So Emotional: Seven Standout Christina Aguilera Moments
Thursday, 18 July 2019
Written by Helen Payne
You know as well as us that Christina Aguilera needs no introduction, but we’re going to give her one anyway. Eight albums. Over 100 awards. A soundtrack. A Spanish-language LP. A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Bangers aplenty.
As with many 21st century pop icons, it all started with Disney. Before becoming the megastar we know today, a 13-year-old Aguilera joined the Mickey Mouse Club — not an exclusive bar down a hidden side street in Soho, but a TV show for kids. Before we move on, let’s take a moment to appreciate her cast mates: Ryan Gosling, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. Those producers can pick ‘em.
A few years following the show’s cancellation in 1994, Aguilera was selected to perform the theme song for the 1998 Disney film Mulan. There was no stopping the singer after that. Her self-titled debut album arrived while she was still a teenager, and shot her to dizzying heights of fame.
Seven records later and we arrive at The X Tour, which takes in UK and Ireland arena stops in November, ahead of the icon’s Las Vegas residency The Xperience during September and October.
Haven’t booked your tickets yet? Give yourself five minutes to dive into seven standout moments from her career below and soon you’ll be wondering what you were waiting for. You’re going to see Christina Aguilera. We know it, you know it.
Genie In A Bottle 'Christina Aguilera' 1999
There ain’t nothing better than that classic noughties pop idiosyncrasy of a spoken word interlude that sounds like it’s being whispered through a far away loudspeaker. Here, it’s “My body’s saying let’s go, but my heart is saying no.” It immediately dates the track, but at the same time stirs a sense of nostalgia, taking you back to a time when wearing cargo pants and a crop top was nothing out of the ordinary, and camera angles were almost exclusively shot from ground level. We love it.
Dirrty 'Stripped' 2002
It was about time for Aguilera’s arrival, and she made sure we knew about it. Many a jaw hit the floor when we saw how much the singer had matured in just three years, swapping the cargo pants for buttless chaps. That’s teenage stardom for you! Putting aside the exploitative nature of the Dirrty video, it’s a banger that’s guaranteed to be stuck in your head for a minimum of three days. You’re welcome.
Beautiful ‘Stripped’ 2002
During the same era, Aguilera proved she’d matured in other ways. Utilising the *ahem* beautiful voice that got her here in the first place, self-love is the name of the game on Beautiful. Released in 2002, it now feels ahead of its time, with self-care currently being viewed as a bigger priority than ever before. “I am beautiful, no matter what they say, words can't bring me down” are still anthemic lyrics to live by.
Ain't No Other Man ‘Back To Basics’ 2006
Unless you’re particularly confident, do not put this song on your karaoke playlist. Ain’t No Other Man won the singer a Grammy Award for Best Female Vocal Performance — her third in this category and one of six overall. Fact. Are you surprised? Not even a smidge.
Here is where we were introduced to her underground jazz club alter ego Baby Jane — a twist in her so far pop-focused career. This record saw Aguilera start to include elements of 1930s and ‘40s jazz in her work in an attempt at a more mature and evolved sound. Mission accomplished, thanks in no small part to impeccable production from Mark Ronson and DJ Premier for handfuls of beat driven, sample heavy tracks. Excellent work, C.
Burlesque ‘Burlesque - Official Soundtrack’ 2010
There ain’t no denying those powerful pipes, but in 2010 Aguilera proved herself as an actress too, co-starring alongside Cher in Burlesque, further channeling those jazz vibes. As the fiery yet caring small-town girl Ali who heads to Los Angeles looking for fame, she joins the glitz and glamour of a burlesque club, becomes the star of the show and finds her place in the world. Who knew a movie could be both heartwarming and sexy? Aguilera, that’s who.
Lift Me Up ‘Bionic’ 2010
You can lift me up any time. Especially with this song. Another heartfelt ballad worthy of some serious air grabs and hairbrush singing. It was written by 4 Non Blondes lead vocalist and songwriter Linda Perry, who penned the band’s number one hit What’s Up?, as well as the aforementioned Aguilera hit Beautiful, P!nk’s Get The Party Started, and What You Waiting For? by Gwen Stefani, to name a few.
Accelerate (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign and 2 Chainz) ‘Liberation’ 2018
‘Liberation’ arrived after a six year break, and saw Aguilera return with a newfound freedom that led her to collaborate with various artists and songwriters — Kanye West and Anderson. Paak helped pen Maria — and dip into different genres. She takes on R&B club vibes throughout the record and teams up with the Demi Lovato, GoldLink, XNDA, Keida, Shenseea, Ty Dolla $ign and 2 Chainz. The production on standout track Accelerate, featuring the latter two acts, is pretty far removed from the pop soundscapes we’re used to from the singer, with busy compositions and strong, trap-inspired bars joining those still iconic vocals.
Sothere you have it, some of Christina Aguilera’s finest work. You’ve got the chance to witness it live on The X Tour, which will head to the UK and Ireland later this year, kicking off in Dublin on November 3 and carrying on to Glasgow, London, Manchester and Birmingham. Enjoy.
Christina Aguilera Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows
Fri September 20 2019 - LAS VEGAS Nevada - Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood (USA)
Sat September 21 2019 - LAS VEGAS Nevada - Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood (USA)
Tue September 24 2019 - LAS VEGAS Nevada - Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood (USA)
Fri September 27 2019 - LAS VEGAS Nevada - Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood (USA)
Sat September 28 2019 - LAS VEGAS Nevada - Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood (USA)
Wed October 02 2019 - LAS VEGAS Nevada - Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood (USA)
Fri October 04 2019 - LAS VEGAS Nevada - Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood (USA)
Sat October 05 2019 - LAS VEGAS Nevada - Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood (USA)
Tue November 05 2019 - DUBLIN 3Arena
Thu November 07 2019 - GLASGOW SSE Hydro
Sat November 09 2019 - LONDON SSE Arena, Wembley
Sun November 10 2019 - LONDON SSE Arena, Wembley
Tue November 12 2019 - MANCHESTER Arena
Thu November 14 2019 - BIRMINGHAM Resorts World Arena
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