Honestly, walking into a movie theater in 2010 to see Burlesque, nobody really knew what to expect. Was it going to be a campy disaster? A glittery masterpiece? It turned out to be a bit of both, but the second Christina Aguilera Something's Got a Hold on Me kicked in during the opening sequence, the vibe was set. It wasn't just a cover. It was a statement.
Most people recognize the song as an Etta James classic from 1962. It’s a gospel-soaked R&B powerhouse. But Christina didn't just sing it; she basically redesigned it for a modern, high-gloss cinematic world. It served as the perfect introduction to her character, Ali, a small-town girl with "vocal fireworks" looking for a big break.
The track is barely three minutes long, yet it manages to bridge the gap between 1960s soul and 2010s pop production.
The Tricky Stewart Magic Behind the Sound
When Christina Aguilera sat down to record the Burlesque soundtrack, she was coming off the Bionic era, which was very electronic and experimental. For this movie, she wanted to go back to the "brass-heavy" roots she explored on Back to Basics in 2006. She brought in Christopher "Tricky" Stewart to produce.
Tricky Stewart is the guy behind massive hits like Rihanna's "Umbrella" and Beyoncé's "Single Ladies." You’d think his style would be too "synth" for an Etta James cover, but he nailed the balance. He kept the "big bottom-end bass" but layered it with old-school horn pops that make the song feel live and dangerous.
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The recording sessions featured a killer lineup of musicians:
- Alex Al on acoustic bass.
- Michael Neuble on drums.
- Robert Bacon on guitar.
- Eddie Brown on the piano.
It wasn't just a singer in a booth with a MIDI keyboard. It was a full-band effort designed to sound like a "showstopper." They recorded it in the key of D♭ major, which is a sweet spot for Christina to show off those "loop-de-loops" and vocal tics that fans love and critics sometimes find "distracting."
Why This Version Actually Works
Purists usually hate it when a pop star touches Etta James. It’s risky. Etta’s original is gritty and grounded. Christina’s version is... well, it’s a lot. But in the context of the film, that "extra-ness" is the point.
The song functions as a narrative device. In the movie, Ali is literally packing her bags in Iowa, leaving a "hollow past." The lyrics about "feeling all right" and "shaking all over" aren't just about love in this version; they're about the adrenaline of chasing a dream.
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"I never felt like this before, someone's got a hold of me and won't let go."
Critics from outlets like Blogcritics noted that the song suited her voice perfectly, arguing that she "digs in" in a way few other modern singers can. While some compared her to Whitney or Mariah—noting she lacks their "restraint"—others argue that for a burlesque-themed movie, restraint would have been a mistake.
Comparing the Original vs. the Burlesque Version
If you listen to the 1962 original, it starts with that iconic a cappella "Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh" that has been sampled a thousand times (most notably by Avicii in "Levels" and Flo Rida in "Good Feeling"). Etta’s version feels like a Sunday morning in a Southern church.
Christina’s version, which appears on the Burlesque Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, leans harder into the "big band" aesthetic.
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- Tempo: Christina's version feels slightly more frantic, matching the energy of a girl running away to Los Angeles.
- Instrumentation: There’s a much heavier emphasis on the brass section. The "horn pops" are sharper.
- Vocal Gymnastics: While Etta stayed in a soulful pocket, Christina uses the bridge to do what she does best—growls, high-note belts, and runs that span nearly two octaves.
It’s interesting to note that the soundtrack was actually nominated for a Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. It even won a Japan Gold Disc Award. Even if the movie got mixed reviews for being "campy," the music—led by this track—was universally acknowledged as high-quality.
The Legacy of the Song in 2026
You might think a movie song from 2010 would fade away, but Christina Aguilera Something's Got a Hold on Me has had a weirdly long shelf life. It’s a staple for drag performances, vocal competitions, and workout playlists. Honestly, it’s one of those songs that’s impossible to sit still to.
It also marked a pivotal moment for Christina. It proved she could handle "legacy" material without losing her own identity. Following the commercial struggle of Bionic, the Burlesque soundtrack was a moderate success, peaking at number 18 on the Billboard 200 and going Platinum in places like New Zealand.
If you’re looking to really appreciate the technical side of the song, check out the live performance she did on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien during the movie’s promotion. Seeing her hit those notes live, without the studio polish, reminds you why they call her the "Voice of a Generation."
Actionable Insights for Fans and Vocalists:
- Listen for the Bass: Next time you play the track, focus on Alex Al’s acoustic bass lines. It’s the "secret sauce" that keeps the song grounded despite the loud horns.
- Vocal Study: If you're a singer, notice how she uses "vocal fry" and "growls" on the words "heavy" and "light." It’s a masterclass in adding texture to a vocal line.
- Playlist Pairing: This track fits perfectly in a "Diva Power" playlist alongside Lady Gaga's "Bang Bang" or Cher’s "Welcome to Burlesque."
- Watch the Movie: To get the full impact, watch the opening scene of the film. The editing is timed perfectly to the drum hits of the song.
Whether you're an Etta James devotee or a "Fighter" through and through, there’s no denying the energy here. It’s a rare case of a cover that respects the source material while dragging it—kicking and screaming—into the 21st century.