Christina Aguilera just set Paper Magazine on fire—and we’re not talking about some mild candle-in-the-wind situation. Nope, this was a full-on, five-alarm blaze of fierceness that only Xtina could pull off. The pop diva graced the cover of Paper’s latest issue, and let me tell you, even the paper itself was sweating.
The legendary songbird was captured in all her glory by Erica Synder, who somehow managed not to combust while snapping photos of the ever-booked, ever-busy Aguilera. And why now, you ask? Well, it’s the 25th anniversary of Xtina’s self-titled debut album! Yes, the same album that made you awkwardly shimmy around your bedroom to “Genie in a Bottle” like you were also trapped inside one. But enough nostalgia, let’s talk about what really matters—Xtina’s love letter to her 2010 album, ‘Bionic.’ Yep, the album that was so ahead of its time, it probably came with a warning label: “Caution: This music is from the future. Your current ears may not be worthy.”
And guess what? Xtina agrees. In her own words, she said:
“Listen, ‘Bionic’ wasn’t a chart-topping, world-dominating monster hit. But that’s like saying a five-star meal isn’t a burger—sometimes people just aren’t ready for that level of gourmet greatness. I get so much love for this album, and trust me, when I’m long gone, people will be like, ‘Wow, we really didn’t deserve that. Our bad.’ I mean, come on, people, the music still slaps! And this isn’t about singles, it’s about the whole vibe. When future generations look back at what I did, they’ll say, ‘Xtina really understood the assignment.’”
Preach, Christina! As if that wasn’t enough, she took us all to school by explaining the album’s futuristic sound:
“I was vibing with electronica. M.I.A., Ladytron, Switch, John Hill—they were like, ‘Let’s build a sonic spaceship and blast off,’ and I was like, ‘Buckle up, I’m flying this thing.’ Look, pop culture sometimes just isn’t ready. I mean, when your album comes out 10 years too early, what can you do? But here’s the thing: I loved it then, and I still love it now. Performing ‘Bionic’ and ‘Vanity’ live is like driving a Ferrari—fun, fast, and makes you feel like you own the planet.”
And then she dropped some serious mom energy, comparing her albums to children. Because, of course, what’s more relatable than sending your art into the world like a nervous parent watching their kid walk into kindergarten?
“I’m like, ‘Okay world, here’s my baby, be nice!’ But also, I’m like, ‘You know what? Say what you want. I made this, it’s a part of me, and I’ll still love it even if you’re all meanies about it.’ If you’re a true artist, you don’t hide from criticism—you put yourself out there. And once you do, no one can take that away from you. Numbers and reviews? Pfft, those are just temporary. But my art? That’s forever, baby.”
Oh, and in case you thought Xtina was done, she took a parting shot at the music industry’s obsession with chart positions and sales.
“I’m not a robot cranking out the same track over and over again. That’s my nightmare. I see what’s happening in the world, and I want to make music that connects people. I’m a human, for crying out loud! Not some number-chasing machine. Sure, success is great—who doesn’t love a good trophy or two? But at the end of the day, I’m here for the art, not the corporate boardroom shenanigans. My creativity isn’t for sale, sweetie.”
Xtina, the queen of not caring about your charts, still slaying 25 years later, and doing it all with a smirk and a perfectly arched eyebrow. If you didn’t already love her, you clearly haven’t been paying attention.
