Christina first began performing at age six in school talent shows and became known as the 'little girl with a big voice.' At age eight, she appeared on the nationally syndicated 'Star Search,' using her runner-up winnings to buy a portable sound system so she could sing in the park. By the time she was 10, Christina was singing the National Anthem for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins.
And then, at twelve, she joined the ensemble cast of 'The New Mickey Mouse Club,' appearing on the Orlando-based show along with future stars Britney Spears, J.C. and Justin of 'N Sync, and Keri Russell of 'Felicity.' After two years, the show ended and Christina got the opportunity to travel overseas to further hone her musical skills.
In 1997, Christina performed in places as far flung as Tokyo, Japan (where she released a single with Keizo Nakanishi called 'All I Wanna Do') and Brasov, Romania, but always with her eye on the same goal. 'I always wanted to have my own album recorded and released before I graduated high school,' says Christina. She certainly took quick strides toward that goal.
In early 1998, after finishing some demos and shopping for a record deal, Christina auditioned to sing 'Reflection' for Disney's animated film 'Mulan.' The filmmakers needed someone 'who could hit a high E above middle C,' according to Christina, who then cut a one-take demo in her living room singing to a karaoke tape of Whitney Houston's 'I Wanna Run To You.'
The demo was rushed to Disney, and within a day, Christina was in a Los Angeles studio recording 'Reflection.' That same week, RCA Records signed her to a record contract.
'Mulan' premiered in June 1998, and 'Reflection' turned into a Top 15 A/C single, with Christina performing it live on 'CBS This Morning' and the 'Donnie & Marie Show.' 'Working on the 'Mulan' project was so unbelievable,' Christina said in June 1998.
'I seriously thought I wouldn't get the job because the song was so difficult. It's so cool to hear your voice in a theater.' The single went on to garner a Golden Globe Nomination for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture and Christina the attention of some of the best writers and producers in the industry.