R&B superstar Alicia Keys has vowed never to portray a piano-playing singer on the big screen in a bid to avoid typecasting as her movie career takes off.

The 27-year-old singer, who made her debut in 2006 movie Smokin' Aces, and appeared alongside Scarlett Johansson in the recent The Nanny Diaries, wants to be recognized as a serious actress.

She says, "I was not interested in playing the singing piano player or part of the girl group. I wanted to do what required me to show my acting skills, so I could set the tone for my career."

-Alicia Keys Pictures

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)