Christina Aguilera Biography
Christina Aguilera’s story is a Hollywood dream come true. The daughter of a father in the military and a violinist/pianist mother who toured Europe with the Youth Symphony Orchestra, this 20-year-old has traveled the world, living for a time in Japan, Florida, Texas and New Jersey, before settling in Wexford, PA, a suburb of Pittsburgh. “I wanted to perform as long as I could remember” says the blonde, blue eyed high school senior. Christina first began performing in school talent shows. As an 8-year-old she appeared on the nationally syndicated “Star Search”, at age 10 she sang the National Anthem for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins, and then, at age 12 landed a spot on the “New Mickey Mouse Club” appearing on the Orlando-based show along with several other future stars, including Britney Spears, J.C. and Justin of ‘N Sync and the star of “Felicity,” Keri Russell. After 2 years on the weekly Disney show, Christina traveled overseas to further hone her musical skills. She recorded a duet, “All I Wanna Do,” with Japanese pop star Keizo Nakanishi, appeared in the video and toured in Japan. On her return to the States in early 1998, Christina was invited to audition to record, “Reflection,” for the Disney animated film “Mulan.” The studio’s search for a powerful voice with a wide vocal range quickly ended. They needed someone “who could hit a high “E” above middle “C,” according to Christina. At her manager’s request, Christina cut a one take demo on her boombox in her living room singing to a karaoke tape of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Run To You.” The demo was FedExed to Disney – they loved it – and within 48 hours, the young girl was in a Los Angeles studio recording “Reflection”. That very same week RCA Records signed her to a record contract. Mulan premiered in June 1998 and “Reflection” turned into a Top 15 A/C single, with Christina performing it live on “CBS This Morning” and the “Donnie & Marie Show.” On her debut album for RCA, Christina continues to define herself and showcase her special voice. From the sparkling upbeat dance-pop of the first single, “Genie In A Bottle,” to the guitar driven, heartfelt fun of “What A Girl Wants”, to the soulful gospel strains of “So Emotional” and the truly awe-inspiring ballad, “I Turn To You”, Christina’s powerful affecting voice intertwines the themes of finding your own identity with the uncertainties of growing up. “I was thrilled to work with so many great producers on this album,” gushes Christina. Hitmakers Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers contribute a pair of tracks – the pop-soul “Love For All Seasons” and the rousing dance-floor smash “Love Will Find A Way.” “Genie In A Bottle” was produced by David Frank and Steve Kipner. The uncomplicated, heartfelt “Blessed” was penned and produced by Travon Potts. Christina is especially proud of her ballads, including the Matthew Wilder produced “Reflection” and the spine-tingling Diane Warren ballad “I Turn To You”, produced by Guy Roche. Her soaring uptempos and thrilling ballads serve as ample proof that Christina is not just a new kid on the block, but a prime candidate for the Voice of her generation. This debut album marks another huge step for Christina down the road of commercial and critical success.
