OCTOBER 2002
- back to current news -

�WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2002

'Stripped' In Stores Now!

Christina's new album Stripped is finally in stores! Be sure to pick up your copy if you haven't yet!

_____________________________________
One-Day Sales: Christina Kicks It Up A Notch

Here's something you might not have heard in a while: It's a good day at retail.

Indeed, giving the nation's purveyors of records a boost and letting a little sunshine in are Eminem's 8 Mile soundtrack (Shady/Interscope), Nirvana's "You Know You're Right"-featuring Nirvana compilation (Geffen) and Christina Aguilera's Stripped (RCA). In the early going, each is meeting or beating sales expectations, according to reports from national accounts.

Aguilera's Stripped, the concept for which she demonstrates amply on the cover of the current Drooling Stone, looks like it will move about 300k, possibly pushing to 325k by week's end. [Doing so would place her at No. 2, behind Eminem's 700k prediction.]

Source: HITS Daily Double

_____________________________________
TRL Update

Yesterday on TRL "Dirrty" jumped a spot to number 2, and today she jumped another spot to regain the number 1 position!

_____________________________________
'Dirrty' Work

The inside story of Christina Aguilera's new album. Producers Rockwilder and Linda Perry explain how Aguilera tried to get real on "Stripped"'s singles. By Brian Hiatt. Read...

_____________________________________
New York Post Album Review

CHRISTINA AGUILERA
"Stripped"
RCA

The real genie in the bottle that Christina Aguilera lets out on her new album "Stripped" is part blues mama, part gangsta girl - and totally sexy.

With the success of her '99 debut, Aguilera used her star clout to make a record she could be proud of, rather than one that a record company twerp thinks will sell.

Gone is the Swedish schlock; in its place is a healthy dose of R&B, Latinized pop, hip-hop and what Aguilera does best - the blues.

Whether it's a ballad like "Fighter" that erupts into a rocker by the end or the smooth groove of "Loving Me 4 Me," she's singing with a full-blown, woman-in-charge-of-her-life attitude.

That's the common thread of this disc as it strips away facades for the sake of self discovery - and that's how this record maintains its consistency as well as its power.

Aguilera's vocals pull like a train, from her smoldering middle tones to a hard soprano on "Underappreciated," a song that closely taps into the sexy funk of "Lady Marmalade."

Where her voice is weakest is on the straight-ahead rockers such as "Makeover." The flamenco-referenced percussions and reverb surf guitars are too forceful, making her vocals sound thin.

It is a very slight misstep over the course of 20 tracks. Listen instead for her much better duet with Redman on "Dirrty" and her Latin-flavored ballad "Infatuation."

This is the album that will sustain Aguilera's career. It has honesty, passion and gives her the kind of credibility that isn't even within reach of most teen-pop stars.

_____________________________________
Aguilera Sells 'Dirrty' Image, But Will Fans Buy It?

By Joan Anderman, Globe Staff

"Stripped" is the album title. "Dirrty" is the single. Welcome to Christina Aguilera's adulthood - in stores today - a raunchy place devoid of genies in bottles and girls in clothing. Help yourself to rough sex and crotch shots. Cast your gaze on Xtina, the brawling girl in the video for "Dirrty." You can't miss her: X marks the spot on the back of her pink panties.

We should have seen it coming. When Aguilera, now 21, made her debut in 1999, she was the grown-up belter to Britney Spears's saucy schoolgirl. She wore a nice sweater and carefully parted hair, but Aguilera could bust it out. She sang about what a girl wants. Last year's "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack hit, "Lady Marmalade," it turns out, was merely the high-tart transitional stage in Aguilera's brazen transformation.

Now we know what the girl really wants. But in Aguilera's line of work, self-realization doubles as imagemongering, and the question is: Does anyone want to buy what she's selling these days? The first single, "Dirrty," tanked at radio. The hip-hop-flavored tune - a paint-by-numbers provocation featuring the rapper Redman lustfully calling her filthy and Aguilera grunting in reply - peaked at No. 48 on Billboard's Hot 100.

"Sometimes when young artists have success with their debut, they think they can do anything and people will like it," says Kid David, music director and assistant program director at KISS-108 (WXKS-FM, 107.9). But our research on `Dirrty' was horrible. We pulled it pretty fast. The song is, well, pretty dirty, she's half-naked in the video, and it's not what she does best. The label shipped the second single, `Beautiful,' on Friday. It's a much better song, and I think it will go Top 5. It's the Christina people want."

"Beautiful" is one of four songs co-written and produced by Linda Perry, formerly of the rock band 4 Non Blondes and a creative force behind Pink's recent album. It's a meaty ballad, and Aguilera transcends the ostentatious riffs and standard-issue come-ons to find the cracks in her voice and the meaning in the song - which is the polar opposite of "Dirrty." In a recent interview Perry told Entertainment Weekly that Aguilera went against the advice of her label and management in picking "Dirrty" as the first single from "Stripped."

Dave Gottlieb, the senior VP of marketing at RCA who's handling the "Stripped" campaign, insists that all is going according to plan.

"Christina was sure about how she wanted to present herself, and we have to respect the artist," says Gottlieb. "The only disappointment we have is that it hasn't done as well at radio as we believe it should have. As far as what else `Dirrty' has done? People are talking about the song and the video. I mean, this is the umpteenth interview I've done about her image. People know Christina is back."

Mission accomplished.

As for the video - it's a David LaChapelle clip with the singer in an undies-and-chaps ensemble thrusting and grinding with a posse of sweaty near-naked boys and girls. Its hard-sell sexuality has been the subject of much discussion, a good deal of ridicule, and at least one television parody.

"When people see this video, they gonna stop thinking of me as some blonde-haired, bubblegum music-industry 'ho - and start thinking of me as an actual 'ho." That's guest host Sarah Michelle Gellar as Christina Aguilera in a "Saturday Night Live" sketch that aired two weeks ago. "It's not skanky enough!" she yells over and over again at the director.

The artist was reportedly amused by the sendup. "I'm ready to fight/I don't need nobody to make me over" she snaps on the feisty pop tune "Make Over," a good example of the grittier, confrontational stance she's aiming for on the new album. Aguilera swears up and down that she doesn't care what people think of her. And the fact is, there's more to her and to this album than the strictly carnal.

For every paean to getting off there are twice as many old-school soul tunes (Alicia Keys wrote and produced "Impossible"), rock songs ("Fighter" is one misguided foray, complete with power chords from alternative guitar-hero Dave Navarro), and self-empowerment ballads ("The Voice Within," a collaboration with Glen Ballard, who helmed Alanis Morissette's "Jagged Little Pill").

"Stripped" is an overlong, uneven declaration of independence. It shouldn't surprise anyone, though, that an overwhelmed girl just out of her teens might go a bit overboard claiming her freedom. It happens all the time, just not in the global spotlight. The thing is, Aguilera really can sing, and when the furor fades, it might be worthwhile to listen.

Source: The Boston Globe

�MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2002

AOL 'Stripped' Listening Party



Every Monday America Online holds listening parties for upcoming albums allowing you to hear them before they hit stores. Today Stripped is the main album featured. Join the party by going to AOL Keyword: Listening Party.

_____________________________________
TRL Update

"Dirrty" slipped from number 2 to 3 on today's TRL. Make sure to vote and let's try to get Christina back at number 1 for the release of Stripped tomorrow!

