When Richmond-area students filtered into the VMFA on Wednesday, Nov. 19, nobody had told them there would be surprise special guests.

Gathered for an art-focused pep rally, local high school and college students held up handmade posters, shook pom-poms, and rolled with a live drumline — all to rally excitement for "Giants," a curation of art collected by musicians Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz.

Little did the students know, the celebrity power couple was behind the scenes, waiting to step onto the stage, express gratitude, and answer questions from the audience.

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz answered questions from local students about art and music. | Photo by RICtoday

Here are a few sentiments from Keys when asked about life and career obstacles:

"People — they love to change you. They can't wait to change you. They can't wait to make you feel doubt about what you know about yourself. They can't wait to make you feel uncomfortable for being different, for being unique, and that was hard because I was only 16 or 17, but I just knew it. I knew who I was."

"It remains a difficult part to continuously remember who you are and not let people change who that is... It's a really hard thing to hold onto," she adds.

"I realize that fighting to be yourself is a superpower, and it's gonna always put you in a beautiful position."

"Giants" originated at the Brooklyn Museum in NYC. It's since traveled to Atlanta, Minneapolis, and now RVA. | Photo by RICtoday

The pep rally closed out with a group selfie and some heartfelt handshakes from the two stars. Buzzing with excitement, students dispersed to eat lunch and explore the exhibit. Again, not to the students' knowledge, Keys and Swizz Beatz had plans to stick around among the gallery halls.

Before wrapping up our own gallery viewing, we crossed paths with Swizz Beatz as he posed for photos and conversed with students and teachers. | Photo by RICtoday

Through the rush of star-studded thrill, Keys and Swizz Beatz kept their focus clear, delivering a message of solidarity and inspiration to Richmond's younger generations.

Participating schools included:

Cristo Rey High School, Henrico Center for the Arts, Highland Springs High School, Richmond Public Schools, Thomas Dale High School, Varina High School, George Mason University through Hip Hop Foundation, Hampton University, Howard University, Norfolk State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, University of Richmond, University of Virginia, and William + Mary

"Giants" will premiere to the general public on Saturday, Nov. 22, and run until March 2026. Reserve your tickets.