alicia has been happily married to Swizz Beatz since 2010. John has had a very public, somewhat chaotic dating history, but Alicia was never on that list.
They are what you’d call "musical soulmates." It’s a platonic intimacy that comes from being able to jam for six minutes without saying a single word. In an industry built on fake friendships and "collabs" set up by record labels, their bond feels refreshingly real.
👉 See also: The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads: Why This Live Album Still Beats the Studio Records
What Most People Get Wrong About Their Relationship
The biggest misconception? That they are "rivals" because they came up at the same time.
In the early 2000s, the media loved to pit singer-songwriters against each other. But Alicia Keys and John Mayer did the opposite. They leaned into each other’s strengths. John has often said that Alicia makes him a better player because she challenges his sense of rhythm.
The 2008 Grammy "No One" Performance
If you want to see them at their peak, find the video of their 2008 Grammy performance. Alicia is performing "No One" and John comes out for a guitar duel.
The way she looks at him when he hits those high notes on the Stratocaster? That’s pure joy. It’s two kids in a sandbox who just happen to be world-famous.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Musicians
If you’re a fan of their work or a musician yourself, there is a lot to learn from how these two operate.
- Study the Medleys: Don't just listen to the studio versions. Go to YouTube and find the live mashups. Pay attention to how they bridge the gap between two different keys (G major for Alicia, G major for John—it’s a perfect fit).
- The Power of the Pause: In their duets, both artists use silence. They aren't afraid to let a note breathe. This is the difference between a "good" singer and an "artist."
- Collaboration over Competition: Take a page out of the John Mayer playbook. If someone beats you for an award but you think they’re better? Tell them. It builds a bridge that lasts 20 years.
- Check out the Deep Cuts: Listen to "Lesson Learned" on As I Am. It’s the only time they’ve officially captured that magic in a studio booth.
The legacy of Alicia and John isn't just about the hits. It's about a 20-plus-year friendship that has survived the meat grinder of the music industry. They remind us that at the end of the day, it's all about the song.
For the best experience, listen to their Times Square performance with a good pair of headphones. You’ll hear the small ad-libs and the way John’s guitar mimics Alicia’s vocal runs. It's a level of synchronization that you just can't manufacture.
To really get the full scope of their work together, you should track down the 2005 MTV Unplugged rehearsal footage. It shows the raw, unpolished version of their "If I Ain't Got You" collaboration before the glitz and glamour of the live television cameras took over. It's in those moments, where the mistakes happen and the laughter is real, that you truly see the genius of these two icons.