Alicia Keys tackled potty training her son Egypt Daoud like a military mission.

The 'Girl on Fire' singer performed at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards on Thursday night (06.09.12) in a duet with rapper Nicki Minaj.

During the event she joked that she had to be tough on her child during this stage of the up-bringing process.

She said: ''He just got potty trained! Basically, [you have to] take them to the military!

''I took him to the military! No, it's really just consistency and love and support and it was just amazing.''

Alicia spent the evening with music artist husband Swizz Beatz and the couple's 23-month-old son.

She said she is ''in love'' with her new album.

The 31-year-old star told website People.com: ''It really talks about each part of our lives as human beings, and it has a ton of variety [and] takes you on all these different journeys.

''It's powerful stuff, and I think you're going to really love it.''

According to the songwriter, the tunes pay homage to her career, marriage and parenthood experiences.

She continued: ''It's a new world for me, it's a new life for me.

''I'm more in control of myself as a woman, as a businesswoman, as a mum, as a wife. Everything is new.''