Christina Aguilera, one of the most iconic voices from the early 2000s, is marking the 25th anniversary of her debut self-titled album with a fresh take that bridges the past and present. To commemorate this milestone, Aguilera has teamed up with pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter for a special Spotify reimagining of her classic hits. The project, set to release exclusively on September 23rd, revisits some of Aguilera’s biggest tracks, including “Genie In A Bottle,” “Come On Over,” and “What A Girl Wants,” alongside new stories and perspectives on the original recordings.
The anniversary special will feature not only Carpenter but also contributions from Machine Gun Kelly, adding a modern twist to Aguilera’s nostalgic hits. Reflecting on her decision to revisit her iconic album, Aguilera shared her excitement with Rolling Stone: “I wanted to celebrate the 25th anniversary of my debut album in a way that brings together the past and present. I’ve always enjoyed reimagining my songs with different styles and audiences, as well as playing with sounds and arrangements that showcase how all music can be timeless.”
Aguilera’s debut album was a pivotal moment in pop history. Released in 1999, it propelled her to stardom and earned her the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2000. Since then, she has collected a total of five Grammys and solidified her legacy as one of the best-selling artists of all time. Known for her constant reinvention, Aguilera has continuously evolved her sound and image, from the bubblegum pop of her early years to the bold and edgy persona seen in her 2002 album, Stripped. Her influence has permeated pop culture for decades, with artists like Kylie Jenner even dressing as Aguilera for Halloween in 2016, recreating her iconic look from the “Dirrty” music video.
The Spotify special aims to honor the legacy of Aguilera’s debut while introducing it to new audiences. Speaking about the experience of recording the project, Aguilera described it as both “magical and nostalgic,” sharing that it allowed her to reconnect with her career’s formative moments. “I laughed, cried, reconnected with old friends, and made some very special new ones. I hope this anniversary gift is just as special for you to watch as it was for me to make.”
Carpenter, who was born the same year that Christina Aguilera was released, has long cited Aguilera as a major influence on her music. In an interview with Paper Magazine, Carpenter expressed her admiration for the pop star, saying, “Christina Aguilera was one of my very first idols and icons. Those songs raised me.”
Ahead of the special’s premiere, Aguilera and Carpenter shared a playful teaser on social media, hinting at the dynamic partnership between the two artists. The clip showcases their chemistry and highlights the blend of old and new that defines the anniversary project.
As Aguilera continues to celebrate her enduring impact on the music industry, the 25th-anniversary special serves as both a tribute to her legacy and a testament to the timeless appeal of her music. Fans can catch the special on Spotify starting September 23rd, as Aguilera and Carpenter bring a fresh perspective to some of pop music’s most memorable tracks.