Among the various accomplishments you can lay at the feet of the original Mulan—increased representation in Disney’s roster of animated characters, a real feather in Donnie Osmond’s cap, cricket awareness—its role in the rise of Christina Aguilera is hard to discount. Aguilera’s pop cover of “Who am I?” anthem “Reflection” (sung by Lea Salonga in the film itself, but simultaneously released alongside the movie by Disney) helped propel Aguilera into the teen-star stratosphere, convincing RCA to take a chance on her with a full contract. The superstar might not owe her career to Mulan, but it was definitely instrumental in her rise to her current tier of musical performance.
And now it sounds like Aguilera is coming back to that formative film, confirming—via Entertainment Weekly—that she’s recorded a new version of “Reflection” to coincide with the release of the movie’s upcoming live-action remake. Niki Caro’s take on the Chinese legend (in theaters March 27) is going light on the songs itself, omitting any actual musical numbers in favor of more martial action. But Aguilera confirmed during a concert tonight that she’s recorded both a new version of the song, plus some “new material” for the film. (She then proceeded to bust out the original version of the song for her fans, because, even 22 years on, Christina knows exactly how to give the people what they want).
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Blurst yet again, and is there anyone that cares that she’s coming back? Or still singing?I’m serious: is there a huge demand for her still?
I saw her live last fall and everyone there seemed pretty into it.
I could be underestimating her core audience, admittedly. I just don’t picture them with the intensity of Lady Gaga or even Justin Beiber.
Her time on The Voice did a lot to rehab an image that had taken a hit from a few underperforming albums and a generally tabloid-iness around her personal life. Then she put out a very good album in 2018. Add in 90s nostalgia and you’ve got a pretty good sized fan base.
Uh, she’s only 39. People still go to Rolling Stones, AC/DC, GNR etc shows and all those guys are in their 50s-70s, so yeah, people probably still care about her music.
Your age doesn’t mean that you’re still in demand though: is that your point of contention?Also the bands you named had much longer success over longer periods, and have a fan base that is more entrenched. Their age plays in their favor because those fans are pretty static in their tastes and come from a different era to boot, whereas she came from the internet age: I don’t think she has a core set of fans I guess, but I do wonder if they’re the base that the bands you named above.
I didn’t even know she owned a still.
It produces the best moonshine you’ve ever had…
I think you mean moonSHIIIIIIIiiiiIIIIiiiiIIIIIINNNNE.
The best up-vote I can give you:
Wow! With Paul Anka’s guarantee and everything!Truly flattered. Thank you.
Guarantee void in Tennessee, mind you.
Like I’d go to fucking Tennessee.
Can only speak for myself but I’m a fan and I’m looking forward to hearing her songs. I saw her on tour last year and she still sounds fantastic.But again, I’ve been a fan since she came out when I was younger.
Honestly, yes. Behind Mariah (and Keke Wyatt – look her up), Christina Aguilera has one of the best vocals in the industry, she just seems to have poor idk, representation? Management? Creative control? She keeps chasing fads (dance, electronica, R&B) instead of leaning into music that suits her larger than life voice.If she were to make songs like what she put out in that terrible movie Burlesque (terrible movie, good music), I (and my fellow millennial friends who grew up listening to her) would stan for life.
You’re her audience, so I bow to your wisdom.
She’s also taken a lot of breaks that haven’t helped with momentum. Four years between her second and third albums, another four before her fourth, and six years between her latest and the one before that. Not counting Christmas albums, greatest hits, or Spanish language, she only has six full length albums since 2000.
Wow, I didn’t realize that! Meanwhile, I was listening to Nsync today (don’t judge me, I’m a millennial and needed energy at work) and realized for the first time that in their prime, they put out a new album like every two years!
I love her version and am looking forward to see the new material for the film. I wonder if Disney is backtracking a little after visible disappointment from fans over omissions from the new film.Either way, I’m thrilled to see Christina work on some new material. Her last album, Liberation, was an underrated gem.
Well now I have the answer to my post, I guess…
It had the misfortune of coming out the same day Beyonce and Jay-Z released their collaboration, as I recall.
No Mushu, no WorfWWorfington
Cool but who is that in the photo?
Yeah, obviously everyone’s free to make their own choices, but god damn I loathe cosmetic surgery.
Renée Zellweger