After she tore up the stage with the scorching number where she did justice to the late great soul singer — emulating him like a pro — the entire stadium leapt to its feet. Jamie Foxx and Dixie Chick Martie Maguire were among those who looked floored by the electrifying performance. You could read Jamie's lips as he smirked and said "That's the shit right there", and Martie turned to the person next to her and said "Wow."
Within hours of the telecast, Aguilera's now Grammy winning album Back to Basics (she won her fourth for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Ain't No Other Man") shot from near #400 all the way to #23 on Amazon.com, and I would say expect that same kind of jump on the Billboard chart come next week.
Often criticized for her emotionless oversinging as she is for her sexy image, Aguilera surprised even me, a long time fan. She pulled this performance from the depths of her soul and spilled it all over that stage like it was her dying day. I was so speechless and floored by the performance it took me a few seconds to realize I had tears in my eyes.
James Brown is smiling in his grave.
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!
21 - jrock1956
LAdies and Gentleman! That was a historic performance. She has added to her fan base tenfold with that! I've been a James Brown fan since about 1966. And this was the real deal. It will change the way she performs from now own!
22 - Nikii
Christina will go down as the best singer of our time..not Madonna, Brittany and let me laugh Jessica Simpson......when she made Lady Marmalade ....Pink specically said she has never heard a voice like that...(not an exact quote_....
23 - rw2336
OH MY GOD!! I literally had chills up my spine. Christina's voice is so amazing. I am a Christina Aguilera fan but she really surprised me with this one. I was floored! I had to download her performance immediately and I can't stop watching it.
24 - Ken Edwards
There is no way that was Christina Aguilera. That was quite unexpected.
25 - Angela
Hands down best performance of the night. I don't know about having tears in my eyes (lol), but you have to give Cristina A. respect. She defiantly is the Voice of her generation. This is coming from somebody that can't stand her.