(1980-)
Who Is Christina Aguilera?
Singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera was born on December 18, 1980, in Staten Island, New York. Aguilera began her career as a cast member on The All New Mickey Mouse Club. She rapidly rose to stardom following the release of her hit single, "Genie in a Bottle," which earned her a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Her other hit singles include "What a Girl Wants," "Come on Over Baby," "Lady Marmalade" and the sexually charged "Dirrty." In recent years, Aguilera has served as a coach and mentor on the singing-competition show The Voice.
Early Life
Christina Maria Aguilera was born on December 18, 1980, in Staten Island, New York, to father Fausto Xavier Aguilera and his wife, Shelly Loraine Fidler. Aguilera's early home life was troubled. Her father, an Ecuadorian immigrant and sergeant in the U.S. Army, was an abusive husband. It wasn't until Aguilera was six that her mother managed to end the marriage and move her two daughters (Christina and her younger sister, Rachel) to a new life in Rochester, Pennsylvania.
At an early age, Aguilera developed a deep love of music — a gift she no doubt inherited from her musical mother, an experienced violinist and pianist. By the time she was in elementary school, Aguilera's big voice had swept through a number of local talent shows, causing harsh envy from her schoolmates and even some parents. It became so bad that Aguilera's mother eventually made the decision to home-school her daughter.
Still, Aguilera continued to perform, and in 1990, she earned a spot on the nationally syndicated television program Star Search. There, the nine-year-old prodigy wowed audiences with a mesmerizing rendition of Etta James' "A Sunday Kind of Love," placing second in the competition.
Songs and Albums
'All I Wanna Do'
In 1993 Aguilera earned more national attention when she landed a spot as a "Mouseketeer" on The All New Mickey Mouse Club. Her fellow castmates were a collection of future stars, including Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling and Keri Russell. The ambitious singer lasted just two years on the program before she moved with her mother to Japan, where she recorded the hit single "All I Wanna Do" with Japanese pop icon Keizo Nakanishi. More success soon followed.
'Christina Aguilera'
In 1998 Aguilera was tapped to sing "Reflection" on the soundtrack for the Walt Disney film Mulan. The singer made her debut at the all-female concert festival Lilith Fair the following year, and signed with RCA Records. Also in 1999, she released her debut album, Christina Aguilera, which went on to sell more than 8 million copies thanks in part to the chart-topping hits "Genie in a Bottle" and "What a Girl Wants." The album earned Aguilera the 2000 Grammy Award for Best New Artist.
'Lady Marmalade'
With fellow Mouseketeers Spears and Timberlake also lighting up the charts with their respective music, Aguilera became one of the leading faces of a group of teen pop stars. But she wasn't comfortable maintaining the squeaky clean image this sort of role foisted upon her. After teaming up with Pink, Mya and Lil' Kim on the popular single "Lady Marmalade," Aguilera released her second album, Stripped, in October 2002. As its title suggests, the pop superstar had embarked down a new path. Highly sexualized and more commanding than its predecessors, the album featured a number of hit singles, including "Dirrty," "Beautiful" and "Make Over."
'Stripped'
Coupled with a series of new piercings and tattoos, Aguilera and her new music startled some critics while endearing her to others. Stripped went on to sell more than 4 million copies, and Aguilera, rightly so, was unapologetic about the music or her look. "I knew it was a bold move, and I knew a lot of people would not be ready for it," the singer said of the album in an interview with The New York Times.
'Back to Basics'
In 2006 Aguilera changed course again with the release of Back to Basics, a two-disc collection of influential standards from the 1920s through the '40s. Like she'd done with her previous album, Aguilera used the music to help define her style. She also adopted a classic Jean Harlow look for a time.
'Bionic'
In 2010 Aguilera returned to record stores with Bionic. She experimented with a more electronic-edged sound with this album, which featured collaborations with Le Tigre and M.I.A. While Bionic nearly reached the top of the charts, it failed to spawn any major hit singles.
That same year, Aguilera made her film debut in the musical Burlesque, co-starring alongside Cher. Aguilera also contributed several songs to the movie's soundtrack, including "Show Me How You Burlesque" — a minor hit. While the film was highly anticipated by many, it was ultimately maligned by critics and largely ignored by movie-goers.
