Christina Aguilera’s rise to stardom began at nine years old on ‘Star Search’

Christina Aguilera (also known as “Xtina”) burst onto the scene at the age of 9. She auditioned for Star Search and quickly became known as the little girl with a big voice. She placed second in the talent composition, but it was just the beginning for this rising star. In 1993, Aguilera joined fellow superstars-in-the-making Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, and Ryan Gosling on Disney’s The All-New Mickey Mouse Club, where she held her own in a cast packed with oversized talent. Six years later, she released her self-titled debut album with the megahit “Genie in a Bottle." The album got recognition from fans and the Recording Academy. In 2000, Aguilera received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Competing against Britney Spears, Macy Gray, and Kid Rock, she beat them out and took home the gold. It was a major milestone that Aguilera cites as her most meaningful because it can only be won once. Xtina now has a total of five Grammys and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Aguilera, whose father is Ecuadorian, also took home a Latin Grammy for her Spanish-language album, “Mi Reflejo” (My Reflection). She released her latest studio album (her eighth), “Liberation,” in June. On it, she collaborates with fellow vocal powerhouse Demi Lovato and Kim Kardashian’s husband, aka Kanye West. "I wanted to have a title that meant freeing myself from anything that wasn’t my truth," Aguilera said of her new project. “Everything I’m doing right now is almost approaching things as a new artist with a fresh perspective. This is a different chapter in my life. I’m experiencing it with my two beautiful children, who will definitely see a different side of mommy they haven’t seen. It’s gonna be fun.” Xtina has two kids, 10-year-old son Max and daughter Summer, who is 4. Singing isn’t her only talent — Aguilera has also been in three movies and on six seasons of The Voice. She joined the popular singing competition show as a coach when it debuted in 2011. In September, she launched her “Liberation Tour,” her first in a decade! (where did the time go?) “I am in LOVE with this show and performing it for all of you every night," she said.