Bio
Christina Aguilera is an American recording artist and actress who came to prominence following her debut album Christina Aguilera in 1999, which was a commercial success spawning three number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
Aguilera has sold more than 50-million albums worldwide, achieved four No. 1 singles on the Billboard hot 100 chart, and has won five Grammy awards, as well as three top five albums in the United States.
She has collaborated with Herbie Hancock, Andrea Bocelli, Tony Bennett, Elton John and The Rolling Stones. Aguilera was also the only artist under 30 to make Rolling Stone Magazine's list of 100 greatest singers of all time.
In 2010 Aguilera starred in her first feature film, Burlesque, opposite Cher and Stanley Tucci, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Bound to You, which she co-wrote and performed.
Earlier that same year, Aguilera launched her album, Bionic, collaborating with artists Sia, Le Tigre and Ladytron as well as producers Tricky Stewart and Hill/Switch.
The New York native's trajectory from performing in local talent shows in Pennsylvania, where she grew up, to getting her big break on Star Search in 1992 to landing a part on the Disney Channel's The New Mickey Mouse Club, is well known.
It was her song Reflection for Disney's Mulan that led to a record deal with RCA and the release of her self-titled debut album in the summer of 1999.
The album quickly hit No. 1 on the strength of its first dance/pop single, Genie in a Bottle (which dominated the charts for five weeks and broke records worldwide) and other chart-toppers including What a Girl Wants and Come on Over.
It was a feat she would repeat the following year with Mi Reflejo, the smash Spanish-language version of her debut, followed by her hit holiday release, My Kind of Christmas.
In 2001 Aguilera joined forces with Pink, Mya and Lil' Kim on the smash Lady Marmalade single and video. Her second album, Stripped, released in October 2002, sealed her status as an international superstar while transforming her image from bubble-gum pop princess to steamy sex kitten.
Along with the superheated funk of the album's provocative debut single, Dirrty, came such standout tracks as Beautiful, Can't Hold Us Down and Voice Within.
After sweeping the top of the charts with her third album, Back to Basics, which debuted at No. 1 in August '06 and sold over 3.7 million worldwide, the unstoppable Aguilera announced a global tour.
With the fashion legend Roberto Cavalli as the exclusive costume designer, choreographer and director Jamie King (Madonna, Janet Jackson and Prince) on board, and a unique stage design that allowed fans unprecedented access to the pop star, the shows were a feast for all senses and earned her rave reviews.
Earning her first of four Grammy awards in 2000 for Best New Artist, her subsequent trophies came in 2001 for Lady Marmalade (Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals), in 2003 for Beautiful (Best Female Pop Vocal Performance), and in 2007 for Ain't No Other Man (Best Female Pop Vocal Performance), winning a Grammy for each of her albums.
She is also the recipient of a 2001 Latin Grammy Award for Mi Reflejo (Best Female Pop Vocal Album), a 2000 Billboard Music Award for Female Artist of the Year, and two 2004 Rolling Stone Music Awards (Best Female Performer, Readers' Pick; and Best Tour, Readers' Pick, Justified and Stripped).
Voted Sexiest Teen Idol in a VH1 poll, Aguilera's beauty and charisma have also led Teen People to list her among its 25 Hottest Stars Under 25 and Maxim to crown her Best International Female Singer (2000), one of the Sexiest Women of the Year (2003) and No. 1 on their Hot 100 list (2003).
Aguilera has also been honoured with two NRJ Awards (Best International Female, Best International Album) as well as a 2007 MTV Europe Award (Best Female Artist).
In 2007, Aguilera lent her hand to an entirely new production - an eponymous perfume, Christina Aguilera, which she launched through P&G Prestige. The fragrance continues to be an international bestseller and has paved the way for two additional scents - Inspire and By Night.
In October 2010, Aguilera added a fourth fragrance to her line, Royal Desire.
In January 2008, Aguilera gave birth to her first child, son Max Liron Bratman.
Today, while devoting the lion's share of her time to recording and touring, Aguilera is active in a range of philanthropy. In 2009 she joined forces with Yum! Brands in their World Hunger Relief effort, acting as global spokesperson.
In 2010 she was named an ambassador to the United Nations for her hard work and outreach. In addition, Aguilera and her son, Max, appeared in a PSA for Rock the Vote, encouraging young people to take a stand and vote for what they believe in.
The ad, featuring Aguilera singing America the Beautiful to Max who is wrapped in an American flag, was included in magazines, television spots and billboards in Times Square.
A major contributor to the fight against AIDS, Aguilera has participated in the What's Going On? cover project for AIDS Project Los Angeles' Artists Against AIDS. In 2004 she became the new face for MAC cosmetic company and spokesperson for the MAC AIDS Fund.
In addition, Aguilera became involved in awareness campaigns with Youth AIDS and ALDO. She also sponsors and is actively involved in the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh for battered women and children.
In 2011 she joined the reality singing competition The Voice as one of the four judges/coaches.