_____________________________________
RollingStone.com Album Review

Christina Aguilera Stripped (RCA)

It's a shame that the first single from Stripped is "Dirrty." It's hard to hear the song without conjuring up that Girls Gone Wild: Beyond Thunderdome video. And more important, "Dirrty" completely misrepresents the rest of the album. The title of Stripped screams "Look at my privates!" but the quieter message is "Be true to yourself." With its lack of gimmickry and surplus of sweet Seventies soul, Stripped is an album for grown-ups. The sophisticated fare includes the torchy can't-let-go number "Walk Away," the sensual flamenco of "Infatuation" and "Loving Me 4 Me," which is classic R&B make-out music. There's a fine pairing with Alicia Keys on the luxuriant ballad "Impossible," a concert closer set to a Keysian gospel chorus, piano and swelling horns. There are some misses, Lord knows: "Tighter" is a sterile foray into rock, and Lil' Kim stops by for the feminist anthem "Can't Hold Us Down," but it's curiously lifeless. For the most part, though, your folks could play Stripped at their next dinner party. Aguilera's mighty voice continues to grow richer -- on belters like the robust road song "Cruz" she can out-Whitney Whitney -- and these days she wisely avoids the R&B tic of bending the hell out of every note, "Flight of the Bumblebee"-style. So let us blot the "Dirrty" video from our collective minds, because Stripped deserves a fair shot. (JANCEE DUNN)

_____________________________________
Barnes & Noble Album Review

While her Mickey Mouse Club nemesis, Britney Spears, coyly clings to her not-a-girl/not-yet-a-woman status, Christina Aguilera has no qualms about proclaiming her hot-blooded grown-upness on her ambitious sophomore disc, Stripped. Aguilera appears strategically topless on the disc's provocative cover and totally nude in one of the booklet's photos. Despite all the flesh baring, however, the album is more about being emotionally naked than actually disrobing. On the 20 confessional, genre-hopping songs, Aguilera confirms why her 1999 Grammy win for Best New Artist was no fluke: She has viscerally soulful chops that rival a pre-breakdown Mariah on her best day. With songs such as the classic soul�inspired, Alicia Keys�penned "Impossible," the Latin-tinged homage to her ex, "Infatuation," and the girl power hip-hop anthem "Can't Hold Us Down," featuring Lil' Kim, Aquilera graduates with honors from the teen pop ranks of Britney and Mandy to the adult pop-'n'-soul realm of Janet and Whitney. Aguilera also takes a few cues from her rebellious "Lady Marmalade" collaborator, Pink, by working with Linda Perry of 4-Non Blondes. Perry reprises the gritty rock edge she lent to Pink's outstanding Missundazstood on four songs here, including the soul-baring ballad "Beautiful" and the haunting, acoustic guitar�laced "I'm OK," about growing up with an abusive father. What's most surprising is that Aguilera -- for all her pouty camera come-ons and porn star attire -- thinks of herself as a misfit. "Sorry I'm not a virgin/Sorry I'm not a slut/I won't let you break me/Think what you want," she belts on the "Stripped Pt. 2" interlude. While her image may still invite criticism, there's no denying this young woman is an unparalleled talent. Let's just hope Ms. Aguilera soon realizes that she doesn't have to take her clothes off to prove her worth. --Tracy E. Hopkins

_____________________________________
Christina Dresses Up For Chicago Bash

Christina Aguilera made a rare live appearance last Thursday at Chicago radio station B96's Halloween Bash, offering four tracks from her new album, "Stripped," due tomorrow (Oct. 29) from RCA. Although the artist is booked on a host of TV shows in the coming weeks, a number of those appearances will not include a live performance. On this night, she quickly showed off her new nasty side surrounded (and at points, groped) by scantily-clad dancers during runs through the single "Dirrty" and "Get Mine, Get Yours."

Aguilera suddenly changed tone, declaring to the crowd how proud she was to have written material for this album, and how "deeply personal" and "introspective" it is. Perched on a stool with three backing singers, she started and stopped "Beautiful," after the backing track skipped. Instead, Aguilera led the other vocalists through an a cappella rendition of the song. The brief set closed with the bluesy, soulful "Impossible," which was co-written with Alicia Keys.

The event was B96's second annual Halloween Bash.

--Matt Carmichael, Chicago

Source: Billboard.com

_____________________________________
Aguilera Sheds Teen Pop Image

By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY, AP Music Writer

Christina Aguilera considers her new disc, "Stripped," a chance for people to finally get to know who she really is � to "see the bare me."

Fans are getting an eyeful.

The album's first single, "Dirrty," shocked the usually unshockable audience for music videos by featuring the former Mousketeer, dressed in a tiny bikini, grinding against other dancers. The cover of her new disc shows her topless, covered only by her long locks. And she's completely naked on the new cover of Rolling Stone � save for a strategically placed guitar.

"I don't see anything wrong with being comfortable with my own skin," the 21-year-old says in a phone interview with The Associated Press ahead of the CD's release Tuesday.

Not everyone is as comfortable with her skin as she is. Reaction to the teen-pop idol's transformation into a sexually charged diva has been decidedly mixed.

While the "Dirrty" video has been at or near No. 1 on MTV's "Total Request Live," the song peaked at No. 48 on the Billboard singles chart. "Saturday Night Live" skewered the video's raunch. And Aguilera's scanty outfits have drawn barbs in the press (including the barely-there halter top she wore to the MTV Video Music Awards in August).

Aguilera acknowledges that "obviously, jaws are dropping."

"People like to see (singers) play it safe and it scares people if we go beyond the boundaries sometimes," she explains.

A graduate of the new Mickey Mouse Club along with Britney Spears and members of 'N Sync, Aguilera shot to fame three years ago as part of a teen pop craze. With a powerful voice comparable to Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston, she scored instant success with songs such as "Genie in a Bottle" and "Come on Over Baby."

While she had a sexy side � she showed her navel, and the lyrics to "Genie" were mildly suggestive ("you've gotta rub me the right way") � her image was sweet. That plus her music were a successful combination, selling 7.9 million copies of her debut disc and netting her a Grammy for best new artist in 2000.

But Aguilera says living up to that picture-perfect image made her miserable.

"The label (RCA Records) wanted to push the cookie-cutter, kind of play-it-safe, almost virginal kind of imagery that wasn't me," she says.

"I really wanted to squirm away from that, because I really thought it was really fake and superficial and untrue of what I was about, and it was really really hard for me to live up to that anymore."

So instead of cheerful, pleasing pop tunes, the new disc has brooding ballads, introspective songs and hip-hop collaborations with Redman and Lil' Kim. Aguilera co-wrote most of the songs. Her changed look includes black streaks and braids in her blond hair, and piercings in her nose and underneath her lip, among other places.

In moving away from more sugary pop, Aguilera is not alone. The teen craze has faded, and those who made their name on that sound have branched out. The Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter goes for a rock sound on his debut disc, also being released Tuesday; 'N Sync's Justin Timberlake moves towards R&B on his solo effort, which bows next week. Spears experimented with urban dance grooves on her latest disc.

But Aguilera says her new look and sound are genuine.

"I thought by this time the teen pop thing would still be here. But I see now it is changing anyway," she says. "To keep my own sanity, regardless of where the music industry was going to go, I needed to be myself."

"She's standing up for what she believes, and she's become more of an individual," says Bob Jamieson, chairman of RCA Music Group. "She's very responsible for her music, and she's taking responsibility for her career."

It's not clear if her fans will follow. One, Giselle Ascencio, 23, of the Bronx, says she isn't impressed with Aguilera's new look: "I think she went a little too out there now. The clothes are too much for me � the lack of clothes is too much."

Aguilera sees a double-standard in such criticism, noting that videos by male artists often feature nearly naked women dancing suggestively. She also says there wasn't as much of an outcry when Lil' Kim showed up at an MTV awards show a few years ago with a pasty on one breast.

"It's almost a color double-standard that's not fair," says Aguilera.

Jamieson says the "Dirrty" video is "no different than what Madonna has done, or what Cher has done. The greatest artists in our lifetime are artists who in many ways are controversial and outspoken."

Yet both he and Aguilera emphasize that "Dirrty" is not indicative of the entire album. The next single is the ballad "Beautiful," which Aguilera describes as "an anthem for everyone to be able to look in the mirror and say I'm beautiful."

