| 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 Britney Spears, 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.
source: Official Christina Aguilera
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