Christina Aguilera has officially hit a career milestone that solidifies her position as a pop icon. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of her self-titled debut album, “Christina Aguilera,” the Grammy-winning artist deserves her flowers for the mark she has made within the music industry. Released on August 24, 1999, the album came at the peak of the Y2K era, when everyone was welcoming the new millennium. While the rest of the world was focused on increasing technology, Xtina was crafting her game plan to become an unstoppable force.
At the time, Xtina not only introduced the world to her impressive vocals but also showcased an iconic style perfect for the time period. Her mixture of cute crop tops, skin-tight bootcut pants, and leather chaps cemented her place as a fashion icon, influencing trends we still love today. However, her debut album quickly launched her into success with chart-topping singles such as “Genie in a Bottle,” which spent weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Her sound offered a fresh feel to pop music, blending her soulful voice with catchy hooks that resonated with many.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years! I’m most proud of how the album introduced me to the world and how well it was received. I was young, but knew I wanted to make music that had depth, meaning and range – so this album provided the perfect launch pad for a career I’m forever grateful for,” she said to Billboard.
The following year, Xtina’s album sold roughly 9 million copies in the U.S. and 14 million worldwide. That same year, Xtina had one of her most memorable moments as she won the Best New Artist award at the Grammys. The 19-year-old wore a shimmery butterfly dress with matching glittery eyeshadow to accept her award and gave a tearful acceptance speech that tugged on the heartstrings of fans.
Fast forward to years later, Xtina has consistently proven herself a musical legend as she has explored other genres and pushed the boundaries of her sound. Additionally, she has also stepped into other avenues outside of music, co-founding the sexual wellness brand “Playground” in 2022. But, even though Xtina has found new passions in her life, her love for music has not changed. In fact, on Monday, Xtina celebrated the milestone by releasing a live rendition of some of her classic hits titled “The 25th Anniversary of Christina Aguilera | Spotify Anniversaries Live.” The album featured popular songs, including “What A Girl Wants” with singer Sabrina Carpenter and “Genie In A Bottle” with Machine Gun Kelly.
“As I’ve always been drawn to different musical genres and styles, my sound has evolved in many ways as I’ve experimented with everything from pop to jazz, to soul and R&B, Latin music, and more. However, at the core, it’s always been finding new ways to express myself, my experiences, stories, and emotions sonically. Over the years, I’ve grown more confident in taking artistic risks and being authentic, unapologetically,” Xtina added.
As we look back on her career, Christina Aguilera’s 25-year journey from pop star to pop icon should be studied. She has not only given the world unforgettable tunes but has also inspired fans to keep striving for their dreams. But, since we are celebrating the milestone, one thing is clear, Xtina is more than just a pop star, she is a true icon that’ll continue influencing the music industry. Check out some of her beloved hits below:
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