Aguilera appeared to be stumbling professionally and personally around this time. At the Super Bowl in February 2011, she seemed to forget some of the lyrics to the National Anthem. Not long after, the pop star was arrested for public intoxication. Both incidents sparked a wave of stories concerning her possible alcoholism.
'Liberation'
On June 15, 2018, Aguilera will release her sixth studio album, 'Liberation.' The album is executive produced by Aguilera, and the first single off the album, "Accelerate," features Ty Dolla $ign & 2 Chainz.
'The Voice' Judge
By the spring of 2011, however, Aguilera had gotten back on her feet with a full-time spot on a new television competition, The Voice. Aguilera served as a judge/coach for singers while competing against teams led by fellow musical talents Cee Lo Green, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine. While some rumors circulated about behind-the-scenes drama between Aguilera and her team members, the pop star proved to be a strong supporter of her protégées. In the summer of 2011 she even contributed her vocals to Levine's band, Maroon 5, for their mega hit single "Moves Like Jagger." Following The Voice's Season 3 finale in 2012, Aguilera announced that she would be leaving the series for a time. She was replaced by Shakira for the show's fourth season.
Around the time she left The Voice, Aguilera released the album Lotus. The record received a lukewarm reception. She fared much better as a featured vocalist on rapper Pitbull's single, "Feel This Moment," which the duo performed together on the Season 4 finale of The Voice. Around this time, Aguilera announced that she would be back for the show's fifth season, and she later returned to the judge's chair for Season 8.
Proving her vocal abilities remained among the best in the business, Aguilera in 2015 won a Grammy Award with A Great Big World for their ballad "Say Something." That year, the veteran pop star also returned to her early television roots with a recurring role on the country music drama Nashville.
'Paper' Cover
In advance of the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival debut of the sci-fi romance Zoe, in which she enjoyed a starring role, Aguilera gave an interview to Paper magazine and appeared on its cover sans makeup. The singer-actress explained her ever-transforming look, from "assless chaps and two toned-plaits" to "old Hollywood-inspired retro glam" to her more recent choices. "I'm at the place, even musically, where it's a liberating feeling to be able to strip it all back and appreciate who you are and your raw beauty," she said.
Husband and Kids
While filming Burlesque (2010), Aguilera became romantically involved with set assistant Matthew Rutler.
The singer has a son, Max, from her previous marriage to record producer Jordan Bratman; the couple married in 2005, separated in 2010 and finalized their divorce in 2011. Aguilera and Rutler announced their engagement on Valentine's Day 2014, and welcomed a daughter, Summer Rain, on August 16th of that year.
Philanthropy
Outside of her performance career, Aguilera has showed her compassionate side, working with AIDS awareness campaigns and affiliating herself with the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. In early 2010, she took on the role of Ambassador Against Hunger for the World Food Program — a responsibility that led her to Haiti, where she helped earthquake victims.
In 2016 Aguilera recorded the song "Change," which were in honor of the victims affected by the Orlando nightclub shooting in 2016.
Related Videos
- Birth Year: 1980
- Birth date: December 18, 1980
- Birth State: New York
- Birth City: Staten Island
- Birth Country: United States
- Gender: Female
- Best Known For: Grammy Award-winner Christina Aguilera is known for her powerful voice and hit songs such as 'Genie in a Bottle' and 'What a Girl Wants,' and for being a judge on 'The Voice.'
- Industries
- Theater and Dance
- Pop
- Film
- Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
We strive for accuracy and fairness.If you see something that doesn't look right,contact us!
- Article Title: Christina Aguilera Biography
- Author: Biography.com Editors
- Website Name: The Biography.com website
- Url: https://www.biography.com/musicians/christina-aguilera
- Access Date:
- Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
- Last Updated: October 2, 2020
- Original Published Date: April 2, 2014
FAQs
Christina Aguilera - Songs, Burlesque & Age? ›
Christina Aguilera Was 28 When She Made Burlesque.
How old was Christina Aguilera in Burlesque was made? ›Christina Aguilera Was 28 When She Made Burlesque.
What songs did Christina write for Burlesque? ›But, I wrote “Express,” “Bound to You,” the big ballad of the movie, and “Burlesque,” the finale.
How old is Alice in Burlesque? ›The photo of seven-year-old Ali with her mother is actually a photo of a much younger Christina Aguilera with her real-life mother, Shelly Kearns.
