Christina Aguilera is one of the most popular pop idols in the world. A natural singer, she won her first talent show at the age of eight. By the time she was in her early teens, she had recorded a few songs including Disney’s Reflection. Following its success, she landed a music deal with RCA Records in 1999.
Born on December 18, 1980 in Staten Island, New York, Christina Aguilera is the daughter of Fausto Aguilera and Shelly Loraine, the latter of whom was a musician. Due to her father’s work in the military, the family moved often during her childhood. Following her parents’ divorce when she was six, she was raised by her mother in Rochester, Pennsylvania, where they lived in her grandmother’s home.
Known for her big voice ever since she was a young girl, Christina had always aspired to become a singer. At the age of eight, she won her first local talent show with a performance of Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody. Over the next few years, the blonde appeared on Star Search and even sang at various sport games including the 1992 Stanley Cup Finals. By the time she was in her teens, she had recorded a few songs including Reflection for the Disney animated movie, Mulan (1998).
How Christina Aguilera Became Famous
Eventually signing with RCA Records, the teen released her self-titled debut album on August 24, 1999. A mix of teen and dance pop, it featured the work of a range of producers including Guy Roche, david Frank, Diane Warren, and Robin Thicke. Preceded by four singles including the ever-so-popular, Genie in a Bottle, the project received nothing but praise from critics upon its release.
An incredibly successful debut, Christina Aguilera debuted in first place on the Billboard Top 200 with approximately 252,000 first week sales. Outside of the US, the album also enjoyed success in Switzerland, Canada, Finland, New Zealand, and the UK, where it had also reached the music charts. Responsible for kick starting her music career, the album was later nominated for two Grammy Awards- one for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and another for Best New Artist.
In support of her debut album, Christina also embarked on the Christina Aguilera in Concert Tour in 2000, which further drove up record sales.
Christina Aguilera’s Later Music Albums
After a Spanish album release in September 2000, the singer released her third full length project, the holiday-themed My Kind of Christmas on October 24, 2000. Recorded between her two tours, it contained ten tracks including the classics such as This Christmas, as well as a few originals such as Tina’s Xmas, and This Year.
Although not as big of a hit as her debut album, it still managed to peak at number 28 and at the top of the Holiday Albums chart. To date, the platinum album has sold over one million copies in the US.
Then in 2002, her popularity peaked again with the release of her fourth album, Stripped. Incorporating both the R&B and Pop genres, it saw the release of five singles: Beautiful, Fighter, Dirty, The Voice Within, and Can’t Hold Us Down. For the Billboard Top 200, it entered at number two with 330,000 sales in the first week. Elsewhere, the album was also a big hit in Japan, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Spain, and Canada. By the end of the year, Stripped had netted several Grammy Award nominations including one for Best Pop Vocal Album.
Four years later, Christina delivered her fifth album, Back to Basics. Co-produced by the singer herself, it received high praises from critics who completed it for its musical diversity. Upon its release, it entered the Billboard Top 200 at number one, selling 346,000 copies in the first week. Internationally, the album also topped the charts in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, and Hungary. Some highlights from the track list include the songs Ain’t No Other Man, Slow Down Baby, and Oh Mother.
Since then, the blonde has released two additional albums, Bionic in 2010, and Lotus in 2012. Though they both charted in the United States, they did not go on to attain RIAA certification unlike her earlier titles.
Christina Aguilera’s Love Life
The pop singer has been engaged to guitarist Matthew D. Rutler for three years; he had popped the question to her on Valentine’s Day in 2014.
Previously, she was married to music executiveJordan Batman from 2005 to 2010; they had gotten married after dating for over two years. Three years later, the couple welcomed a son into the family in January 2008. Following a five year relationship, they filed for divorced in October 2010 with joint custody of their child.
Christina Aguilera’s Career Achievements
Hailed as one of the greatest pop artists in history by many publications, the star has sold over 17.9 million records in the US and more than 50 million across the globe as of 2017. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Christina has been nominated for close to 200 different accolades since her debut in the late 90’s. In total, she has received 70 industry awards to this date.
Christina Aguilera’s Snapchat Name – xtina
Last April, the pop star announced through Twitter that she had finally joined Snapchat. To add Christina Aguilera to your friend list, simply click here.
Christina Aguilera’s Other Social Media Accounts
Christina Aguilera’s Facebook Account
If you’d like to follow the blonde on Facebook, you can do so by liking her official page at @christinaaguilera. Looks like she already has over 25 million fans on the site!
Christina Aguilera’s Instagram Account
Want to get another glimpse of the star’s life? Now you can follow her on Instagram at @xtina, where she has over 4 million followers!
Christina Aguilera’s Twitter Account
Why not stay up-to-date with the star by following her on Twitter? You can find her official account over at @xtina.
Christina Aguilera’s Youtube Account
Now you can even find her on Youtube! If you’d like to view some Q&A videos among other things, be sure to check out her channel at @ChristinaAguilera.