"I love the video," she said of "Dirrty," but "not all the videos will portray stuff like that."

�FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2002

B96 Halloween Bash Recap

Last night was Chicago's annual B96 Halloween Bash concert held at the Allstate Arena. Christina performed "Dirrty," "Get Mine, Get Yours," "Beautiful," and "Impossible." There were ongoing audio problems throughout the show, and during "Beautiful" Christina called for the skipping music track to be stopped. She explained to the crowd that it was a special song to her and she wanted everyone to hear it. She then finished the song acapella along with her backup singers. Before beginning the song she confirmed that it would be the second single from Stripped.

_____________________________________
TRL Update

After two straight days of being at number 1, "Dirrty" slipped to the number 2 spot on today's TRL.

_____________________________________
Billboard Album Review

CHRISTINA AGUILERA
Album Title: Stripped
StrippedProducer(s): various
Label/Catalog Number: RCA 68037
Source: PRINT
Originally Reviewed: November 02, 2002

OK, let's all try to wipe the horribly derivative "Dirrty" from our collective consciousness and focus on the actual direction of Aguilera's long-awaited sophomore effort, which is decidedly more substantive and mature than that single indicates. In fact, on Stripped, the one-time teen popster effectively proves that she has what it takes to establish an enduring career. While Aguilera collaborates here with a host of luminaries that includes Alicia Keys and Glen Ballard, none push her to greater heights than producers Scott Storch and Linda Perry�who, respectively, nurture the singer's inner soul-mama and hippy-chick. Both musical personas perfectly suit Aguilera's increasingly distinctive voice, as do the set's pervading lyrical theme of overcoming life's trials (as on the particularly potent, single-worthy ballad "Beautiful" and the scathing, arena-styled funk-rocker "Fighter"). It all adds up to a must-hear recording rich with pleasantly surprising depth. �LF

_____________________________________
YM Stars Notebook

You may recognize her on the cover of December's ym, but she's a million miles away from the Christina Aguilera you knew before � the blond, bubble gum singer who once battled Britney for the title of pop's princess. In this exclusive interview, Christina talks about the changes she's made, her family life, and that famous feud with Eminem. Read...

For even more on Christina, check out the story in ym or click here to steal her cover look.

�THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2002

Full Album Audio Now Up

Full-length audio of every track from Stripped is now up in the Audio section. Be sure to buy your copy when the album is released in the US this coming Tuesday, and most other countries on Monday.

_____________________________________
Second Single Looks To Be 'Beautiful'

There's been different talk about what the next single from the new album will be. The Spanish website los40.com mentioned in an article that there was a good chance "Get Mine, Get Yours" could be the next single. The recent AOL First Listen of "Infatuation" has caused some to believe that it would be next, but now it looks like both were wrong.

The All Access Music Group website (www.allaccess.com) has listed under the Mainstream/Top 40 Future Releases section that "Beautiful" will officially be going for radio adds on November 12.

_____________________________________
TRL: Still On Top

"Dirrty" was again the number 1 video on today's TRL, making it the sixth time the video has been in the top spot. Great job!

_____________________________________
Nintendo Goes Platinum

Nintendo America Inc. has gone platinum, hosting a "platinum-level" Hollywood bash to introduce top celebrities to its wide-ranging holiday video game line-up and new limited-edition platinum Nintendo GameCube(TM) system.

Last night, stars streamed down the platinum carpet at the Hollywood & Highland gala to play more than 30 of the most highly anticipated video games from Nintendo, and watch a private concert by The Strokes.

Christina was among the celebrities in attendance, along with Matthew Perry, Alicia Silverstone, Kelly Osbourne, Leonardo DiCaprio, Colin Farrell, Mark McGrath, and Zach Braff.

Nintendo's platinum party provided all the perks: packed house of more than 600 attendees, top DJ's, a special musical performance by The Strokes, and this holiday's additions to its more than 180 video game library for the Nintendo GameCube. The extravaganza kicks-off the nationwide Nintendo Cube Club Tour, hitting 15 cities across the country over the next two months, allowing consumers to sample the latest games and products coming this holiday season in a cool nightclub atmosphere.

"The Nintendo GameCube has received such an overwhelming response from the entertainment community that we wanted to do something special to show our appreciation," says Perrin Kaplan, vice president, corporate affairs, Nintendo of America Inc. "What better way to celebrate than by going platinum with the Nintendo GameCube in Tinseltown?"

"I've got a purple GameCube at home but I am dying for the new platinum GameCube," said Christina. "My sister and I have Mario Party battles and I can't wait for more Mario."

The limited-edition platinum Nintendo GameCube system will have its moment in the spotlight on November 3 when it hits retailers with manufacturer's suggested retail price of $149.95, featuring a controller of the same sheen. Back by popular demand, the dazzling platinum Game Boy(R) Advance will share the stage in its limited re-release on November 3 as well, with an MSRP of $79.95.

Source: IGN.com

_____________________________________
She's No Prude, And Proud Of It

By Jim Farber
Daily News Feature Writer

Christina Aguilera would like to defend a heretofore unrecognized group of oppressed figures in society - pretty young blonds. Read...

_____________________________________
RollingStone.com Celebrates New Look With Christina Aguilera Exclusives

New Version of Popular Online Music Site Reflects Magazine's New Design, Launches RollingStone Radio & Adds Many More Hot Videos

NEW YORK, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- RollingStone.com, the Internet's leading authority on music news and popular culture, today unveils a fresh new design with many new features and special content for music and movie fans -- as well as greater sponsorship opportunities for brand-name advertisers. To celebrate this event, RollingStone.com is hosting the exclusive world premiere of multimedia material from Stripped, the forthcoming album from Grammy award winner and multi-platinum singer Christina Aguilera.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20021024/LATH011)

Christina Aguilera Stripped on RollingStone.com

Due October 29 from RCA Records, Stripped is 21-year-old Aguilera's follow-up to her 1999 self-titled debut smash, which launched a career that has already sold over 12 million albums worldwide and won three Grammys. In advance of its arrival, RollingStone.com will be offering a variety of special content to her fans this week:

* Be among the first to download "Fighter", a previously-unreleased Christina song also featuring Dave Navarro.
* Watch Christina's new video, "Dirrty," also featuring Redman -- as well as all of her previous videos on RollingStone.com.
* Exclusive outtakes from Christina's photo shoot for her upcoming appearance on the cover of the October 25 issue of Rolling Stone magazine -- in addition to an entire Christina photo gallery.
* Lastly, one lucky fan will win a trip for two to see Christina perform live in Los Angeles.

Source: RollingStone.com

�WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2002

TRL 1000th Episode

Christina's "Come On Over Baby" video came in at number 5 on TRL's 1000th episode today. The special edition show counted down the top 10 favorite TRL videos of all time voted on by the fans.

_____________________________________
Billboard Chart Update

"Dirrty" drops from 65 to 72 after 7 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

_____________________________________
Amazon.com Album Review

Underneath all Christina Aguilera's coy affectations and vocal gymnastics lurks a rare talent. With her second album, Aguilera allows it to flower by abandoning all pretense at courting the teenage market. Stripped is a seemingly effortless move into weightier adult territory. Using her extraordinary voice as a much subtler instrument, Aguilera sings movingly and with grit and anger about the disintegration of a relationship; she's ultimately stronger for the pain. But that's not her whole agenda. Aguilera also extols the power of women on "Can't Hold Us Down," which features Lil' Kim. Other guests include Dave Navarro, Redman, and Alicia Keys. Aguilera cowrote most of the songs on the disc and produced one cut. She also partnered with former 4 Non Blondes leader and Pink collaborator Linda Perry on four songs, which gives Aguilera a rock edge that she has never before displayed.

