Christina María Aguilera (born December 18, 1980) is an American pop singer and songwriter. She was signed to RCA Records after recording "Reflection" for the film Mulan. She came to prominence following her debut album Christina Aguilera (1999), which was a commercial success. A Latin pop album, Mi Reflejo, and several collaborations followed which garnered Aguilera worldwide success, but she was displeased with the lack of input in her music and image.

After parting from her management, Aguilera took creative control over her second studio album Stripped (2002),[4] which received mixed reviews and produced substantial sales. The overtly sexual image Aguilera displayed during the promotion of the album became the subject of intense criticism and ridicule. The second single, "Beautiful", was a commercial success and sustained the album's sales.

Aguilera's third studio album Back to Basics (2006) included elements of soul, jazz, and blues music, and was released to positive critical reception. Aside from being known for her vocal ability and ever-changing image, musically, she includes themes of dealing with public scrutiny, her childhood, and female empowerment. Aguilera's work has earned her numerous awards including five Grammy Awards amongst eighteen nominations. She has become one of the most successful recording artists of the decade, racking up sales of more than 37 million albums worldwide.