JUNE 2002
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TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2002
Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys Party Up For 'Impossible'
Alicia Keys has promised to deliver "pimped-out vocals" from Christina Aguilera on "Impossible," a track she co-produced for Aguilera's upcoming album.
On day three of their sessions at New York's Electric Lady studios last month, Aguilera wasn't looking like the "big ol' pimp" Keys was boasting her to be. There was no diamond-encrusted gold goblet or neon three-piece suit with the matching hat and 'gators. X-tina just sported a cutoff Terry Bradshaw Pittsburgh Steelers jersey, though her white undershirt did match her pink and white scarf.
Aguilera's nose was stuffy, her eyes were puffy and she was coughing. Obviously her cold didn't have her much into a game-spitting mood � not that she would've been wasting time shooting the breeze if she were the perfect picture of health. Aguilera was ready to get down to business and finish the track, which was being produced by the Crucial Keys team of Alicia and her partner, Kerry Brothers.
"I like the piano," a giddy Aguilera said of the slow, chord-driven track Keys devised to complement her big voice. "Now I gotta learn how to play. You inspire [me]."
Looking low-key in sunshades, a scarf and a leather jacket, Keys returned the compliment. "I like them vocals," she said. "We're smashing. Official killer. 'Killer Chris!' "
A few minutes later, Keys, who was orchestrating the session when she wasn't laying background vocals or harmonizing with her collaborator, sat intently at the boards listening to K.C. finish the second verse.
" 'It's impossible to make it easy if you're always trying to make it so damn haaarrrd,' " the 22-year-old sang. " 'How can I, how can I give you all my love, baby/ If you're always, always putting up your guaaarrrd/ This is not a circus, don'tcha play me for a clown.' "
Keys and Aguilera have been wanting to work together for a while, Keys said. Keys wrote the new cut, but not before the Grammy Award-winners had a chance to vibe off each other � they hung out and partied before Keys penned the track.
A tentative September 17 release date has been set for Aguilera's still-untitled album, which is the proper follow-up to her 1999 self-titled debut.
�Shaheem Reid
Soruce: MTV.com
VH1 Driven: Christina Aguilera
Once upon a time Christina Aguilera was just a pesky little kid who lived down the block. So how on earth did she break out of the pack and reach the top of the music world?
"Driven" brings the music world's biggest icons' unknown pasts to life with video footage and photos that the public has never seen, plus interviews with those special people who played integral roles in their development as artists and individuals, providing a rare glimpse at what they were really like. The hit VH1 series continues with a season of all-new episodes, kicking off with "Driven: Brandy" on June 25 at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT), followed by more episodes premiering every Tuesday at the same time. "Driven: Christina Aguilera" debuts on August 8.
Source: MTV Networks
Audio Section Problem
All files in the Audio section are currently down. There is a problem with the server account that the files are located on. I hope to have the problem resolved within the next few days. Sorry for any inconvenience.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2002
New Song "Fighter" Available
A song entitled "Fighter" from Christina's upcoming new album has shown up online. The audio and lyrics of the song are availble in our Audio and Lyrics sections.
The song was written and produced with Linda Perry. It is not known whether the MP3 was put online intentionally by RCA to create a buzz, or if someone got ahold of the song prematurely and leaked it. Keep in mind that the sound quality of the track was low, and this may not be the finished mix of the song as it will appear on the album.
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MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2002
Christina Gets Frisky!
"Lady Marmalade" vixen CHRISTINA AGUILERA is no stranger to garter belts and bustiers! So it's only natural that the pop diva joined the cabaret-inspired dance troupe, the Pussycat Dolls, for one night last week at The Roxy Theatre in L.A. Tonight, ET has your exclusive look at Christina and the swinging cats in action!
ET's own femme fatale, MARIA MENOUNOS, visited Christina during rehearsals, where she revealed why she joined the playful performance -- a huge underground hit with L.A. hipsters. The pop starlet was hooked when she came to see GWEN STEFANI in the show at the Viper Room. "I totally fell in love with it at first sight!" she exclaimed.
