Christina Aguilera’s most dramatic transformations

Christina Aguilera likely provided the soundtrack to much of your childhood and/or teenage years. A bonafide superstar, the pop powerhouse has changed musical styles about as often as she’s changed up her look — which, for the record, has been a common occurrence throughout the singer’s career.

After debuting — and losing — on Star Search, Aguilera certainly didn’t let that her get down. She went on to make numerous hit records, carving out a name for herself as a bonafide pop star. The “Genie in a Bottle” songstress has never been one to remain all bottled up, however — constantly expressing her evolving interests, musical tastes, and ideals through both her creative works and her outward appearance. No matter the look, you can be sure Aguilera has made a headline for it. That’s just the show-stopping, attention-grabbing kind of gal she is. Here’s an inside look at Aguilera’s evolving styles, from the very beginning.

Everyone gets their start somewhere. For little Christina Aguilera, that somewhere just happened to be national television. The year was 1990 and Star Search was in its prime. Hosted by famed announcer Ed McMahon, the popular talent show was Aguilera’s first television appearance. She sang the heck out of “A Sunday Kind of Love,” belting the beyond-her-years lyrics with the signature growl audiences have come to know and love. Dressed in a super sparkly black sweater, complete with straight bangs and a half ponytail, Aguilera’s look could best be described as quintessential 90s girl. Totes adorbs.

With those pipes and undeniable stage presence, Aguilera was a shoe-in for the win, right? Wrong. The future chart-topper lost to Christopher Eason, and it seems that Aguilera hasn’t forgotten the first boy to break her heart. “My mom made me, you know, be a good sport, go up and congratulate Christopher Eason,” the star told Jay Leno in 2012 about her losing experience. Diva who?