Christina Aguilera's story is a Hollywood dream come true. The

daughter of a father in the military and a violinist/pianist mother

who toured Europe with the Youth Symphony Orchestra,

this18-year-old has traveled the world, living for a time in Japan,

Florida, Texas and New Jersey, before settling in Wexford, PA,

a suburb of Pittsburgh.

"I wanted to perform as long as I could remember" says the

blonde, blue eyed high school senior. 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.

After two years on the weekly Disney show, Christina traveled

overseas to further hone her musical skills. She recorded a

duet, "All I Wanna Do," with Japanese pop star Keizo

Nakanishi, appeared in the video and toured in Japan. Later that

year, the young show biz veteran almost caused a riot at the

Golden Stag Festival in Transylvania, Romania when she waded

into the crowd of 10,000 while performing her two song set on a

bill which included Sheryl Crow and Diana Ross.

On her return to the States in early 1998, Christina 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. They 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

boombox 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 continues 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. Recent hitmakers Carl Sturken &

Evan Rogers ['N Sync, Boyzone, Brand New Heavies] contribute

a pair of tracks -- the pop-soul "Love For All Seasons" and the

rousing dance-floor smash "Love Will Find A Way." "Genie In A

Bottle" was produced by ex-System member David Frank and

Steve Kipner. The uncomplicated, heartfelt "Blessed" was

penned and produced by Travon Potts [co-writer of Monica's

chart topping "Angel of Mine]. Christina is specially proud of her

ballads, including the Matthew Wilder ["No Doubt"] produced

"Reflection" and the spine-tingling Diane Warren ballad "I Turn

To You", produced by Guy Roche [Brandy, Dru Hill, Aaliya, K-Ci

& Jo Jo]. Her soaring uptempos and thrilling ballads serve as

ample proof that Christina is not just a new kid on the block, but

a prime candidate for the Voice of her generation. This debut

album marks another huge step for Christina down the road of

commercial and critical success.

With numerous television appearances to her credit it is not

surprising that Christina has recently been approached by a

number of directors for roles in films going into production this

summer. 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."