Aguilera performed the track during the promotional campaign of '' Christina Aguilera '' . Aguilera performed the track at Franklin High , a Milwaukee high school ; the performance saw her live in front of 1,300 teenagers in a set list that consisted of three tracks : " Genie in a Bottle " , " The Christmas Song " and " What a Girl Wants " . Aguilera performed the song on the Jingle Ball for radio station Kiss 108 just days after the release of the music video , continuing promotion for the album . Later in December 1999 , Aguilera was chosen to perform on MTV 's live New Year 's Eve Special , which she commented on beforehand , saying " I 'm nervous about what 's going to go on that night . Everything 's going to be so chaotic " , wearing tight leather pants . Aguilera started with a performance of " Genie in a Bottle " , continuing into " What a Girl Wants " . Aguilera performed the song during the time in which she supported the band TLC on their FanMail Tour . She also performed the song at the American Music Awards in a medley with the third single from '' Christina Aguilera '' , " I Turn to You " ; wearing a " tummy-baring bodice " , she removed the skirt before performing " What a Girl Wants " in the medley-style performance
American Music Awards
American Music Awards of 2000
What a Girl Wants (Christina Aguilera song)