AceShowbiz - Kelis will fly to Australia later this year. It was unveiled that the "Milkshake" hitmaker has been tapped as a keynote speaker for the 2024 BIGSOUND conference.

Revealing the news was BIGSOUND itself via Instagram on Wednesday, May 29. "The secret is out! R&B icon and milkshake aficionado, @kelis is making her way to BIGSOUND 2024 in September," read the caption alongside a picture of the singer.

"BIGSOUND have joined forces with the team at @qldmusictrails to bring the multi-platinum, genre-breaking US artist to Australia this September where she'll take to the stage as a headline Keynote speaker at BIGSOUND ahead of an exclusive live performance at @sweetrelieffest," it added. "BIGSOUND early bird tickets are on sale NOW!"

According to organizers, Kelis will deliver "an honest conversation on the importance of being authentic and her fearless approach to transformation" on Thursday, September 5. On Saturday, September 7, the Harlem-born artist will perform live and exclusively at QLD Music Trails' Sweet Relief! Music Festival.

"BIGSOUND lights up the heart of the Fortitude Valley each year with a flurry of music lovers, brilliant minds, and world-class performers," said QMusic and BIGSOUND CEO, Kris Stewart. "It's a pleasure to get to partner with QLD Music Trails to bring to the city someone who encompasses all these things and more, Kelis, for what will undoubtedly be an incredible Keynote speech and festival performance."

Meanwhile, Daryl Raven, CEO of QMF, added, "QLD Music Trails is dedicated to enriching the cultural identity of Queensland." Daryl wemt on, "With the backing of the Queensland Government, we're proud to champion our diverse music community and offer a beacon of hope in challenging times. Sweet Relief! provides a stage where homegrown talent can stand alongside global icons. We’re flipping the script, turning up the volume, and proving that music is unstoppable. This is our moment to unite, celebrate, and let the music do the talking."