Christina Aguilera has said stars get 'subjected to a world of opinions that don't matter' as she reflected on more than 25 years in the music industry. The 45-year-old pop icon, who rose to fame as a Disney child star, has remained unapologetically herself despite constant scrutiny.
From Bubblegum Pop to 'Dirrty'
Aguilera was initially pitted against Britney Spears, but within three years of her debut single 'Genie In A Bottle', she forged her own path. She ditched the bubblegum look, dyed her hair black, and released 'Dirrty' to the horror of critics.
'There was nothing quite like the first time I got to feel super free in my body and in power. And that was for [studio album] Stripped,' she said. 'I've had my own fair share of opinions, starting with Stripped and chaps and all that.'
Family First
Despite her success, family comes first. Aguilera, who has son Max, 18, with ex-husband Jordan Bratman and 12-year-old daughter Summer Rain with fiancé Matt Rutler, stepped back from touring in 2011. She became a coach on The Voice US and landed film roles, including Burlesque, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination.
Now she takes on a 'big sister' role to younger stars. 'I love when I see the girlies out there doing it, setting their own boundaries. It's like a proud mama moment,' she said.
The Impact of Social Media
Aguilera, who has released nine albums and made an estimated £120 million fortune, remembers fame before social media. 'There's a good side and a downside with accessibility. On one hand, I miss more of the mystery involved [before social media] and how you had to wait and for anticipation to build,' she said.
'It's great to see that artists are able to support one another and can release things directly to their fans. But then you're also subjected to a world of opinions that don't matter.' She added that artists need 'a really thick skin' but also sensitivity to create.
New Projects
Aguilera, who performed at 4,500ft on an Austrian mountain in May this year, teased upcoming work. 'It's all brewing between motherhood and everything,' she said. 'I have some incredible ideas that are coming to life and a documentary that's been in the works coincided with the album. I'm very excited.'
