How 'Christina Aguilera' has changed over time.
I have chosen to analyse how Christina Aguilera has changed over time as she is a modern artist in the same genre who overall represents the same concept that our song deals with - independence of women etc.
Christina Aguilera first appeared on our screens in 1993 when she joined 'The Micky Mouse Club', along with other un-established stars at the time, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears. Immediatly, her talent was recognised and she was known as 'the little girl with the big voice' amongst collegues. Her performance of Whitney Houstan's 'I have nothing' became on of the shows most memorable performances.
In 1997, Christina represented the USA in The Golden Stag Festival, and after an impressive performance, she was chosen to sing the song 'Reflection' for the upcoming disney film, 'Mulan'. The song earned her a top 20 hit, a 'Golden Globe' nomination, and most importantly, a record with RCA records. A self-titled album was released, which to this day has been voted for as one of the best albums of all time. Off that album, Christina earned three number one singles (Genie
in a bottle, What a girl wants and Come on Over) and another single reaching number three (I turn to you). Her new fame also earnt her two grammy awards.
Throughout this era, Christina portrayed a very young, innocence, fresh look. She was mostly seen in subtle make-up, emphasising her fresh blue eyes and her natural blonde hair. Her costumes would mostly be a belly top and trousers.
On the 12th September 2000, Christina widend her fan base by releasing a spanish album, Mi Reflejo. The album was a spanish version of her english released, but also included a few additional tracks. Originally, the album didnt reach as good of a reception and peaked at its best at number 27 in the charts. In the USA, she also released a christmas album, but this also didnt proove to be a success and peaked in at number 28.
Christina's next number one hit came as a duet with Latin singer Ricky Martin. The song 'Nobody wants to be lonely' hit the top of the World Chart. Christina's image seemed to have developed in this video, extensions were put in her hair and christina showed a new nose stud. It was a hint of Christina growing up and the peirces demolished a little part of the innocent image she had been previously portraying.
Her next single prooved to be one of her biggest yet. Christina dueted with fellow female artists, Mia, Lil Kima and Pink to remake the song 'Lady Marmalade' for the film 'Moulin Rouge' in 2001. The single was at number 1 for five consecuative weeks. It earned Christina yet another grammy and also two MTV awards. For this video, Christina and the girls played up to the roles in the Moulin Rouge film and was seen in red, provocotive
clothing and performed infront of a big Moulin Rouge set.
Although Christina's album showed huge success, Christina was not overally happy with it and didn't feel she had much input into it. She felt she was being moulded into an image simply because that image was successful at the time and she was unable to make herself a career as herself. Because of this, her managers contracted was terminated and Irving Azoff was employed to take on the role.
In 2002, Christina released her new album, Stripped, which went straight into the charts at number 2. This era caused a lot of controvosy, with Christina presenting herself in a lot more
raunchier, revealing clothing. She'd gained a lot more peircings and had a lot of tattoo's done, and eventually died her hair black - a fair cry from the 'sqweeky clean' image she presented at the beginning of her career! She began to rename herself as 'Xtina' and took part in a lot more revealing photoshoots, wearing minimum clothing. Christina recieved a lot of mixed reactions for this - Some were angry and couldnt grasp the idea the singer had grown up, some loved it and Christina gained a few more male fans heavily due to the male gaze she'd sometimes portray. Despite this, her first single 'Dirrty', became a major success in many different countries. Her second single, 'Beautiful' was almost a very large contrast to 'Dirrty' and reached to the fans that didn't quite hook onto 'Dirrty'. The inspirational ballad recieved a lot of praise and positive reviews, and also reached number two in the charts and earnt Christina another grammy. The next two singles, 'Fighter' and 'Cant hold us down' was a strong symbol of female independance and re-gained a lot of Christina's older fans. The last single from the album was 'The voice within', another beautiful ballad. The singles helped the album stay in the charts for a staggering two years until 2004. Christina was able to appeal to all different types of audiences. The males were interested in her for this 'sex appeal' her image showed and the females were very much into this strong, independent role she was pulling off. Christina then went on her first tour alongside old friend Justin Timberlake. The shows prooved to be a success and Christina carried on touring solo once Justins dates had come to an end. 'Stripped world tour' became the most successful tour of the year and was further released on dvd. Christina also hit the headlines when performing and sharing a kiss with rival Britney Spears and pop queen Madonna on 2004's VMA's. The stunt almost doubled the amount of veiwers.
Later in 2004, Christina gained herself a new look which she was very much praised for. She'd died her hair back bright blonde, added the lipstick and overall presented a lot more of a mature, classy look, bringing back the Maralyn Monroe inspired image, which was then reflected in her style of music - Her new album, 'Back to Basics' consisted of a lot of jazz, feel-good genres. Her new released 2-cd album went straight to number one in several different countries. The album contained a lot more positive tracks and was a lot inspired by her new fiance, Jordan Bratman. In an interview, she said her writing style had significantly improved since Stripped, as she was now in 'a better time and a better place.' The first single from the album was 'Aint no other man' and became a top 10 in a number of different countries'. Her next two singles from the album, Hurt and Candyman, also became top hits. In 2007, Christina brought the album to life on tour - It was circus themed and came onto be the "best tour by a female artist in 2007" - (billboard.com)
In 2008, after giving birth and getting married, Christina was back to perform her new single, 'Keeps getting better' at the VMA's. The song hit the top 10 and an album, 'Keeps getting better: A decade of hits' also reached number 9 in the charts. Christina is currently working on a highly-anticipated album which is to be a full mix of the different genres shes explored within in her successful 12 year career.
Throughout this research, i have learnt alot about the success Christina Aguilera has had. I'm most intregued by the response and reception she gained from the 'Stripped' era and it just highlights to me how much an image can influence a public's view on you.
