The Harper’s Bazaar Icons party is all about soaring.
Last year, Cardi B famously winged a stiletto at rival rapper Nicki Minaj, elevating red-carpet drama to dangerous new heights (or lows, depending on how you look at it).
This year, it was Alicia Keys’ soulful voice that took flight at the Plaza Hotel. The R & B and jazz legend performed an uplifting set for a ballroom packed with stars, including a besuited Zendaya, Lily Collins, Janelle Monáe, pregnant Ashley Graham, Saweetie and boyfriend Quavo, and Kehlani and rapper beau YG.
By the time Keys, who is on the cover of the September issue of Harper’s Bazaar, belted out “Empire State of Mind,” everyone from “Big Little Lies” actress Shailene Woodley to “The Good Place” star Jameela Jamil was moving and grooving.
The themed issue — and the evening — celebrates cultural powerhouses and Keys encouraged the audience to challenge and stretch themselves.
“No matter who you are, you get to grow,” said the fresh-faced artist, whose hair was pulled back into a glittering hip-length ponytail. “You get to grow higher. You get to be better!”
Not only did she lift the crowd on Friday night, but she inspires her husband, rapper and producer Swizz Beatz.
“My icon is my wife, who just finished performing,” the hit-maker told The Post. “No disrespect to the icons that came before her and the icons that will come after her, but I salute her because she’s the don goddess.”
Speaking of goddesses, Jamil said rapper, singer and body-positivist Lizzo, actress Emma Thompson and actress and singer Zendaya are her queens.
“I like outspoken women who go against the grain and break the rules. I like the fact that they call society out on its s – – t,” she said.
“I’m a big fan of women who are truth tellers, who don’t feel like they have to be obedient.”
Of course, there are plenty of legendary men, too. San Antonio Spurs small forward Rudy Gay has two heroes: Muhammad Ali and his grandfather, Richard Austin. “My grandfather taught me how to be a man, how to dress well, how to be proper, how to treat women. All the things you need to know to be a man,” said the Great Rudini.
Spoken like a true icon, both on and off the court.