A bevy of stars, such as CARMEN ELECTRA and CHRISTINA APPLEGATE, have joined the sexy squad, which includes gorgeous dancers from today's most popular videos and tours. "No Doubt" lead diva Gwen Stefani even brought the gals with her for a special appearance on her recent "Rock Steady" tour.
For Christina, this gig was even more enticing than her famous "Marmalade" performance. "It's kind of reminiscent of what I did for 'Lady Marmalade' but this is a little edgier. It's not so old school meets new school."
Other fans of the sizzling stage production include KID ROCK, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, MARILYN MANSON, DAVID SCHWIMMER, LEONARDO DICAPRIO, WINONA RYDER, and CAMERON DIAZ, among others.
Pussycat Dolls Live at the Roxy was formed by choreographer ROBIN ANTIN in 1995, and is currently directed by KRISTIN HANGGI.
Video: Christina gets the "Fever"! WATCH
Source: ETOnline.com
Christina Mobile Phone And Cover
ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PTN MEDIA, INC., a leading developer of branded handheld products today announced that it has entered into an agreement with LetsTalk.com to market branded wireless phones and phone covers.
LetsTalk.com will build co-branded websites that allow consumers to purchase PTN-licensed wireless phones and phone covers from various online outlets. For example, Christina Aguilera fans will be able to purchase the Christina Aguilera cover, corresponding Motorola phone and Nextel service directly from her site www.Christina-a.com. The agreement allows fan and affinity sites to participate in selling PTN's branded products and services.
"We are excited to be working with LetsTalk.com. The ability to sell a phone, a branded cover, and activation service should prove to be very popular with our various target audiences," said Peter Klamka, founder of PTN Media. "Fans of our recording artists and Nascar drivers will appreciate the "one-stop shopping" opportunity that LetsTalk.com offers."
"Celebrity-branded phones are important for the wireless industry because they target new subscribers and encourage some existing customers to upgrade," said Delly Tamer, President and CEO of LetsTalk.com. "We're particularly excited about our partnership with PTN Media because it represents several high-profile celebrities who have large fan bases who may not already own a wireless phone."
PTN currently has ten different mobile phone related products in development that will be available through LetsTalk.com.in the coming months. In addition to handsets and covers, PTN markets subscription services such as "Christina Everywhere" that is now available on www.nextel.com.
Source: PTN Media, Inc.
Sun-Sentinel Celebrity Q&A
Is it true that Christina Aguilera had a difficult childhood?
Aguilera says that her parents' marriage was a turbulent one. It ended in divorce when she was 7, and she had little contact with her father, an Army sergeant of Ecuadorian heritage, until they reconciled at a Madison Square Garden concert two years ago, when she was 19.
Ironically, her parents' quarrels may have contributed to her success as a singer. To drown out their fights, she would retreat to her bedroom to watch videos of her favorite musicals, singing along with the soundtrack. "I would spread towels on the floor as a kind of stage," she recalls.
At 12, Aguilera moved to Orlando to join the cast of The New Mickey Mouse Club, in which she appeared with Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Keri Russell. Success came six years later, when her first single, Genie in a Bottle, hit No. 1 on the charts and was followed by her debut album, Christina Aguilera, which won her a best new artist Grammy.
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel
BMI 50th Annual Pop Awards
BMI saluted the writers and publishers of the past year's 50 most performed songs during the 50th Annual BMI Pop Awards last month. BMI Citations of Achievement were handed out to more than 150 writers and publishers during the dinner event, which culminated in the announcements of Song, Songwriter, Publisher and College Song of the Year.
"Lady Marmalade" was among the top Pop winners, collecting it's second BMI Pop Award thanks to the remake by Christina, Lil' Kim, Mya & Pink. The song was first recognized in 1975.
Source: BMI.com