A Night to Remember at Sips and Sounds with Christina Aguilera
by Christina Zamudio
For years, the community concerts at Auditorium Shores in Austin have been a highlight of my spring. Recently, however, the Coca-Cola-sponsored Sips and Sounds festival has made this venue its home, and this year’s primary draw was none other than Christina Aguilera. Although she reached her peak during my parents’ era, the power of her voice transcends generations. After 19 years of absence from Austin, I decided to attend the show with my mother, cherishing the opportunity to witness a music icon.
While Aguilera was the main event, the anticipation for rising star Ravyn Lenae and the dynamic electronic group Major Lazer kept me on my toes.
The Polished Singer: Ravyn Lenae
My familiarity with Ravyn Lenae mainly revolved around her hit “Love Me Not,” which had already created quite a buzz. Upon her arrival on stage, it was evident that her musical range extended far beyond what I expected. From the very first note, her smooth vocals captivated the audience, showcasing versatility that seamlessly blended new-wave, Caribbean, and house beats. Listening to her perform felt like being enveloped in a warm embrace; her style echoed artists like Doja Cat and Janet Jackson yet had a unique flair of its own.
A standout moment in Lenae’s set was her playful interaction with the crowd. She humorously referenced a fan’s DM, stating, “if she didn’t play ‘Free Room,’ then she’s homophobic.” This lively club track—punctuated by her soulful melodies and cheeky lyrics—was a fun testament to her budding talent.
The emotional depth of her performance shone through in “One Wish,” where she confronted her strained relationship with her father. Lyrics like “called me on my birthday, thought you’d be on your way…still not seeing your face” resonated profoundly. Lenae closed her powerhouse set with the audience joining in for a rousing rendition of “Love Me Not,” underscored by an electrifying guitar solo that left the crowd craving more.
Learn more about Ravyn Lenae here.
The Party Starters: Major Lazer
What comes next in the lineup is nothing short of electrifying: Major Lazer, the electronic group famed for their crowd-thumping beats. With Diplo and Ape Drums at the helm and the vivacious America Foster bringing life to the stage, they turned it into a dance party right from the start. The audience was encouraged to engage physically—swaying, getting low, and even participating in the classic Cha Cha Slide. Foster’s enthusiasm was contagious; her energy radiated, and it wasn’t long before she was dancing in the crowd with fans.
Their set was a nostalgic blend of popular tracks, seamlessly mashed up including favorites like “Gasolina,” “Voices in My Head,” and “Sandstorm.” A standout mashup that brought many audience members back to their middle school days included Skrillex’s “Killers in the Jungle.” With every punchy beat, the performance transported us back to school dances filled with laughter, excitement, and an infectious sense of youth.
Keep up with Major Lazer here.
The Pop Princess: Christina Aguilera
Anticipation reached a fever pitch as Christina Aguilera graced the stage. My initial apprehensions about her vocal prowess quickly faded as she launched into her 2002 anthem “Dirrty.” Her vocal strength, commanding stage presence, and stunning visuals captured the audience from the get-go. One hit followed the next—“Can’t Hold Us Back,” an electrifying remix of “Genie in a Bottle,” and the empowering “Fighter” left fans cheering and singing along with abandon.
After a whirlwind of hits—each one more powerful than the last—Aguilera paused to introduce herself. Her heartfelt dedication of “What a Girl Wants” connected deeply, as she thanked the audience for their unwavering support over the years. The personal touch continued as she shared the backstory of her song “Say Something,” reflecting on a time of searching for hope and encouraging the crowd to lean on their loved ones.
A Journey Through Musical Eras
Aguilera’s set was a journey through her multifaceted career, capturing the essence of her evolution as an artist. From her teenage debut to her edgier “dirrty” phase, she seamlessly transitioned through various eras, performing “Burlesque” from the 2010 film of the same name. The night took an exhilarating turn when she belted out “Lady Marmalade,” flawlessly hitting every note—even for Mya’s and P!nk’s verses.
The energy peaked with her emotional rendition of “Beautiful,” which evoked tears from my mother, juxtaposed with the nostalgia of “Feel This Moment,” transporting me back to 2013. In striking visual fashion, the evening closed with a powerful message of love during her performance of “Let There Be Love.” As fireworks erupted against the night sky, the words “Let Love In” shone brightly on the screen, encapsulating the essence of the evening.
The level of talent displayed throughout the night from all performers was awe-inspiring. I’ve seen my fair share of pop divas—Katy Perry, P!nk, Lady Gaga—but Christina outshined them all with her unparalleled live vocals, solidifying her status as a music powerhouse.
For those who missed the magic or wish to relive it, Christina has made her entire performance available on her YouTube channel, @ChristinaAguileraTV01:
