Christina María Aguilera (/æɡɪˈlɛərə/; Spanish: [aɣiˈleɾa];[1] born December 18, 1980) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. Referred to as the "Voice of a Generation", she is credited as one of the artists responsible for reviving teen pop in the late 1990s and using her vocal ability to address such topics as sexuality, feminism, and domestic violence. She has frequently reinvented her image, becoming known for her risqué and unconventional looks. Her works have generated both critical praise and controversy in the media, with which Aguilera is often cited as an influence by other artists.
Upon launching her music career in the late nineties, Aguilera was cited as one of the artists who shaped the "Latin explosion",[324][325] in addition to contributed to the Latin pop boom in American music in early of the century.[326] Considered one of the greatests artists of the 2000s,[327][328] she has been classified between the main references of the Millennials;[329] writing for Vice magazine, Wanna Thompson analyzed her impact in the turn of the century, stating that alongside Britney Spears, "Aguilera dominated mainstream pop-related discussions. [Her] perfectly packaged music and looks appealed to tweens and teens who wanted to be like the pretty, chart-topping pop stars plastered everywhere".[330] The commercial success of her first projects as a bubblegum pop singer caused an effect that influenced record labels to invest in new artists who attracted the same youthful appeal, catapulting names like Jessica Simpson and Mandy Moore.[331][332]

Critics also highlighted the impact of her work in popular culture; while Stripped (2002) was cited as "the blueprint for divas making the transition from teen idol to adult pop star",[333] Aguilera is credited for "paving the way for a generation of pop singers".[334][335] Jeff Benjamin from Billboard stated that the album explored a "process of self-identification and declaration still influencing today's mainstream scene", in addition to "how of today's biggest pop stars have followed a similar path, exploring and incorporating these strategies into their careers".[308] In 2007, her self-titled debut album was added to the definitive list from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, being recognized as one of the "history's most influential and popular albums".[336] Since then, Aguilera and her work have influenced various recording artists including Ariana Grande,[337] Ava Max,[338] Camila Cabello,[339] Demi Lovato,[340] Dua Lipa,[341] Grimes,[342] Halsey,[343] Karol G,[344] Kelly Clarkson,[185] Lady Gaga,[345] Miley Cyrus,[346] Olivia Rodrigo,[347] Rina Sawayama,[348] Rosalía,[349] Sabrina Carpenter,[350] Sam Smith,[351] Selena Gomez,[352] and Tinashe,[353] as well some athletes like figure skater Johnny Weir,[354] ice dancers Zachary Donohue and Madison Hubbell,[355] and swimmer Dana Vollmer.