--Jaan Uhelszki

_____________________________________
CDNOW Album Review

Whatever you do, don't judge Stripped by its cover -- either the provocative, (read: tarty) front cover, or your initial impression of first single "Dirrty." The worst song of 2002 won't give you any indication of what's to come.

Fact is, as a pop record, Stripped is practically flawless: There's not a single dud among the other 15 tracks, and the number of highlights is mind-boggling. Torch songs, guitar-tinged mid-tempo numbers -- the work on Aguilera's second album is impeccable, from the songs to the production to her rich, multi-timbral voice. This album is to the former teenybopper what Daydream was to Mariah Carey: A collection of sure-to-be hits that's also a perennially strong, occasionally magical pop album.

Carey comparisons will fly on the numerous piano-driven ballads ("The Voice Within," "Soar") where Aguilera indulges in vocal workouts over the nuanced orchestrations; hopefully strong tear-jerkers "Walk Away" and "Beautiful" will relieve her of the impulse of covering Etta James' "At Last" in concert. The power ballad ("Cruz") and the sugary hip-pop cut ("Can't Hold Me Down") come just as effortlessly.

But where Aguilera finally distinguishes herself -- from Mariah, Britney, or whomever -- is in her willingness to take chances, and put in the effort to make them pay off. There's no doubt that ardent fans are going to hate parts of this record; they're not going to prepared for psychedelic power pop (the very Hole-like "Make Over"), atmospheric neo-soul ("Loving Me 4 Me"), or street-corner funk ("Underappreciated") -- and certainly won't like the results.

They'll likely be flabbergasted by the Alicia Keys-penned "Impossible" -- which sounds like Motown soul channeled through Ronnie Spector -- and depressed by the particularly chilling guitar-based ballad "I'm OK," which recasts her father's abusive behavior in all the painful and weird ways Top 40 tries to avoid. In all this, though, is the real definition of Stripped: The real Christina Aguilera coming into her own, a beautiful thing to behold.

Brad Cawn
CDNOW Contributing Writer

_____________________________________
Rolling Stone Article

Has Anyone Seen Christina?

By Chris Heath

Inside the dirty mind of a pop princess. Read...

_____________________________________
Christina Stripped Bare

In just three years, Christina Aguilera has transformed her music and herself from a teen genie in a bottle into a sexy and sassy starlet. 98.5 capitalfm finds out why...

_____________________________________
Aguilera's Image Is 'Stripped'

By Elysa Gardner, USA TODAY

Christina Aguilera has a right to sing the blues. Just ask her. Sure, the 21-year-old found pop stardom seemingly overnight back in 1999, when her self-titled debut album launched the chart-topping hits Genie in a Bottle and What a Girl Wants. The subsequent smash success of her remake of Lady Marmalade� a single that also featured Pink, Mya and Lil' Kim � confirmed Aguilera's status as the hottest teen diva since her fellow Mickey Mouse Club alumna Britney Spears.

But the petite blonde with the booming voice insists that the past three years haven't seen everything coming up roses, career-wise or otherwise. Aguilera says her new CD, Stripped, which is due in stores Tuesday, reflects hard-won personal and creative growth.

"I went in to record maybe two years ago, but it took longer than I thought, because a lot of things came up. Some of it was the kind of stuff everyone goes through. I went through my first big breakup, with a boyfriend who I had been with for more than two years. He had been one of my dancers, and it was my first love and his."

The couple broke up, she adds, on "kind of a tragic day. It was Sept. 11 of last year."

Other troubles stemmed more directly from Aguilera's profession and profile. "It can be hard in this business, especially when you're very young, to figure out who you can and can't trust," she says. "When success comes, people can try to trick you or take advantage of you. I was being overworked, and my head was so caught up in the whirlwind of my schedule. You find out that someone you thought was a friend is stealing money behind your back, and it's heartbreaking. I put faith in the people around me, and unfortunately, it bit me in the butt."

Aguilera won't be more specific in her allegations. But she did change management in late 2000, and she is now represented by music-biz veteran Irving Azoff. "I don't want to dwell on negativity, because the results are positive," she says. "I learned you have to watch out for yourself and be true to yourself."

Those lessons informed the songs on Stripped, which aim for a grittier, more self-possessed feel than the tunes on her first effort. Aguilera co-wrote most of the new material, collaborating with such noted women-in-charge as former 4 Non Blondes frontwoman Linda Perry, who also worked on Pink's second hit album, and Alicia Keys, who wrote a torchy new ballad, Impossible, for Aguilera.

"When you're part of a pop phenomenon, you have so many opinions shoved down your throat," Aguilera says. "People try to tell you what you should do, how you should act, what you should wear, who you should be with. At the time things started happening for me, it was popular to be the squeaky-clean, cookie-cutter pop singer. But that role didn't speak to me, because it's so boring and superficial.

"I think it had to do with social standards, too. People want to see a white blond girl stick to a safe, good-girl image. Not that I'm trying to be the bad girl; I just want to be real, to be myself. People don't really know who I am yet. That's where the title of my new album came from � it's about being emotionally stripped down for the first time."

Aguilera believes her vocals on Stripped represent a rawer, more bare-bones approach as well, with less of the ostentatious riffing that has miffed critics in the past.

"I did the vocal gymnastics thing because it was fun. That's why I like blues, too, because you can experiment more with that side of your voice," she says. "But I thought the lyrics on this record are so personal, deep and good that I wanted to make them stand out more than what I could do with my voice technically."

The tracks on Stripped also reveal more of an urban influence. In addition to Keys, rappers Redman and Lil' Kim make guest appearances.

"I've always been a hip-hop fan, so that's going to come out more in my music," Aguilera says. She cites Dirrty, featuring Redman, as "the hardest, most beat-driven song. It's about being 21 and, you know, getting down and getting a little gritty and street with my friends. And not worrying about looking pretty, or caring who's around."

But more of Aguilera's new songs deal with "getting through hard times" � a subject she hopes to have less cause to dwell on in the future. At the moment, she finds comfort in a supportive family and in two canine companions, Stinky and Chewy, who live with her in Los Angeles.

"They're my boys," she coos. "I can't wait to take them with me when I tour, because it can get kind of lonely on the road."

Asked whether there are any other special men keeping her company, Aguilera says: "I'll date here and there, but nothing too heavy. I'm trying to find me a really sweet guy, but I'm also focused on my career right now. I'm so excited about the album and touring. I feel like I've been locked up, and it's great to be out there again, doing my thing."

Source: USATODAY.com

�TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2002

More Full Songs Available

The Audio section has been updated with full versions of "Stripped Intro," "Can't Hold Us Down," "Walk Away," "Underappreciated," "I'm OK," and "Keep On Singin' My Song" from the new album.

Also, here are some photos of the CD booklet, which does include lyrics.

Booklet 1, Booklet 2, Last Page, Booklet Back

Photo credit to Bunsen who picked up an early released copy of the album in Finland, where it's official release is Friday.

_____________________________________
New Rolling Stone Cover



This is the cover of Christina's upcoming Rolling Stone issue to be released October 25.

_____________________________________
Official Site Re-Launched

Christina's official website, www.christina-a.com, re-launched today with an all new design with new features and information. Not all of the sections are open just yet, but check it out.

_____________________________________
TRL Update: Back On Top

After slipping to #4 yesterday on TRL, "Dirrty" jumped back up to the #1 spot today!

_____________________________________
AOL Members Are 'Infatuated' With Christina Aguilera

1 First Listen Debut Leads Successful Online Campaign For Christina's New Album, Stripped, With Streams From Across AOL Music Totaling Over 8 Million

NEW YORK (BUSINESS WIRE) -- America Online, Inc., the world's leading interactive services company, today announced that the exclusive premiere of "Infatuation," an unreleased song from Christina Aguilera's new album, Stripped, was streamed over 1.98 million times in 24 hours on AOL Music. Members weighed in enthusiastically with nearly 90% of those who voted, rating the song awesome or good.

