Full Name: Christina Maria Aguilera
Age: 19
Birthdate: December 18, 1980
Birthplace: Staten Island, New York
Hair: Blond
Eyes: Blue
Favorite Colors: Purple and Turquoise
Favorite Sports: Ice Hockey and Baseball
Favorite Subjects In School: Science and English
Favorite Celebrities: Julio Iglesias, Johnny Depp & Enrique Iglesias
Parents: Jim and Shelly
Hobbies: Hanging out with her friends, listening to music, sports, shopping, music, and dancing
Siblings: Rachel, Michael, Casey, and Stephanie
Favorite Disney Movies: Mulan and The Little Mermaid
Favorite Musicians: Etta James, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houson Michael Jackson, Eve6, Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, No Doubt, Julie Andrews
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.
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."