Christina
María Aguilera (born December 18, 1980) is an American pop
singer-songwriter. She was signed to RCA Records after recording
"Reflection" for the film Mulan. She came to prominence
following her debut album Christina Aguilera (1999), which was a
commercial success. A Latin pop album, Mi Reflejo, and several
collaborations followed which garnered Aguilera worldwide success,
but she was displeased with the lack of input in her music and
image. After parting from her management, Aguilera took creative
control over her second studio album Stripped (2002), which
received mixed reviews and produced substantial sales. The overtly
sexual image Aguilera displayed during the promotion of the album
became the subject of intense criticism and ridicule. The second
single, "Beautiful" was a commercial success and
sustained the album's sales. Aguilera's third studio album Back to
Basics (2006) included elements of soul, jazz, and blues music.
Mainly produced by DJ Premier, it was released to strong sales and
positive critical reception. Aside from being known for her vocal
ability, musically she includes themes of dealing with public
scrutiny, her childhood, and female empowerment. Aguilera's work
has earned her numerous awards including five Grammy Awards
amongst eighteen nominations. She has sold over 35 million albums
worldwide. Mayor of Hollywood, Johnny Grant, announced that in
2008, Aguilera will get a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Aguilera will be featured on the soundtrack to the film Shine A
Light which will be released on April 1, 2008 ... more
