Christina Aguilera Biography
Christina Aguilera, a renowned American singer, actress, dancer, and goodwill ambassador of the United Nations, has left an indelible mark on the global pop music scene. Hailed as the "princess of pop music" at the dawn of her career, she later earned the titles of the "voice of a generation" and a "diva of the stage". According to Rolling Stone magazine, her music video for 'Dirrty' ranks among the most acclaimed music videos of all time. Throughout her extensive career, she has received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy awards, along with the distinct recognition of the "Voice of the Generation" award.
Childhood and Family
Christina Maria Aguilera, her full name, was born in winter 1980 to Shelly Loraine Fidler Kearns and Fausto Wagner Xavier Aguilera Monge, living in Staten Island, New York. Christina's mother, a polyglot with English, Scottish, German, and Irish ancestry, was a Spanish teacher who had given up her career as a violinist and pianist. In her youth, she participated in the American Youth Symphony Orchestra and toured extensively across the country.
From her earliest years, Christina showed a powerful musical gift that her mother couldn't ignore. In one interview, the singer reflected on her earliest musical memories:
Christina described her childhood as chaotic, dominated by her father's controlling and abusive behavior. She learned early on to escape reality through music:My earliest memories of music and singing are related to the movie 'The Sound of Music' and its impact on me. I lived in Japan from ages three to six as my father served in the military. For me, Japan is a magical place because beyond the garrison, where we lived amidst domestic chaos, my mother and I would explore Tokyo and visit landmarks.
After three years in Japan, the family returned to the States. Unable to endure her husband's abuse any longer, Shelly filed for divorce after their second daughter was born. Taking Christina and Rachel with her, she moved to her mother's place in a suburb of Pittsburgh.One of the characters [of the movie], precisely the main character Julie Andrews, is Maria von Trapp, incidentally, Maria is also my middle name. For me, a form of escape from reality was the window in my room, where I would approach, open it, and begin to sing, imagining myself as Maria.
Artistic Career
In 1999, after signing her first contract with RCA Records, the singer released her debut studio album, 'Christina Aguilera.' The album went on to achieve 10x platinum certification in the US, while 'Genie in a Bottle' dominated charts in her home country and 20 other nations.
The singer later admitted she hated the image crafted by manager Steve Kurtz, leading her to end their collaboration in October 2000. Taking creative control into her own hands, Aguilera teamed up with Lil' Kim, Pink, and Mýa to record a cover of the classic hit 'Lady Marmalade' for the 'Moulin Rouge' soundtrack. The song and its performers received a Grammy in 2002.
Personal Life of Christina Aguilera
When it comes to relationships, Christina has always been clear about one thing: no man would ever tell her how to live or what to do. "I knew that I wanted to be a princess in my own castle," the young woman said.This fierce independence meant her early romances didn't last. Take her two-year relationship with Jorge Santos, a dancer from her group - Christina even dedicated songs and tattoos to him. But when Jorge decided to quit dancing and become her music manager, Christina didn't just fire him - she cut off all personal contact too.
The couple got engaged in 2014, and their daughter Summer Rain arrived a year later. But they still haven't tied the knot, even though Aguilera and Rutler remain happily together under one roof. Christina says they just can't find time to plan the wedding. Being a perfectionist, she wants her big day to be absolutely unforgettable and fabulous.
Christina Aguilera Now
In 2022, Christina continued her creative journey with the Spanish-language mini-album La Fuerza. In 2023, she worked on recording two full-length albums in English and Spanish. "Latin American music has always been connected to me and my childhood. When that connection exists, it stays with you forever. La Fuerza is a project for me, my roots, and my children, so they can feel more deeply about themselves," she explains.
Interesting Facts
- Christina Aguilera became the youngest performer to sing the American national anthem at an NHL hockey game. The talented kid was just eleven years old at the time.
- The singer loves experimenting with her look. Throughout her career, she's gone from blonde to brunette and tried red and blue hair colors. Her hairstyles have changed constantly too, from "Greek" and "African" braids to channeling a Marilyn Monroe vibe. Her naturally gray-blue eyes often appeared bright blue thanks to colored contact lenses.
- Aguilera won't record a song without her signature vibrant red lipstick. She believes visualization is a vital tool for creativity.
- The singer went through a phase of loving piercings and tattoos. A Hebrew inscription on her lower back was dedicated to her first husband: "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine." Her left wrist featured a Celtic symbol, and her forearm displayed a Spanish inscription reading "I will always love you." Her abbreviated name appeared on her neck. As for piercings, when she switched to a retro style, she removed almost all her earrings, keeping only a piercing on her right breast.
- In 2010, Aguilera faced growing scrutiny over alcohol issues. She fell asleep in Jeremy Renner's bedroom during his birthday party and nearly fell onstage at the Grammy Awards. Once, her boyfriend Matthew Rutler was arrested for drunk driving with Christina sleeping in the backseat. Both were arrested, and the singer was ordered to take an alcohol treatment course.
- In 2007, the pop star entered the business world and launched a perfume line through a partnership with Procter & Gamble. Her debut fragrance was called Christina Aguilera, with a bottle designed to resemble the singer's silhouette. The brand won multiple industry awards.