Does Christina Aguilera do her own singing in Burlesque? ›Aguilera, who's been singing and dancing since she was a tot, was ready for the task. "Burlesque," written and directed by Steven Antin, offered her an opportunity to apply her creative skills and exercise some new ones. She not only sings and dances in the movie, she also had a hand in writing three original songs.
How much weight did Christina lose for Burlesque? ›She has lost 40 pounds in three months and followed a rainbow diet. Her diet also included many veggies, fruits, and protein sources like chicken. Her exercise routine included pilates, yoga, chest press, treadmill running, and side lunges.
Did Christina Aguilera lip sync in Burlesque? ›No, Kristen Bell Didn't Sing In Burlesque
Instead, Aguilera and Cher carried the film with their vocal performances, and Bell had the opportunity to rest her voice and lip sync to another singer's vocals.
The soundtrack consists of ten songs sung by the film's stars, American singers Christina Aguilera and Cher; Aguilera sang eight of the tracks, while Cher performed the remaining two.
Did Julianne Hough sing in Burlesque? ›Hough, who is working on her second country music album, also sings in the movie.
Is Burlesque Based on a true story? ›Though the Pussycat Dolls inspired the film, Burlesque is not entirely a true story. Burlesque's story is not based on any particular member of the Pussycat Dolls and is entirely fictional.
Was Marilyn Monroe in burlesque? ›
Monroe was never in burlesque but as she began to develop her screen persona and gradually got more attention, burlesque comedy was the natural touchstone for her talents.
Who got pregnant in burlesque? ›The Pussycats Dolls' Jessica Sutta went the burlesque route to announce that she is expecting her first child with husband Mikey Marquart in a new video.
Was Lady GaGa in burlesque? ›The Lady GaGa Revue was a burlesque show created and performed by Lady Gaga and her dancers in 2007 and 2008.
Did Christina wear a wig in Burlesque? ›Singer looked unrecognisable in her golden blonde wig and without her signature red lipstick as she filmed Burlesque.
Who is the worlds most famous Burlesque dancer? ›Heather Renée Sweet (born September 28, 1972), known professionally as Dita Von Teese, is an American vedette, burlesque dancer, model, and businesswoman. She is credited with re-popularizing burlesque performance, earning the moniker "Queen of Burlesque". West Branch, Michigan, U.S.
Did Christina Aguilera have a baby before Burlesque? ›Christina embarked on a diet after her first pregnancy in 2008. The blonde bombshell worked hard to get back her pre-baby shape as she prepared to star in Burlesque the movie. As she was on a mission for the role, the Come On Over singer worked with celebrity trainer Tee Sorge.
Why did Christina gain so much weight? ›"I don't like seeing myself struggling," she explained. "Also, I gained 40 lbs. because of inactivity and medications, and I didn't look like myself, and I didn't feel like myself." When the actress finally watched the show, she did so alone and had to stop periodically whenever it became too painful.
How does Christina stay so thin? ›Christina prioritizes including healthy fats into her meals. The heart healthy fats help to create a balanced diet and are often great sources of fiber and protein, like you find in avocados. Some of the food she includes are lean meats, dairy, avocados, seeds, nuts, and healthy plant oils.
Why has Christina Aguilera gained weight? ›Among other reasons, Christina Aguilera first gained weight when she was pregnant with her first son in 2008 at the age of 27. As a mother is encouraged to eat for two when pregnant and to double up on nutrients to carry full-term, it's no surprise that pregnant women tend to quickly put on weight.
Did Christina Aguilera have vocal problems? ›Christina Aguilera Has Laryngitis: How to Get Your Voice Back if It Happens to You. The singer was forced to postpone dates on her Liberation tour. Christina Aguilera's powerful and spellbinding voice is no match for laryngitis.
What is Christina Aguilera ethnicity? ›
Early life. Christina María Aguilera was born on December 18, 1980, in New York City, New York, to Shelly Loraine (née Fidler) and Fausto Wagner Xavier Aguilera. Her father is an Ecuadorian emigrant from Guayaquil while her mother has German, Irish, Welsh, and Dutch ancestry.
Does Christina Aguilera speak another language? ›“Spanish is not my first language, but it is very much a part of my childhood and a part of how I grew up. I grew up in a Spanish-speaking household. My father is from Ecuador, and we lived for a period of time with my [paternal] grandparents, and so it was constantly being spoken,” she reveals.