I have chosen to analyse how Christina Aguilera has changed over time as she is a modern artist in the same genre who overall represents the same concept that our song deals with - independence of women etc.
Christina Aguilera first appeared on our screens in 1993 when she joined 'The Micky Mouse Club', along with other un-established stars at the time, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears. Immediatly, her talent was recognised and she was known as 'the little girl with the big voice' amongst collegues. Her performance of Whitney Houstan's 'I have nothing' became on of the shows most memorable performances.
In 1997, Christina represented the USA in The Golden Stag Festival, and after an impressive performance, she was chosen to sing the song 'Reflection' for the upcoming disney film, 'Mulan'. The song earned her a top 20 hit, a 'Golden Globe' nomination, and most importantly, a record with RCA records. A self-titled album was released, which to this day has been voted for as one of the best albums of all time. Off that album, Christina earned three number one singles (Genie
in a bottle, What a girl wants and Come on Over) and another single reaching number three (I turn to you). Her new fame also earnt her two grammy awards.Throughout this era, Christina portrayed a very young, innocence, fresh look. She was mostly seen in subtle make-up, emphasising her fresh blue eyes and her natural blonde hair. Her costumes would mostly be a belly top and trousers.
On the 12th September 2000, Christina widend her fan base by releasing a spanish album, Mi Reflejo. The album was a spanish version of her english released, but also included a few additional tracks. Originally, the album didnt reach as good of a reception and peaked at its best at number 27 in the charts. In the USA, she also released a christmas album, but this also didnt proove to be a success and peaked in at number 28.
Christina's next number one hit came as a duet with Latin singer Ricky Martin. The song 'Nobody wants to be lonely' hit the top of the World Chart. Christina's image seemed to have developed in this video, extensions were put in her hair and christina showed a new nose stud. It was a hint of Christina growing up and the peirces demolished a little part of the innocent image she had been previously portraying.
Her next single prooved to be one of her biggest yet. Christina dueted with fellow female artists, Mia, Lil Kima and Pink to remake the song 'Lady Marmalade' for the film 'Moulin Rouge' in 2001. The single was at number 1 for five consecuative weeks. It earned Christina yet another grammy and also two MTV awards. For this video, Christina and the girls played up to the roles in the Moulin Rouge film and was seen in red, provocotive
clothing and performed infront of a big Moulin Rouge set.
Although Christina's album showed huge success, Christina was not overally happy with it and didn't feel she had much input into it. She felt she was being moulded into an image simply because that image was successful at the time and she was unable to make herself a career as herself. Because of this, her managers contracted was terminated and Irving Azoff was employed to take on the role.
In 2002, Christina released her new album, Stripped, which went straight into the charts at number 2. This era caused a lot of controvosy, with Christina presenting herself in a lot more
raunchier, revealing clothing. She'd gained a lot more peircings and had a lot of tattoo's done, and eventually died her hair black - a fair cry from the 'sqweeky clean' image she presented at the beginning of her career! She began to rename herself as 'Xtina' and took part in a lot more revealing photoshoots, wearing minimum clothing. Christina recieved a lot of mixed reactions for this - Some were angry and couldnt grasp the idea the singer had grown up, some loved it and Christina gained a few more male fans heavily due to the male gaze she'd sometimes portray. Despite this, her first single 'Dirrty', became a major success in many different countries. Her second single, 'Beautiful' was almost a very large contrast to 'Dirrty' and reached to the fans that didn't quite hook onto 'Dirrty'. The inspirational ballad recieved a lot of praise and positive reviews, and also reached number two in the charts and earnt Christina another grammy. The next two singles, 'Fighter' and 'Cant hold us down' was a strong symbol of female independance and re-gained a lot of Christina's older fans. The last single from the album was 'The voice within', another beautiful ballad. The singles helped the album stay in the charts for a staggering two years until 2004. Christina was able to appeal to all different types of audiences. The males were interested in her for this 'sex appeal' her image showed and the females were very much into this strong, independent role she was pulling off. Christina then went on her first tour alongside old friend Justin Timberlake. The shows prooved to be a success and Christina carried on touring solo once Justins dates had come to an end. 'Stripped world tour' became the most successful tour of the year and was further released on dvd. Christina also hit the headlines when performing and sharing a kiss with rival Britney Spears and pop queen Madonna on 2004's VMA's. The stunt almost doubled the amount of veiwers.
Later in 2004, Christina gained herself a new look which she was very much praised for. She'd died her hair back bright blonde, added the lipstick and overall presented a lot more of a mature, classy look, bringing back the Maralyn Monroe inspired image, which was then reflected in her style of music - Her new album, 'Back to Basics' consisted of a lot of jazz, feel-good genres. Her new released 2-cd album went straight to number one in several different countries. The album contained a lot more positive tracks and was a lot inspired by her new fiance, Jordan Bratman. In an interview, she said her writing style had significantly improved since Stripped, as she was now in 'a better time and a better place.' The first single from the album was 'Aint no other man' and became a top 10 in a number of different countries'. Her next two singles from the album, Hurt and Candyman, also became top hits. In 2007, Christina brought the album to life on tour - It was circus themed and came onto be the "best tour by a female artist in 2007" - (billboard.com)In 2008, after giving birth and getting married, Christina was back to perform her new single, 'Keeps getting better' at the VMA's. The song hit the top 10 and an album, 'Keeps getting better: A decade of hits' also reached number 9 in the charts. Christina is currently working on a highly-anticipated album which is to be a full mix of the different genres shes explored within in her successful 12 year career.
Throughout this research, i have learnt alot about the success Christina Aguilera has had. I'm most intregued by the response and reception she gained from the 'Stripped' era and it just highlights to me how much an image can influence a public's view on you.
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