From ‘The Voice’ To ‘Nashville’: Christina Aguilera Goes A Little Bit Country

“I’m a little bit of Memphis and Nashville. With a Little bit of Motown in my soul.”

Fellow The Voice coach, Blake Shelton, may be rubbing off on Christina Aguilera. She appears to be going just “A Little Bit Country.” She has joined the cast of ABC’s Nashville for a guest appearance as pop-star Jade St. John. According to People, her character has always wanted to make a country album, but her label has refused to allow her to leave the pop world.

Making things even more interesting is the fact that Jade is the ex of character Jeff Fordham, a former music exec, that she will be working closely with. Christina Aguilera’s first Nashville episode will air April 15 at 10 ET/9 CT on ABC.

Nashville won’t be her only venture into country. It was just announced that she will be among the lineup of performers at the 50th annual American Country Music Awards. She will be performing “special duets with surprise artists,” the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. Some of the other performers include Nick Jonas, joined by Dan + Shay, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, and Rascal Flatts. Brooks & Dunn will also appear for their first televised performance in five years. You can watch the ACM Awards April 19 at 8 ET/7 CT on CBS.

The 34-year-old “Beautiful” singer has already enjoyed a broad, successful career that began at a young age. She recently discussed the moment she knew she wanted to be a singer. On The Voice clip, she shared that she “arrived from the womb” with music in her blood. However, she reminisced about being mesmerized by how free Julie Andrews appeared dancing and singing in The Sound of Music. She said from that moment on, she wanted to feel open and free like her. The fire Christina already had for music was fueled, and she knew it was what she wanted to do with her life. She also explained that music was her escape as a child, and it comforted her during chaotic times.

Tonight, Christina Aguilera will help fuel another artist’s dream by offering them the final steal of the season during the last knockout round. The contestants who make it through tonight will move on to the live rounds, where they fight to win it all. She said she’s waiting for something that shocks her. Last week, she let Cody Wickline go, because she wasn’t ready to sacrifice her one last steal. Which contestant will bring it tonight, and shock her enough to earn a spot on Team Xtina?

Watch The Voice Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 ET/7 CT.

[Image by Trae Patton/NBC]