Where was Burlesque filmed? ›Filming locations included the exterior and adjacent parking as the "Burlesque Lounge" of the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood, as well as the interior of the Cathedral of Saint Vibiana. The film marked Aguilera's film debut and Cher's first musical.
Is Christina Aguilera one of the best singers ever? ›Out of all the pop stars that emerged in the 21st century, Christina Aguilera would be hard to beat in the vocal talent stakes. She has one of the largest ranges - four octaves - and you've got to love the distinctive Christina 'growl'.
Who is Christina Aguilera married to? › Did Julianne Hough have a baby? ›Julianne Hough Says She and Husband Brooks Laich 'Never Tried' to Have a Baby -- But She Did Freeze Her Eggs. Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich wanted to make sure parenthood was always an option.
Did Megan Mullally sing in Burlesque? ›Additionally, Mullally sang the song "Long John Blues" (performed on-screen by Kristen Bell) in 2010's Burlesque.
Who is Derek Hough wife? ›| Derek Hough | |
|---|---|
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Height | 5' 10 |
| Partner(s) | Hayley Erbert (2015–present, engaged 2022) |
| Relatives | Julianne Hough (sister) |
The word “burlesque” originates from the Italian word “burla.” “Burla” translates to comedy or joke, which is why this dancing style has a comedic nature. In literature, it falls in the genre of satire because it mocks subjects by ironically representing them.
Is burlesque Italian or French? ›The word derives from the Italian burlesco, which, in turn, is derived from the Italian burla – a joke, ridicule or mockery.
Who was the original burlesque dancer? ›
The first burlesque star of the 20th century was 'The Girl in Blue', Millie DeLeon. She gained the tagline from her costumes and the moves during her 'cooch' dancing. She's also known as 'The First Real Queen of American Burlesque', hitting the scene in 1903.
What year did Christina Aguilera do Burlesque? › When did Christina Aguilera come out? ›Her self-titled debut album, Christina Aguilera, was released in August 1999, and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. It catapulted Aguilera into fame globally and sold over ten million copies in its first year of release.
Who actually sings in Burlesque? ›The soundtrack consists of ten songs sung by the film's stars, American singers Christina Aguilera and Cher; Aguilera sang eight of the tracks, while Cher performed the remaining two.
Who was the first Burlesque Dancer? ›1868. The credit for the first onstage tease in America goes to Lydia Thompson, the ambitious music-hall darling behind the peroxided burlesque troupe called "The British Blondes." Lydia Thompson 1838-1908, English Actress and Dancer.
Where did they film Burlesque? ›Filming locations included the exterior and adjacent parking as the "Burlesque Lounge" of the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood, as well as the interior of the Cathedral of Saint Vibiana. The film marked Aguilera's film debut and Cher's first musical.
Is Christina Aguilera fluent Spanish? ›“Spanish is not my first language, but it is very much a part of my childhood and a part of how I grew up. I grew up in a Spanish-speaking household. My father is from Ecuador, and we lived for a period of time with my [paternal] grandparents, and so it was constantly being spoken,” she reveals.
How much money is Christina Aguilera worth? ›Aguilera is a five time Grammy Award winner with an estimated net worth of $160 million dollars thanks to her work as a musical artist, a TV personality and her various endorsements throughout the years, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Who is Christina Aguilera husband? › How many times has Christina Aguilera been married? ›This talented and stunning woman has been married once and is currently engaged, and with two kids to look after, she hasn't faltered from her busy and impressive career. But, it's time to set the record straight, and sort out Aguilera's relationship timeline - from the 1990s to now.
How old was Christina Aguilera when she had her first child? ›
The 33-year-old singer welcomed her first child with fiancé Matt Rutler via Caesarean-section at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles Wednesday, according to UsMagazine.com.
Who is the most famous Burlesque dancer? ›Three of the best burlesque dancers of all time were Josephine Baker, Dita Von Teese, and Jean Idelle. These bold women helped set the stage for future female performers to come.
Was Marilyn Monroe in Burlesque? ›Monroe was never in burlesque but as she began to develop her screen persona and gradually got more attention, burlesque comedy was the natural touchstone for her talents.