Christina first began performing at age six in school talent shows. At age eight, she appeared on the nationally syndicated 'Star Search,' at ten she sang 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 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."

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