After stumbling vocally at Clive Davis' pre-Grammy bash Saturday night, I was bracing myself from the moment I saw Christina Aguilera make her diva-like entrance to the stage during the Grammy telecast. I knew she was singing the James Brown classic "It's Man's Man's Man's World" from a Gold Derby tip-off, but was afraid it was going to be a strained mess.
Christina Aguilera took the stage, and it was over. Forget about Beyonce, Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears -- this girl mopped the floor with all of their wigs, took names, and didn't stop to apologize. Not since Mary J. Blige's jaw-dropping performance of "No More Drama" back in 2002 have I been so moved by a live television performance. Everyone around me was speechless.
Entertainment Weekly raved "Everyone knows Aguilera's got pipes — but probably not even her most devoted fans could've imagined her channeling James Brown with the magnetic fervor she displayed tonight." They go on to say "Crouched on the floor, clutching the mic stand, and belting full-throttle from beginning to end, Xtina didn't so much sing 'It's a Man's Man's Man's World' as she did unleash it on her mesmerized audience. This is the 2007 Grammy performance to remember; the Godfather of Soul would be proud."
People magazine held a post-telecast poll in which people voted on the performance, and 90% of those that voted claimed there "ain't no other woman like Xtina". The official Grammy press release boasted "The mighty Aguilera delivered a memorable, perhaps legendary, performance of James Brown's 'It's A Man's World'." The Post-Gazette said "In a tribute to James Brown, Aguilera, in dazzling white suit, offered a scorching (and screaming) version of "It's a Man's Man's World."
I enjoyed most of the performances Sunday night, especially that of the laughing all the way to the Grammy press room Dixie Chicks, but the Philadelphia Inquirer was less than impressed than I -- with the exception of one woman. "Unfortunately, few of the performers made the most of their time, with many of the production numbers rehashing hits of decades ago, as if the music industry's best prescription for a troubled future was to listlessly revive the past. Exceptions included a knockout performance by Christina Aguilera on James Brown's 'It's a Man's Man's Man's World'."
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Clancy
Christina really made one her best performance to date.. proving COVE's countdown of naming her as the #1 best vocalist.
2 - Jim
Her performance stole the show! She is soooo much more than just a pop singer.
3 - Michael
I am one HUGE Christina Aguilera fan, and I always knew she had an amazing voice, but my jaw literally dropped when I saw her last night. That was the absolute best performance I've seen of her to date. I love love love her!!!
4 - Krystle
I have been an fan of Christina for years now and that performance assured me why I respect her as an artist. She is surely the best female vocalist her generation.
5 - xtinagodmotherofsoul
that was seriously a legensary performance..... noone can touch her now....
6 - Donna A.
I have always thought she had a nice voice. Better than any in her age group.
Donna A.
7 - T-Brown
Christina has set the stage for the next level of her career. We've known for years that she is more than a pop singer. Put this performance above the level of Michael Jackson on his first solo performance. I'm so glad that I was able to see it.
8 - Pako
your article is great. I'm not a fan of her and I admit she was oh so great. This girl is light years away ahead of other singers. Great review!
9 - Alexandra
meh, wasnt feeling it. She tries too hard.
10 - Chris Evans
"meh, wasnt feeling it. She tries too hard."
I dare to imagine what you'd think of James Brown perforances if you think SHE tried too hard.
11 - Samy
Christina gave a one-of-a-kind perfomance at the 2007 Grammy's, and the high note she hit (Besides the one by the end) was just shockingly mesmerizing!
A message to the world: The Genie has come a long way, y'all!
12 - LUIS
CHRISTINA AGUILERA, FUE LA MEJOR DE LA NOCHE Y ESA FORMA DE CANTAR NO SE OLVIDARA EN MUCHOS A'OS, ESTOY ORGULLOSO DE SER FAN DE UNA CANTANTE QUE SE CONSAGRA CON PURO TALENTO.
13 - TG
Still one of the best voices around, her performance had me in AWE. I couldn't help but to clap,..and I was at home!
14 - JEFF
BRITTNEY WHO ???
15 - Paul
I was not surprised to hear and see that performance. Her back-to-back songs, "Mercy On Me" and "Save Me From Myself" (Back To Basics album)show her unimaginable vocal command. As my voice teacher said, "What an instrument!" But, beyond the "instrument", she's an artist. That performace put her in a class by herself. It was stunning beyond words.
16 - amy
I LOVE Christina but am I the only one who heard the wrong high note. Don't get me wrong, she's the main reason I watched the show but I know what I heard, please someone else tell me they know what I'm talking about.
17 - Wanda
Christina is a 'real' singer. You cannot compare her to these 'want-to-be' singers! Hands down, she has it all tied-up. You definitely have to give credit where its due. Give it to her! So stop all of your negative comments! Christina is a 'REAL' singer! Everyone in the audience knew this, and everyone sitting at home could never, ever say Christina A. did not mesmerize them. On top of everything, she's beautiful and so refreshingly HUMBLE! Is that a package or what!
18 - crotchy the clown
Out`A control but totally under control-mission impossible.She and the old rollin stones would be once in a life time.
19 - odde
amazing! jaw-dropping!
20 - Anne
Well, honestly, i don't like her! BUT DAMN! The girls sings perfectly!
She really is perfect with a mic!