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, this18-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 eight-year-old she appeared on the nationally
syndicated "Star Search", at age ten 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 J.C. and Justin of 'N Sync and the star of "Felicity",
Keri Russell.
After
two 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. Later that year, the young show
biz veteran almost caused a riot at the Golden Stag Festival in
Transylvania, Romania when she waded into the crowd of 10,000 while
performing her two song set on a bill which included Sheryl Crow
and Diana Ross.
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 with the unique mature voice 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."
The song's
theme -- the struggle to establish your identity -- was something
I could really relate to as a teenage girl myself," says Christina.
The song also related well to critics, garnering a Golden Globe
Nomination for best original song in a motion picture.
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. Recent hitmakers Carl Sturken & Evan Rogers
['N Sync, Boyzone, Brand New Heavies] 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 ex-System member David Frank and
Steve Kipner. The uncomplicated, heartfelt "Blessed" was
penned and produced by Travon Potts [co-writer of Monica's chart
topping "Angel of Mine]. Christina is specially proud of her
ballads, including the Matthew Wilder ["No Doubt"] produced
"Reflection" and the spine-tingling Diane Warren ballad
"I Turn To You", produced by Guy Roche [Brandy, Dru Hill,
Aaliya, K-Ci & Jo Jo]. 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. With numerous television appearances
to her credit it is not surprising that Christina has recently been
approached by a number of directors for roles in films going into
production this summer. But, this blond beauty with dazzling blue
eyes is going to wait a bit before pursuing more time in front of
the camera. "Right now, I'm continuing to focus on my singing,"
says Christina, "I've been waiting for this moment my whole
life." |
