Multi-talented R'n'B singer-songwriter and sometime actor Alicia Keys has announced plans to tour the UK next year.

The New York-born artist, who has sold more than 30million albums worldwide, will be playing four arena gigs next May. The dates are part of a European tour to promote her fourth album, 'The Element of Freedom'.

Keys, who made a successful acting debut in 2007 movie Smokin' Aces, will kick-off the short tour at Birmingham's NIA on Wednesday 19th May before a date at the SECC, Glasgow on 23rd May. The twelve-time Grammy Award-winner plays next at the O2 in London on Tuesday 25th May before closing the tour at Manchester's MEN Arena on Saturday 29 May.

The singer and renowned philanthropist, who recorded a cover version of Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush's 'Don't Give Up' with Bono in recognition of World AIDS Day 2005, will be performing on The X Factor this weekend.

Tickets for the UK tour go on sale Monday 30th November at 9AM, priced at £35 + booking fee.