This one day total for a First Listen surpasses the previous record held by Britney Spears for "Boys (Co-ed Remix)," from the Austin Powers in Goldmember soundtrack, which was streamed 1.35 million times in 24 hours. Starting today, "Infatuation" will be available exclusively for another 48 hours on AOL's other web properties including Netscape, CompuServe and AIM Today in addition to remaining on Keyword: First Listen on AOL Music.

"This was a rewarding and exciting opportunity for us to participate in AOL Music's First Listen -- as this has become such an important tool for marketing new songs. It enabled us to gauge early reactions through AOL's wide audience and to offer something completely fresh to people's ears without a record in the stores," said Jon Salter, Director Online Marketing at RCA. "In the case of 'Infatuation,' we are thrilled by the overwhelming positive response from AOL's members and hope this translates into significant record sales."

Bill Wilson, Vice President and General Manager of AOL Music, said, "Through First Listen, we give our members the opportunity to hear the hottest songs from today's biggest artists before anyone else. And with incredible results like Christina Aguilera's one day total of nearly two million streams, we know members are embracing the Internet as their primary music medium more than ever. We look forward to bringing our members and Web music fans even more opportunities to experience Christina and her music and connect with fans in a totally unique way."

In the last six weeks, Christina's music and videos have been streamed over 8 million times across AOL Music including the "Infatuation" First Listen and audio and video streams of "Dirrty." This programming is part of a comprehensive marketing plan for Christina's new album, Stripped, which will be in stores Tuesday, October 29. The plan also includes an exclusive full album Listening Party on October 28 and a Sessions@AOL interview and performance that will debut in the coming month.

Source: AOL

_____________________________________
New Christina BeatGreet

A new Christina e-greeting featuring "Dirrty" has been added to her collection at BeatGreets.com. Check it out and send the greeting to all your friends letting them know about Stripped coming out next Tuesday, October 29.

�MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2002

Audio Update

More audio from the new album has shown up online, this time some full length versions. Complete audio of "Fighter," "Infatuation," "Impossible," and "Beautiful" are now up in the Audio section, along with a 25-second clip of "Underappreciated."

Also, Christina's performances of "Come On Over Baby" and "Beautiful" from the MTV special Christina Stripped In NYC have been added.

_____________________________________
AOL First Listen

Christina appeared on America Online's Welcome screen today for an AOL First Listen of "Infatuation."

����
The poll asking "What do you think of Christina Aguilera's new song?" is currently at 43% Good, 36% Awesome, and 20% Bad.

_____________________________________
TRL Update

"Dirrty" slipped one spot again today, coming in at #4 on TRL. Make sure you keep voting and get "Dirrty" back to the top.

_____________________________________
Times Online Album Review

Christina Aguilera
Stripped
4 stars (out of 5)

Christina Aguilera began her career as a sensible pop puppet who had Britney Spears in her sights. Last week, however, Aguilera � already the worst-dressed woman in pop � revealed her latest look, best described as cowgirl-meets-cheap-hooker. An odd choice, since Stripped (RCA) is supposed to be the sound of her taking control of her own career.

Musically, Stripped sees Aguilera follow Spears's path to a more grown-up, urban R&B sound. But while she carries it off quite convincingly, it's a shame to hear her stunning, multi-octave voice masked by so much production.

Like most of the uptempo tracks on the album, the first single, Dirrty, is a gritty, funk workout that sounds like Whitney Houston trying to do Destiny's Child. No bad thing, of course, but nothing new.

The superb Can't Hold Us Down is in the same vein, but relies on a more adventurous, Missy Elliott-like rhythm. Aguilera scats lines about society's double standards, ie, men can sleep around and get away with it, but if women do the same, they're called whores, but a call to arms would be more persuasive if she didn't look quite so tarty.

For her more conservative fans, there are plenty of piano-backed ballads of love and relationships � including a duet with Alicia Keys � and some downtempo, jazzy tracks that have Aguilera doing a decent Aretha Franklin impression.

At 21 tracks Stripped is too long, but it's a flawed pop masterpiece that should see Aguilera blow Spears out of the water. Unfortunately that hooker look is going to turn a lot of fans off before they get a chance to hear it.

--Lisa Verrico

_____________________________________
RCA, LaChapelle Respond To Controversy

From a recent MTV News article on the "Dirrty" video Thailand ordeal:

A spokesperson for Aguilera's U.S. label, RCA Records, said that the posters were obtained by a non-Thai-speaking member of director David LaChapelle's production company and that the singer had no idea what they promoted.

"I had absolutely no knowledge that this poster contained such offensive words, and I sincerely regret the insult," LaChapelle said in a statement. "Thailand is a beautiful country with a long cultural history that I truly respect. I would never intentionally do anything to insult the people of Thailand. Please accept my deepest apologies."

_____________________________________
Interactive Music Awards



I've placed this button on the main page of the site for the Interactive Music Awards by Dotmusic. By clicking the button, you can vote for The Christina Connection in the People's Choice category for best music websites currently online. If you enjoy the site, please take a second to vote for us. Thanks a lot.

�FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2002

More New Album Clips

The Spanish website MuchoRuido has one-minute clips of three new songs from Stripped, "Impossible," "Make Over," and "I'm OK." All have been added to the Audio section, with a thanks to christinaFETISH.

_____________________________________
Special Audio Message From Christina

Christina has left a special audio message for the members of her official i-squad online team. She wanted to show her appreciation and thank everyone for their hard work. If you're not a member already click here to join. You'll gain access to Christina's message, as well as get the opportunity to start gaining points for special Christina merchandise and contests as you help promote Christina and the new album.

_____________________________________
London Press Conference Video

Watch video from Christina's recent press conference in London, England as she was doing promotion for the new album: Windows Media

Source: Reuters

_____________________________________
TRL Update

"Dirrty" slipped one from #2 to #3 on today's TRL.

Just a reminder, the special Christina Aguilera Stripped In NYC airs tomorrow on MTV at 1:00pm Eastern, directly followed by her new episode of Diary at 2:00pm.

_____________________________________
Reign Storm: Big Name Divas Battle It Out On The Charts

Which One Will Bring In The Highest Record Sales

By Nicholas Fonseca

Divas, start your engines! For the next six weeks, five of pop music's loudest female grandstanders -- Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez, and Shania Twain -- will face off in a potentially eardrum-shattering contest to rule the charts.

Despite earning stacks of platinum records, each woman is at a career turning point. To wit: a major image overhaul (hello, Christina!), the follow-up to two crossover hits (that's you, Shania), and a forceful attempt to rebound after a near meltdown (oh, Mariah...). "They're absolutely pivotal albums," says Stephen Hill, a programming VP at BET. The pressure only intensifies with one of the busiest fall release slates in years. Notes John Ivey, program director of L.A.'s KIIS-FM, "There's no wiggle room for a mediocre record."

What's more, the discs break as a new generation of femme phenoms like Ashanti, Avril Lavigne, and "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson (whose first album is due in early 2003) is crowding the charts. "It's been the young divas' turns, but there's a well-placed belief that we need to go back to the originals," says Hill. Here's a look at the chances for diva revival.

CHRISTINA AGUILERA

ALBUM: "Stripped" (Oct. 29) BACK STORY: Despite moving 8 million copies of her self-titled 1999 debut album, Aguilera, 21, waited more than three years for her follow-up. STRATEGY: Sex sells. Or so she hopes, based on her sleazy first video ("Dirrty"). "She's playing it as close to the edge as she can get," says RCA Records Group chair Bob Jamieson. "We try to let her have as much creative freedom as possible." EARLY VIBE: The trampy makeover "definitely takes her out of the teen-pop realm," says Hill. "Britney's [image change] was kind of teasing and naughty...but this stuff's just nasty!" And while "Dirrty" peaked at No. 48 on Billboard's singles chart and was lampooned on "Saturday Night Live," nobody discounts her powerful pipes. "Christina's drawing attention -- just like Madonna did," says Frankie Blue, a VP at New York City's WKTU. "The difference is that she can sing." REVIVAL ODDS: 5-2

CONTINUE...

