Guest Blogger: Rachel L1

Powerhouse singer and songwriter Christina Aguilera, has influenced this generation more than people think. Growing up listening to Christina’s hits Genie in a Bottle, What a Girl Wants, and Beautiful has shaped our music preference and perspective. Christina Aguilera is a respectable artist that has been around for more than a decade and is now making a comeback stronger than ever. Her catchy pop tunes have earned her numerous Grammy awards and more than 25 million albums sold. Thirteen year old Christina began her career as a Mouseketeer on the Mickey Mouse Club and has made seven successful albums receiving attention from the nation. Aguilera’s albums Stripped, Christina Aguilera, Ain’t No other Man, Back to Basics, and Bionic feature her phenomenal chops and strength. Aside from being known for her vocal ability, music videos and ever-changing image, musically, she includes themes of dealing with public scrutiny, her childhood, and female empowerment. Christina Aguilera started to create a futuristic image and theme in her music but her future-pop thunder was stolen when Lady Gaga roared up the music charts. Aguilera is also often compared to Leona Lewis, Celine Dion, Brittney Spears, and Mariah Carey due to her powerful voice and unique contribution to the music industry. Christina is known for her strength, courage and determination which shine in her song lyrics. “I am beautiful, no matter what they say. Words can’t bring me down” and “Oh I get on my knees, praying I will receive the courage to grow and the faith to know” are just a few memorable song quotes from this extraordinary artist. Despite the critics’ opinions of a downward spiral, I think Christina will make a strong return to the music industry. After reading numerous reviews on all of her albums, I have come to the conclusion that most critics respect her powerhouse vocals and incredible strength but, believe that her most recent album, Bionic, was a weaker attempt to the futuristic Lady Gaga style. Although Christina Aguilera has decreased in popularity in the past decade, she will forever be a passionate, inspirational, and talented legend.