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July 24, 2000 Tour
2000 Review:
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Christina in concert |
TRAVERSE CITY -- With chairs lacing the sidewalk and tents scattered about the lawn, eager fans waited in early April - for not only warmth - but also for tickets to see teen pop sensation Christina Aguilera.
On Wednesday night, they got both.
'We camped out for two nights in the cold to see her,' said Rachel Werk who was seated smack dab in the front row. Her sister Nicole was quick to add, 'Christina is the best!'
The Traverse Bay Casino Resort Music Stage was literally ablaze as the setting sun reflected a colorful array of light over screaming fans and spectators who had gathered at the Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds to hear and see the 2000 Grammy winner Aguilera.
Drums set the beat as hands took to the sky, waving wildly back and forth in prelude to the entrance of Aguilera.
Dressed in white, flowing garb, the superstar brought the house down on her opening number, 'Genie In A Bottle.'
As children wept at the sight of the singer, parents just smiled at their kids' delight.
'She has a nice soulful voice that will definitely take her places,' said Lorie Short, who brought her two young daughters to enjoy the show.
Best known for her Grammy nominated hit, 'Genie In A Bottle,' Aguilera hit the road to promote her first CD. The Cherry Capital is only one stop in her United States/Canada tour, which began this month and will run through October.
The night of music and dance was kicked off by newcomer Alecia Elliot, whose twangy pop voice gives new meaning to Country Western. Elliot released her first song, 'I'm Diggin' It' to radio in September of 1999 and just completed recording her newest album scheduled to debut in January of this year.
A Pittsburgh native, Aguilera began her singing career at a young age after being discovered on Star Search at age 8. Following her appearance on the show, Aguilera was given a spot on the New Mickey Mouse Club alongside fellow Mousketeers Britney Spears, 'N Sync's J.C. and Justin and Felicity star Keri Russel.
After two successful years on the show, Aguilera followed in her mother's musical footsteps and began touring in Japan and Europe.
Upon returning to the states in 1998, she auditioned and was later chosen to sing 'Reflection,' the theme song from Disney's animated picture, 'Mulan.' The song instantly became a Top 15 hit and a Golden Globe nominee for best song from a motion picture.
At age 18, Aguilera has only begun to get a glimpse of the musical industry. In addition to her 2000 Grammy win for Best New Artist, the blond-haired, blue-eyed success story has released new tracks off her self-titled CD such as 'What A Girl Wants' and 'I Turn To You,' a CD that has sold over 8 million copies.
'She is such a talented young person who really goes for her goals,' said 16-year-old fan Abby Warszawski.
And talent she had as a sold out crowd rose to their feet in awe of the singer who, in the words of Carrie Legner, 'is just the best.'
As the sun dipped its way behind the horizon, sparkling eyes filled with amazement lit up the night sky. Whether a genie or not, Aguilera was out of the bottle Wednesday night, granting everyone's wish for an unforgettable concert.
- Emily Flynn for the Michigan Record-Eagle