Source: Entertainment Weekly

�THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2002

Billboard/TRL Update

"Dirrty" drops from 50 to 65 after 6 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

Christina came in at #2 on today's TRL, slipping one spot from yesterday. Keep the voting up.

_____________________________________
Interview Magazine Album Review

Christina Aguilera
Stripped (RCA Records)

Despite calling in producers like Pink's fairy godmother Linda Perry, Aguilera's most valuable asset is her voice, especially now that she's working the lower register. On "Make Over," it's a thrill to hear the caterwauler sounding like she's just woken up. While the lyrics plow fresher ground than genies in bottles ("I'm OK" addresses her parents divorce), it's the range of style that Aguilera covers that makes this one of the best bets for the fall.

--Rebecca Wallwork

_____________________________________
Aguilera Video Offends Thais

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - One of pop diva Christina Aguilera's latest music videos has Thais decrying not its explicit dancing and revealing costumes, but a Thai-language billboard in the backdrop that alludes to the country's sex industry.

Saharat Wannachomphu, marketing director for BMG Thailand Co., the local distributors of Aguilera's new album, said the company had decided not to air the video for the song "Dirrty" on local television, the Nation newspaper reported Wednesday.

In the video, the scantily clad 22-year-old pop star dances in a boxing ring next to a wall with posters in Thai that read "Thailand's sex tourism" and "Young underage girls."

Thai officials have expressed their dismay with the video, which was aired repeatedly by the Nation's cable television station on its news programs reporting the controversy.

The Nation newspaper quoted Preecha Kantiya, acting director for the government's Commission on Contemporary Arts Office, as saying local and foreign businessmen are too profit-oriented to present a genuine image of Thailand.

Instead, they preferred to use Thailand's seedier side to serve their business goals, he said.

"We at the company agreed that we should not think of business only," BMG's Saharat told the Nation newspaper. "We have to think about our country as well."

He said BMG Thailand had informed its parent company in the United States that the video had upset Thais.

Thailand's Culture Ministry and Foreign Ministry would take further action if the video was found to be damaging to Thailand's reputation, said Preecha, without detailing what that might entail.

Although prostitution is illegal in Thailand, it is widespread and generally ignored by police.

_____________________________________
Old Remixes Added To Audio

I've added a few remixes of older songs to the Audio section. They include D.U.I. mixes of "What A Girl Wants" and "I Turn To You," and also the SLAMBAM Remix and Instrumental of "All I Wanna Do," Christina's 1997 duet with Japanese pop star Keizo Nakanishi. A big thanks goes out to Chris (cjtipotay318) for providing the "All I Wanna Do" mixes.

�TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2002

More New Album Audio Clips

Thanks to Jon from the LiveDaily message board, four new audio clips from Stripped are available. "Can't Hold Us Down," "Infatuation," "Beautiful," and "Get Mine, Get Yours" are now up in the Audio section. Each clip is around a minute and a half in length.

_____________________________________
Blender Magazine Scan

Here is a scan from Blender magazine previewing Christina's cover issue, on sale November 26.


Scan credit: Sal

_____________________________________
TRL Update

As it was on Friday, "Dirrty" was again the number 1 video today on TRL. Great job voting, let's keep it up.

TRL's 1000th episode is coming up, and MTV wants you to vote for your favorite TRL video of all time. From Christina's videos you can choose "Genie In A Bottle," "What A Girl Wants," or "Come On Over Baby." So cast your vote now. The show will air on Wednesday, October 23 at 3:30pm Eastern.

�MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2002

German Single Released Today

The single for "Dirrty" was released today in Germany. Thanks to Divinit� from the LiveDaily message board, here are scans of the cover and disc: whole scan, front, back, disc

The complete audio of the b-side "I Will Be" is now up in the Audio section listed under Miscellaneous, as well as the lyrics in the Lyrics section.

_____________________________________
Talk Show Appearances

According to the Canadian Click2Music site, Christina will be appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman on October 28, and on Live With Regis & Kelly on October 29. The Late Show airs at 11:30pm on CBS. Live With Regis & Kelly airs at 9:00am on ABC. Check your local listings to be sure of times.

�SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2002

'Stripped' CD Cover Scans

Actual scans of the new album's front and back covers have shown up online. In addition to letting us know what the back cover of the album looks like, these scans also confirm that the tracklisting we've seen posted on various websites is in fact correct.

���
_____________________________________
SNL Spoofs 'Dirrty'

Tonight's episode of Saturday Night Live was hosted by Sarah Michelle Gellar and featured a pretty funny spoof of Christina's MTV Making The Video for "Dirrty." Sarah played Christina in the skit, with Jimmy Fallon playing the part of director David LaChapelle.

Some of the more memorable quotes:

"I'm gonna spray you guys with some artificial B.O."

"It ain't skanky enough!"

"When people see this video, they gonna stop thinkin' of me as some blonde-haired, bubblegum music industry ho, and start thinkin' of me as an actual ho."

Audio of "Dirrty" was played at different times throughout the skit. It could act as more exposure for Christina and the song.

_____________________________________
Christina's Appearance On CD:UK

Today Christina appeared on the UK's number one music show CD:UK. Christina performed "Dirrty" with Redman, which aired on today's show, and also taped performances of "Beautiful," "Impossible," and "Get Mine, Get Yours" to air in the future. She also sat down with CD:UK's Cat for an interview.

Justin'sGirlUK, a member of Christina's LiveDaily message board, was kind enough to type up a transcript for everyone:

CAT: Sitting next to me on the couch is Christina Aguilera!

CHRISTINA: Thank you, thank you.

CAT: What did you think of her performance earlier?

(Crowd screams, Christina laughs)

CAT: Now how did that come about? You collaborating with Redman.

CHRISTINA: Um, actually, I'm a big fan of Redman's. I was a big fan of Redman's, really big fan, and he did a song called 'Let's Get Dirty' which was a huge hit and I love that song, and um, experienced kinda the club life myself, being 21, turning 21 over the past year, I wanted my first single to kinda have that kinda hip-hoppy, club feel. So I called up the same producer, Rockwilder and he gave me a kinda, something that was kinda similar. I played up to the similarities by inviting Redman to be a part of it, called it 'Dirrty,' but kinda in a, uh, aggressive, not being afraid to get gritty.

CAT: Well this is what I--cause I was about to say, 'Dirrty,' it's a bit of a weird name (Christina laughs) for a track but that's how it came about?

CHRISTINA: (mumbles '...a bit shocking') Yeah absolutely, I kinda played up to the fact that he had come out with 'Let's Get Dirty' but y'know, um, if anything, y'know, I know people will probably think of it as a maybe a sexual connotation, but really 'Dirrty,' to me, was playing around with all forms of that word, being not afraid, cause, um, also in the video, I didn't want to be too girlie or pretty so I wanted to get, kinda not afraid to box or, y'know, dirty like as far as y'know, scraping my knees or my elbows.

CAT: Sweating a bit.

CHRISTINA: Sweating a little bit-- yeah, dancing hard, y'know just, um, being 21 and having fun, y'know? And getting down, that's basically what it was about.

CAT: Absolutely. Now you're really not very well this morning, are you?

CHRISTINA: I'm not, I'm sorry. I'm trying to hang in there man. (laughs)

CAT: You're doing a great job, you're doing a great job. But we've got some questions from the viewers for you.

CHRISTINA: Oh, absolutely.

CAT: Uh, so here we go. This is question number one.

Guy#1: Hi Christina, I like the way you look, and I think the whole male population likes the way you look, but what does your mum think about the way you look, when you go out, and you're wearing those skimpy clothes and stuff like that?

