Christina Aguilera isn’t changing herself for anyone.
As one of the most iconic singers of all-time, it would probably surprise you to know the music industry didn’t always have faith in the superstar. Despite being a household name for songs like “Fighter,” “Beautiful,” and “Genie in a Bottle,” the Ecuadorian singer revealed she was once advised to change a part of her identity because it was “too ethnic.”
"I remember when I was first coming up, there was a big debate around me on changing my last name because all the businessmen around me thought it was too long, too complicated, and too ethnic,” Xtina recalled in an interview with Billboard.
“‘Christina Agee' was an option, but that clearly wasn't going to fly,” she added. “I was dead set against the idea and I wanted to represent who I really was. Being Latina, it is a part of my heritage and who I am."
What’s more, this wasn’t the first time the “Candyman” singer’s last name was called into question. "There was another time in my childhood when I was being asked to legally change my name to my stepfather's to be legally adopted and I was again dead set against it,” Aguilera revealed. “I've been fighting for my last name my whole life.”
As fans know, Aguilera is deeply connected to her Latinx roots, and even unveiled her first and only Spanish-language album, Mi Reflejo, in 2000 — and says it still holds a special place in her heart.
"It was a beautiful thing to experience success in different markets and have a diverse fan base that grew in appreciating who I am," she said. "My message, as in all my music, stands for being fearless to explore who you are. It's never too late to open a new door. Although it's scary to dive into territory that isn't your first language, it still doesn't erase who I am and how I want to express myself in all aspects of what intrigues and inspires me."
For inquiring minds, Aguilera previously announced her plans to release another Latin music album.
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