CHRISTINA AGUILERA |
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![]() Christina first began performing at age six in school talent shows. At age eight, she appeared on the nationally syndicated 'Star Search,' at ten she sang the National Anthem for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins, and then, at twelve, she joined the ensemble cast of 'The New Mickey Mouse Club,' appearing on the Orlando-based show along with future stars Britney Spears, J.C. and Justin of NSYNC, and Keri Russell of 'Felicity.' After two years, the show ended and Christina got the opportunity to travel overseas to further hone her musical skills. In 1997, Christina performed in places as far flung as Tokyo, Japan and Brasov, Romania, but always with her eye on the same goal. "I always wanted to have my own album recorded and released before I graduated high school," says Christina. She certainly took quick strides toward that goal. In early 1998, after finishing some demos and shopping for a record deal, Christina auditioned to sing "Reflection" for Disney's animated film "Mulan." The filmmakers needed someone "who could hit a high E above middle C," according to Christina, who then cut a one-take demo in her living room singing to a karaoke tape of Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Run To You." The demo was rushed to Disney, and within a day, Christina was in a Los Angeles studio recording "Reflection." That 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 single went on to garner a Golden Globe Nomination for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture and Christina the attention of some of the best writers and producers in the industry.
Christina Aguilera's breakthrough year began with her first #1 single "Genie In A Bottle," which stayed atop the charts for five consecutive weeks and rocketed the album to #1 upon its release in August 1999. The follow-up single "What A Girl Wants" reached the coveted first Billboard Hot 100 #1 slot of 2000 and helped to push the album into platinum territory six times over. What made all this commercial success so much sweeter, were Christina's two Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal performance. |
In February 2000, Christina's incredible ride to the top reached new heights as Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge and Sarah McLaughlan announced the Grammy for Best New Artist goes to - Christina Aguilera. "It was an incredible shock for me," Christina recalls of that amazing night. "I was completely unprepared. My album had been out the least amount of time compared to everyone else, so I thought there was no way I'd win. But I was overwhelmed, shocked and overjoyed all at the same time." Indeed, if "What A Girl Wants" is the first #1 hit and the first Best New Artist Grammy of the millenium, Christina certainly wants no more.
Among other honors, along with stars like Jodie Foster and Aretha Franklin, Christina was named one of the most fascinating women of 1999 on the 'Ladies Home Journal' CBS-TV special earlier this year. Christina also recently won Best New Artist at this year's ALMA Awards, the annual event honoring the best in entertainment from the Hispanic-American community. She's graced the covers of many national magazines, including Entertainment Weekly, Teen People and Latina and performed as a musical guest on 'Saturday Night Live,' 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,' 'The Rosie O'Donnell Show,' and was the only female guest performer on VHI's 'Men Strike Back.' She also performed on other TV specials such as 'The Essence Awards,' 'Disney Summer Jams,' and 'People Magazines's 25 Hottest Stars Under 25.' Planning for the months ahead, Christina will be recording a Spanish language album for fall release and a seasonal album ready in time for the holidays. Said Christina, "I've always been proud of my Ecuadoran heritage. Recording a Spanish album and working with a great producer like Rudy Perez, gives me a chance to explore my Latin side." As for the Christmas album, Christina is excited about performing with a 70-piece orchestra and the opportunity to record both new and traditional holiday tracks. "I'll be doing a duet with Etta James on 'Merry Christmas Baby,'" she notes, "and some new pop Christmas songs with a real R&B edge." As for her upcoming national summer 2000 tour, co-sponsored by Sears and Levi's, Christina is equally enthusiastic. "It's going to be exciting to take my full band and my dancers out on the road," she says, "and giving the show an edgy, theatrical vibe. Right now, I'm getting into the creative aspects of planning the show, of covering new ground, doing more blues, soul, and some spectacular choreography."
So do all of Christina's fans.
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