CHRISTINA: (laughs) Actually when I go out, even when I go out to a club, I'm usually wearing army pants and a tank top or y'know something like that. I don't dress like this when I go out, I pretty much downplay it, I put a hat on, a hat in my face, I like to go out and just keep it pretty low key. I mean, I'm an entertainer so, and my mom definitely understands that and supports that which is really nice... and I'm not talking to the camera. (laughs)

CAT: It's part of the job, it's like Elton John--

CHRISTINA: Absolutely.

CAT: He doesn't go out in the glittery suits, the whole time

CHRISTINA: No, I don't walk around my house in these pants and underpants with 'Dirrty' on them. (laughs) Y'know, I go around my house like everybody with sweatpants or whatever, but I'm an entertainer and, y'know, some of what I do comes out of my work, and my mom can, my mom loved the video, she couldn't say anthing bad about it. My mom's my number 1 fan, I love her to death, she's great.

CAT: Good, good, now should I invest in a pair of chaps, are chaps back in fashion? (laughs)

CHRISTINA: They're fun, they're really, really fun and personalize your little shorts (laughs) um, it's a fun thing to wear.

CAT: Cool. OK, here's question number 2.

Guy#2: Hi Christina. My question is do you like Britney Spears or do you not?

CHRISTINA: (drinking water) Of course the Britney Spears question. Um, I don't think that has much in the States anymore, I think, uh, but I, of course I love her, I mean, I think she's great. I mean I'm, uh, I, we both are doing our, our own thing, um and uh, of course, I mean I think she's great. We used to be friends, it's laughable to me, y'know, I think she's laughed at it too, because of the fact that we used to be such close friends and whatnot on a television show we used to be on, and then, to like, grow up and have record deals and have the media and press kinda blow everything up, and just for the record, we are friends, I do like her, she likes me and we're cool.

CAT: Do you refer to her on your new album?

CHRISTINA: Huh?

CAT: Do you refer to Britney on your new album?

CHRISTINA: Um, I don't, I don't directly refer to her but there's kinda a mishmash of like, a thirty second, um, thing, that I do as an interlude, where uh, I kinda have all these sound bites and even Eminem is talking on it, Fred Durst, y'know kinda--

CAT: Ooh Eminem? So have you, did you settle the score?

CHRISTINA: Absolutely. Eminem's great. I mean, like, I don't think he ever really were, had, uh, y'know, mean spirited. You know, he thought that I disused him in an interview, which was totally wrong. We got a chance to actually clear that up, face to face, behind uh, behind stage at the VMAs.

CAT: Oh, I'd have liked to have seen that. I'd have loved to have seen it.

CHRISTINA: Everybody was watching, everybody was like this, everybody was waiting for punches to be swung. But really it was cool. We're both artists, we respect what each other does. He, cause I asked him, I was like, y'know, why are you so angry? He was like, I don't have any beef with you, that's water under the bridge, it's the past and we ended up in a hug.

CAT: That's very good.

CHRISTINA: Aww. (croud: aww)

CAT: That's a very grown up way of settling differences, I like that.

CHRISTINA: Yeah, just to talk about it.

CAT: Cool. OK, here's the next question.

Guy#3: Hi Christina. Are you single at the moment?

CHRISTINA: (laughs)

CAT: Even I missed that, what did he say?

CHRISTINA: Are you single at the moment?

CAT: Oh.

CHRISTINA: Um, I am very focused on my career right now, of course and whatnot. I've had some bad luck in the guy department. Had my heart broken, a couple of times.

CAT: Girlfriend... oh my God, yeah. (laughs)

CHRISTINA: Absolutely. It's been a trip, it's been a trip. So, if there's a sweet guy out there, that can treat a girl right, I'm all for it, but I'm not, I'm not pushing for it, and I'm not being closed off to the market either. So I'm cool, but I, I'm pretty single.

CAT: I think that's the best way. If you're just cool about it, then they suddenly pop along.

CHRISTINA: Things happen.

CAT: Thank you for joining us this morning, and thank you so much because I know that you are ill.

CHRISTINA: Thank you so much. Absolutely.

CAT: Everybody, Christina Aguilera. (crowd cheers)

CHRISTINA: Thank you.

�THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2002

'I Will Be' Audio Clip

A clip of the new b-side song "I Will Be" has been added to the Audio section, listed under Miscellaneous. The song will not appear on the new album, but is available on the "Dirrty" import single. Full length audio of the song should be available soon.

_____________________________________
Billboard/TRL Update

"Dirrty" slips from 48 to 50 after 5 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

"Dirrty" jumped a spot from 3 to #2 on today's TRL.

_____________________________________
Daring To Be 'Dirrty'

Christina Aguilera is getting "dirty" -- literally. "Dirrty" is the title of her new single, and in the video Christina didn't leave much to the imagination, shaking, bumping and grinding in a barely-there outfit that would make even Madonna blush. Just two months shy of 22, Christina is no longer an innocent "Genie in a Bottle." With her upcoming album, Stripped, Christina is striving to "strip" away the teen-queen past that made her a Grammy-winning superstar. Access Hollywood's Billy Bush sat down with her and talked about the changing image.

BILLY BUSH: So this new video -- a lot of gyration here. A lot of pelvic frustration meters are broken.

CHRISTINA AGUILERA: I don't think it's really any different than other videos on MTV, but it is the first video that people have really seen me come out like that and do my thing. If you go to any club with a 21-year-old, you're going to see that kind of stuff so it's not really that far-fetched. It's interesting to see people's reaction and whatnot -- get 'em talking. I had so much fun. That was the most fun video I've ever done.

BILLY: Does it make you feel self-conscious to put on that outfit to do the video?

CHRISTINA: No, not really. I think I can only wear this once in my life. I'll only be 21 once. When I get older -- I'm obviously not going to be wearing this. Why not enjoy it while I can, right?

BILLY: There's a lot of powerful stuff on this album, but why is this first? So why this single first?

CHRISTINA: Well, "Dirrty" was the first single for me. I wanted something that was kind of explosive. Everything on this record represents a certain time or space or time in my past since I wrote it. It's such a personal album to me. And I didn't want to come out too heavy -- or too this -- or too that. There are some great songs that could be saved for later. I mean this record is really me for the first time � all the lyrics, everything. It's the reason I called it Stripped. People can think whatever they want to and I'm sure people are going to have a sexual connotation or whatever they want to put to it, to the name. But Stripped being the name of the album was the best fit for me. It was the first thing that really came to my mind. That just said -- I was just tired--I was never great at trying to fake my way through being like Miss American Sweetheart � or whatever.

BILLY: Do you regret the whole pop explosion that helped you sell 10 million albums and gave you a Grammy?

CHRISTINA: Absolutely not. A lot of those things were amazing. It's crazy. I look at my walls and I look at three Grammys that I have up there. For being 21 it's kind of crazy and I thank God for it all the time, but people grow. I'm happy I'm not doing that same record all over again. I think it would bore other people if I did that same record over again. I'm 21 now. I was 17 at the time when I came out with that. Some of the imagery and stuff wasn't me. It was hard because there was a lot of cookie cutter.

BILLY: And that's out -- cookie cutter -- doesn't work? Clean doesn't work -- does it?

CHRISTINA: (laughs) Well, you know, it just doesn't work for me. I just had to come out with an album with a whole overall feeling. "Dirrty" is kind of misrepresentative if you're going to look at the album and think the whole record has that feel because it's really not. I think it's overall a pretty powerful, uplifting, positive record.

BILLY: You're going to get a whole bunch of moms upset and parents are going to be up in arms. Are you ready for that fallout?

