The album 's title song was unveiled on September 4 , 2012 as the album 's first single . Recorded as a three part suite , " Girl on Fire " was accompanied by an " Inferno Remix " featuring Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj and a " Bluelight Remix " which features Keys ' singing the song in a stripped back production . The song was composed by Keys , Jeff Bhasker and Salaam Remi . American rock guitarist Billy Squier is also credited as a writer due to " Girl on Fire " including a music sample of the drum track from his song " The Big Beat " ( 1980 ) . Keys performed the song for the first time at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards on September 6 , 2012 . She was joined by Minaj and the 2012 Summer Olympics gymnastics gold medalist Gabby Douglas , who made a special appearance during the performance . In the United States , " Girl on Fire " has peaked at two on '' Billboard '' s Hot R&B / Hip-Hop Songs and eleven on the '' Billboard '' Hot 100
2012 MTV Video Music Awards
2012 MTV Video Music Awards
Girl on Fire (album)