This summer will mark 25 years since Christina Aguilerasfirst singleand debut album arrived to transform the pop paradigm.
Since then, shes goneretroandfuturistic; been both a Disney darling and a champion of chaps.
(After a short break,her show continues in early February.)
Photo: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
So the question was, How do we do something that feels new?
The result: She looked as spectacular as she sounded.
Voguecaught up with the star to chat about her new chapter.
Photo: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Vogue: Congratulations on your new residency!
I got to see the show, and it was incredible.
Christina Aguilera:We had such an amazing opening week, and it just couldnt have gone better.
Photo: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
I was so proud of my band and my dancers.
Everyone kind of gave up their holiday to put on the show by New Years.
I was so appreciative of everyones time on it and dedication to the project.
Photos: left, Denise Truscello/Getty; right, courtesy of Mugler
This year will be 25 years since your debut album,Christina Aguilera,came out.
Its a beautiful thing.
You rang in the new year on stage during the second night of your show.
Photos: left, Denise Truscello/Getty; right, courtesy of Asher Levine
Is there a word that represents 2024 for you?
She wants to take drum lessonsshe isaboutit.
She gives me so much love and support.
My manager will be like, Shes coming for my job!
So we told will.i.am that, and he was like, Oh my God, shes yourdaught-ager.
So daught-ager is the word of the year.
Its just so cute.
Ive never felt so loved by probably anyone in my life as I do my little angel face.
Shes just so supportive, such a light.
I love that term, daught-ager.
Thats 100% what she is.
We need to go.
Shes going to be on this earth to watch over you and protect and support you.
And Im like,Oh, really?
And literally shes embodying that, and its just the most beautiful….
I could cry thinking about it.
I dont want to cry today!
She marches to the beat of her own drum, and shes just a little firecracker.
What was the creative process of designing this show like?
Did it teach you anything new about yourself?
I think its easy for people to get complacent or comfortable.
I was drawn to doing a show like this from the ground up.
When you release an album, you base the creative off that.
But since we dont have that, I based it off this particular venue.
Its this club, Belle De Nuit, named for the flower that blossoms at night.
I leaned into building the show around this moody, intricate, intimate space.
Diamonds are also an intertwined theme.
I sing Diamonds Are Forever by Shirley Bassey.
Its an era and a character that I tap into very comfortably.
There are many incredible looks throughout the show.
What was the process of creating the costumes?
With belle de nuit as the flower, we wanted to play that up with the costuming.
What else is my favorite?
I love the Mugler.
Everyone just brought it together and brought it to life, the vision I had for the show.
So, super proud of it.
And super proud of the team.
Oh, thank you.
I never really go by whats popular.
So Ill take ahead of its time any day.
WithStripped,I was fighting double standards with sexuality, and backlash from these messages that depicted real-life situations.
Another thing to be grateful for after 25 years.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
