Alicia Keys backed out of a charity ball

Alicia Keys backed out of a charity ball even after a New Jersey couple took out a second mortgage on their home just to secure her performance.

The controversy began shortly after a key sponsor pulled out of last night's gala, which benefits the Cancer & Fertility Society, a new group dedicated to educating women with cancer about how to preserve their fertility.

The charity was left with only limited funds to pay Keys.

Desperate organizers tried to renegotiate with Keys' camp, which suggested she might make a scaled-down appearance if the charity delivered a deposit that one source put at "more than $100,000."

=====ok talent don't come cheap.... that's her choice

Jonathan Brielle and his wife agreed to take out a second mortgage on his Califon, N.J., home to pay the deposit. But after the deposit was delivered, Keys canceled her appearance anyway, charity sources said.

====== WHOAH....this a charity benefit or a hostage situation?

Keys almost kept the money, charity officials said - until reporters began asking her aides about the dustup.

====== HOLY CRAP!!!!

Representatives of Keys put out a statement last night saying all the money would be returned, and that Keys would perform for the group at a later date "if the organization fulfills all of its contractual obligations."

====== I think we should wait until the money is back the homeowner's hands before we think about "next steps"

"Truthfully, I think the people that are here know that the medicine is the star," said Brielle, 53. "Alicia would have been the icing on the cake. But I am incredibly grateful that she has chosen to do the right thing."