Remembering Aaliyah: Today marks 20 years since we lost the talented R&B singer

A tribute of photos to honor <i>The Princess of R&B </i>and her legacy

Andrea PérezDeputy Editor - U.S.

UPDATED AUGUST 25, 2021 5:26 PM EDTAUG 25, 2021, 5:26 PM EDT

Twenty years ago today, on August 25th 2001, we lost Aaliyah, the talented R&B singer in a tragic death, when a small plane headed to Florida crashed during takeoff from the Bahamas. The star also known as the Princes of R&B, was shooting a music video on for her third and final album, “Aaliyah” when the accident happened.

Aaliyah was only 22 years old and at the peak of her career. At the time, the young hip-hop artist had already won 3 American Music Awards, 2 MTV VMAs, and was a five-time Grammy nominee. She was gaining lots of popularity and recognition. She had also began acting and stared in two movies, “Romeo Must Die” and ”Queen of the Damned”, and she was casted for the “Matrix” sequels right before her death.

Since the two decades of her passing, many singers and artists have paid tribute to her in their songs and art, immortalizing her and the legacy of her music. From Drake to Missy Elliot and Alicia Keys all have shown love for her. This year the Brooklyn born superstar would have been 42 years old. She is greatly missed but her legacy lives on and her music will soon be available in digital platforms.

Today HOLA! USA honors her with this photo gallery of some great moments in her life.

A beautiful and sweet looking 16 year old Aaliyah performing at the Apollo Theater, 1995, NYC

KMEL Summer Jam 1998, Mountain View Calif.

A young Aaliyah performing at KMEL 106 Summer Jam at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View California, 1998

Aaliyah and her brother at the 2000 MTV VMA awards.

Aaliyah holding her MTV award in 2000.

Jet Li & Aaliyah at the Romeo Must Die Premiere in Westwood, California

The stunning and talented Aaliyah attended the 1998 Academy Awards in Los Angeles with her brother.

Aaliayah looking gorgeous at the 2001 Essence Awards

Two legends: Aaliyah and Halle Berry during 2000 MTV Movie Awards

Aaliyah with friends Jay-Z, Bijou Phillips and Kidada Jones at a Tommy Hilfiger Party in Los Angeles

Aaliyah with Missy Elliott at the 12th Annual Soul Train Music Awards

Aaliyah with NSYNC...Justin Timberlake, Lance Bass and Joey Fatone backstage at the MTV Movie Awards

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno - Aaliyah

Aaliyah at ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’ at the NBC Studios

Aaliyah smiling at her friend, Sean Combs at the 2001 MTV Movie Awards

Aaliyah and Jennifer Love Hewitt at the 1996 MTV‘s Rock n’ Jock Basketball game.

Aaliyah performing in a concert in 1997

At the premiere of “Mercury Rising”

Aaliyah at the “2000 Teen Choice Awards”