After Dinner Speakers: Christina Aguilera, Engelbert Humperdinck, Richard Briers

Back in the USA in early 1998, Aguilera recorded "Reflection" for the soundtrack of Disney's full-length animation Mulan. Her rapid ascent to stardom continued when she signed to RCA Records shortly afterwards. Her debut album was recorded with a host of leading songwriters and producers. "Genie In A Bottle", a lightweight swingbeat number with an infectious hookline, went to the top of the US charts in July 1999. Written by UK-based songwriter Pam Sheyne, the single stayed at the top for 5 weeks, making it the biggest selling US single of the year. The other tracks on Aguilera's self-titled debut included upbeat dance anthem "Love Will Find A Way", soulful ballad "So Emotional", and the requisite Diane Warren blockbuster, "I Turn To You". The album entered the US album chart at number 1 in September. A month later "Genie In A Bottle" entered the UK singles chart at number 1. Aguilera proved herself a genuine rival for Spears' teen pop crown when she returned to the top of the US charts in January 2000 with "What A Girl Wants" and again in October with "Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)". In a shrewd marketing ploy, she then released a Spanish-language collection of her hits, Mi Reflejo, and the seasonal My Kind Of Christmas. Aguilera enjoyed a transatlantic chart-topper the following summer with a cover version of LaBelle's "Lady Marmalade', recorded with Lil" Kim, Mya and Pink for the soundtrack of the movie Moulin Rouge.