"I wanted to perform as long as I could remember" says the blonde, blue eyed performer. Christina first began performing in school talent shows. As an eight-year-old she appeared on the nationally syndicated "Star Search," at age ten she sang the National Anthem for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins, and then, at age 12 landed a spot on the "New Mickey Mouse Club" appearing on the Orlando-based show along with several other future stars, including Britney Spears, J.C. and Justin of N 'Sync and the star of "Felicity," Keri Russell.

On her return to the States in early 1998, Christina Aguilera was invited to audition to record, "Reflection," for the Disney animated film "Mulan." The studio's search for a powerful voice with a wide vocal range quickly ended. Disney needed someone "who could hit a high "E" above middle "C," according to Christina. At her manager's request, Christina cut a one take demo on her boom-box in her living room singing to a karaoke tape of Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Run To You." The demo was FedExed to Disney - they loved it - and within 48 hours, the young girl with the unique mature voice was in a Los Angeles studio recording "Reflection." That very same week RCA Records signed her to a record contract. "Mulan" premiered in June, 1998, and "Reflection" turned into a Top 15 A/C single, with Christina performing it live on "CBS This Morning" and the "Donnie & Marie Show."

"The song's theme - the struggle to establish your identity - was something I could really relate to as a teenage girl myself," says Christina. The song also related well to critics, garnering a Golden Globe Nomination for best original song in a motion picture.

On her debut album for RCA, Christina Aguilera continued to define herself and showcase her special voice. From the sparkling upbeat dance-pop of the first single, "Genie In A Bottle," to the guitar driven, heartfelt fun of "What A Girl Wants," to the soulful gospel strains of "So Emotional" and the truly awe-inspiring ballad, "I Turn To You," Christina's powerful affecting voice intertwines the themes of finding your own identity with the uncertainties of growing up.

"I was thrilled to work with so many great producers on this album" gushes Christina. Her soaring up-tempos and thrilling ballads served as ample proof that Christina was not just a new kid on the block, but a prime candidate for the Voice of her generation.

With numerous television appearances to her credit, it is not surprising that Christina Aguilera has been approached by a number of directors for roles in films going into production. But, this blond beauty with dazzling blue eyes is going to wait a bit before pursuing more time in front of the camera. "Right now, I'm continuing to focus on my singing," says Christina, "I've been waiting for this moment my whole life."

Christina's own musical tastes are eclectic. Christina's favorite artists include Madonna, Janet and Mariah, but the car radio also finds Christina Aguilera tuning in the likes of thrash-rockers KoRn and Limp Bizkit, as well as electronica wiz Fatboy Slim, and rappers 2Pac and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.