Christina Aguilara: Great Talent Wasted

Christina Aguilara is often described as having a "big voice." Well, I'd like to know where the devil it's been hiding all these years. She's in her mid-30s already. I sure hope she starts showing off her vocal talent before age begins wearing down her voice.

The "Genie in a bottle" song is a travesty, considering how well she can truly sing. Women with minimal singing talent, such as Avril Lavigne, Norah Jones and Jessica Simpson, should sing this type of song. (And just because Jones cleaned up with eight Grammys doesn't mean she has a great voice; it only means that, the combination of her sound with the musical arrangement had widespread appeal; this is not a function of singing proficiency.)

But a hidden powerhouse like Aguilara should be singing a style similar to that of Whitney Houston, Celine Dion or Barbara Streisand. I can tell by listening to Aguilara's caterwauling that she truly possesses extraordinary vocals. But she wastes them on a gimmicky, hip-hop-like style, or whatever you wish to call it.

I know what you're thinking: She's apparently done everything right because she's made a fortune in the recording industry and has sell-out concerts.

Of course! And because she's made a fortune, she has nothing to lose by singing songs, for once, that showcase her skills. Any high school choir girl can sing "Genie in a bottle." Let's fact it: That type of "singing" requires very minor abilities.

I once heard Aguilara singing a popular Christmas song-can't remember the name-but I was floored. That's when my suspicion that she had a great singing voice was confirmed. She sung it Whitney-style.

Never mind that she's making millions without having to sing for real. It's not about the money. Look at Elvis Presley. He crossed over to several singing styles. LeAnn Rimes and Linda Ronstadt also crossed over; certainly never hurt their careers.

Besides, what about the personal satisfaction of showing the world what you can really do? Many people think Aguilara makes nothing but a lot of noise, a lot of haphazard hollering. As the saying goes, "You call that SINGING?"