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Alicia Keys has always gone about music differently.

AP (ENLARGE)
In the years since her debut in 2001, Keys has evolved stylistically from somewhat conservative to a cover model.
AP (ENLARGE)
Alicia Keys: 'I'm in a really good space right now. Creatively and personally.'
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When she made her bow in 2001, the R&B singer-songwriter did so casually dressed and behind a piano, when many of her peers were up, singing and dancing, often in suggestive attire.

In the seven years since — even as she evolved stylistically from somewhat conservative to cover model — Keys has crafted a consistent body of work that has not only sold tens of millions but has lyrically and musically stood apart from the "Lollipop(s)" and "Sexy Can I(s)" she shares space with atop the charts.

Now in concert, again, she's distinguishing herself.

Where other artists hand over pre-show time to their sponsors to advertise, advertise and advertise, Keys plays the trailer for her HIV and AIDS awareness documentary "Alicia in Africa."

Days before Wednesday's show at Philips Arena, we talked to the 11-time Grammy winner about "Alicia," the advice she gave her once-idled opening act ("American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks) and the journals she's been keeping on the road.

With the Atlanta show, your "As I Am" tour will be well into the final stretch. What have you learned about yourself musically?

"I'm in a really good space right now. Creatively and personally. Like today, I'm in New Orleans and I'm able to just hang out. And this is the first time I've been here since everything happened [with Hurricane Katrina]. So it's nice to have this space, be in this space, to just see and go and do."

Did you give any tips to Jordin Sparks when she joined your tour, after her vocal chord scare? 'Carry lots of lozenges' or something?

[Laughs] "You know Jordin is a really, really great girl who loves singing and music with all of her being. And as long as you love it with all of your heart, like her, everything else will take care of itself."

So, seriously, as the veteran on the bill, you didn't offer any advice about maintaining her voice?

"To tell you the truth, I am really, finally, learning how to do those things myself — like just this past February."

Things like what?

"Knowing how many shows I can do back to back. How many days I need between shows ... Having a vocal coach to help preserve your voice. I'm just, finally, figuring all of that stuff out."

There's no way we could not ask about Atlanta's Ne-Yo. Why was he a good choice for your bill?

"Ne-Yo is a great performer. Incredible songwriter. You know, what's crazy is I was just thinking about this package, like, from the moment people get into the building at like 7:30 to 11:30, we are really giving it to them musically. It's not fireworks and all that. Theatrics. It's just great music from start to finish."

Why, before all of this music starts, did you decide to preview "Alicia in Africa"? Weren't you afraid it might be kind of a downer?

"It's inspirational though, really ... and I think people who come to my shows know me as an artist involved in a lot of other things."

Speaking of which, there's the news that your song 'Superwoman' will lead all of the WNBA games on ABC and ESPN2 this season. Can you hoop?

"I used to. Now I play a mean game of all around the world."

What other fun things do you do during down time on the road.

"I'm writing furiously in my two journals."

A personal one and a professional one?

"One is personal, personal and the other one is about love."

Isn't love 'personal, personal'?

"Very much so. But love is so great it deserves its own journal. ... Like I said, I'm in a real good space right now."

Sounds like you're smiling as you say that.

"Oh, I am!"

411: Alicia Keys with Ne-Yo and Jordin Sparks. 7:30 p.m., Wednesday at Philips Arena, One Philips Drive. $39.50-$125 at Ticketmaster, 404-249-6400 or www.ticketmaster.com.