CHRISTINA: Oh, man, there are so many things on this record -- you can never expect what you will get from people. Whether it's good, bad or otherwise. I've got a mixture of things, of course. Some people are so used to that old imagery and it's going to take a minute to maybe realize this is really me, and that's just a side of me when I get in front of the camera. I don't go into a club and really dance like that or whatever. It's entertainment. I'm an entertainer. You can't please everybody. Either you're gonna not be yourself and try to please other people and they will be like, 'Oh, she's being fake. She's not really being herself. She's not changing. She's still doing her old stuff.' [Or] you do go the extra mile and just say, 'Screw it, I'm just going to do what I do.' You will always have those people who are going to be negative and find anything to say.

Watch Access Hollywood on Friday for more of Billy Bush's interview with Christina.

Source: Access Hollywood

_____________________________________
Christina Launches Album Alone But Happy

By Matthew Jones

LONDON (Reuters) - Pop beauty Christina Aguilera said on Thursday she was on the look-out for a boyfriend, squashing rumors she is romantically linked with Justin Timberlake of pop group 'N Sync.

"I just want a sweet boy," the 21-year old star told reporters at the London launch of her new album "Stripped," which she described as her most personal work to date.

"Justin and I are just friends," she said adding she expected to see Timberlake -- ex-boyfriend of pop rival Britney Spears -- sometime during her stay in the British capital.

Aguilera said the songs on the new album were a signal that she has grown a lot from the teenager who stormed the music scene with her best selling 1999 hit "Genie in a Bottle."

"You learn a lot in this business and you learn quickly," said Aguilera wearing black trousers coupled with a low-cut vest topped off with a red leather cap.

The singer said she had tried not to get upset by press criticism of her skimpy clothes and bold make-up.

"I like to be edgy, I like to be different. I'm a little bit of rebel," she said.

As to the cost of fame, Aguilera said she missed her privacy and was saddened that the songs sometimes become secondary.

"Its such a crazy game...its sad the music sometimes seems to come last."

Aguilera said she was proud of the new tracks on the album which she saw as cathartic.

"I felt trapped...under the thumb of people who were mostly interested in keeping me doing exactly the same thing. But I'm not blaming anyone," she said.

Not only does the singer see the album as a professional turning point she said it was tough to complete on a personal level.

"The track "I'm Okay" is about my father. I'm literally crying on the record," she said.

The song is about wife beating and has the line:

"Daddy don't you understand the damage you have done."

The singer said she wanted the album to reflect all the different types of music she enjoys and from which she draws inspiration -- whether it be hip hop, soul or rock and roll.

"Dirrty (her latest single currently climbing the U.S. charts) is the most hard beat-wise, its about me being 21 and having fun, but the album is a mixture."

From the smoky ballad of "Impossible" to the romantic revelations of "Can't Hold Us Down," Aguilera said she wanted to break away from any stereotype of her as "prissy" or "virginal."

She said she was proud of the album and as soon as tracks were laid down, would check that her mother approved.

"I wanted to make sure my mom was cool," she said.

_____________________________________
Christina: I Had A Breakdown

By Dominic Mohan

CHRISTINA Aguilera admits she is battling her way back from a nervous breakdown.

She was plunged into depression after being betrayed by a string of close friends and worn down by the brutality of the record industry.

But she is bouncing back � although the singer still looks vulnerable and isolated as we chat.

There is a melancholy edge to her conversation as she talks about her new album, Stripped: �This record saved me from insanity,� she reveals.

�I've had to learn the hard way, through backstabbings and betrayals. A couple of very close people to me who I confided in have sold me out for money � confidantes who were working for me and who I trusted.

�It's sad learning in this business that money is more important to people than friendship. I am only young and I have had lots of lawsuits already.

�You get to find out the hard way how ugly people can be.

�That's all taken its toll on me mentally. I went through a little breakdown around April because I felt that I couldn't trust anyone.�

Christina is big-boobed but petite, her pretty face spoiled by piercings through her nose and lower lip. Aged only 21, she has had to grow up fast.

I thought she would be difficult and try to swerve around my questions � but she opens up about her tormented life.

Her Irish-born mum Shelly and Christina herself were often attacked by violent dad Fausto Aguilera before the couple divorced.

She was also bullied at school after appearing as an eight-year-old on a TV talent show in her home town of Pittsburgh.

The taunts continued when she presented the Disney TV channel's Mickey Mouse Club in the early 1990s.

She says: �People betrayed me and I had a really hard time. That, along with what I'd been through with my family and my father and hard times at school meant I was knocked down.

�It was too much and I felt I'd been through the wringer � I was like a punchbag. I think talking to people is important and my family have helped me through it.

�I'd definitely be open to going to a therapist. I went when I was younger.

�But making this record has been therapeutic. It's a tough record, it's personal and it's made me feel vulnerable. It's honest.

�Emotionally I've laid myself bare � it's what's in my heart. I've been writing a lot of poems and I wanted to disappear from the public eye and live life for a minute. I didn't want to play it safe.�

She has had trouble holding down relationships as a result of the strain brought on by her problems.

Christina split with dancer Jorge Santos, 25, last year. So, has she got a fella? She pauses: �Am I single at the moment? I'm very focused on my career.� Is that a yes or a no?

�There is someone I've been dating who is super super sweet. I split up with Jorge and he's a good kid � we're still in touch.

�We split up on September 11 � I know it sounds weird. It just happened that way.

�My new guy is not well-known but he's kind of in the music business. I like men who are strong and impress me.�

So, who is he? �None of your business,� she snaps. Don't worry, I'll find out.

Christina has been linked with Foo Fighters star Dave Grohl, Spider-Man actor Tobey Maguire and even Robbie Williams.

She says: �I've hung out with Tobey and I met Robbie. We didn't really talk much � When I was 17 I thought he was cute.�

When I mentioned to friends (I've got a couple) I was interviewing Christina, most people told me to ask about her, er, controversial dress sense.

I tell her many think she is one of the worst-dressed figures in showbiz. The singer reaches for a tissue and I think she's about to cry.

But she blows her nose � Christina is battling a cold � and laughs: �I don't purposely dress to shock people.

I'm just being me and a lots of parts of me aren't particularly conservative. I like to push the envelope. I don't think I'll ever have a nice simple pair of heels, a gown and straight blonde hair.�

The video for her new single, Dirrty, is far from conservative. It's banned from daytime television and features a raunchy Christina sitting open-legged wearing a pair of lacy knickers.

She laughs again: �I don't sit at home with my chaps on and my knickers showing � unless I'm with my man.

�I always run stuff past my mum to check it doesn't pass the taste barrier.�

Christina has had a well-documented feud with rapper Eminem after he attacked her on his single The Real Slim Shady.

But she reveals that the couple kissed and made up at the MTV Video Awards in New York this summer and says: �We spoke backstage.

I stopped him and he said he has no more grief with me and it's water under the bridge.

�I told him he got mad at me for something that wasn't even directed at him.

�We both talked about our backgrounds and why we react the way we do. I think we have quite a lot in common � we like to speak our minds.

�He ended up giving me a hug so we've buried the hatchet. I like to address issues and bullsh*t.�

Christina is keen to point out she isn't a manufactured pop doll pushed around by the industry � and says she is sick of comparisons with Britney Spears.

She says: �I'm not a little puppet who does what she's told. I was pushed into this whole teen pop phenomenon thing.

�Me and Britney came out around the same time and we were both from the Mickey Mouse Club.

When people see a navel and blonde hair they lump you together.

�We are very different though � particularly on this record. I'm an individual, I don't like to be categorised.

�I don't see Britney very often but I respect her work and I hope she respects mine. We've known each other for years and there's still a bond there but we don't get to spend much time together.

�Whenever Britney's song Slave 4 U comes on, I'll get on the table and dance. We approach our music very differently and vocally we're different.

�She's good at playing up at being the sweetheart but I can't do that all the time.�

With that the interview is over and as I leave I look back at Christina huddled on a huge sofa in the cavernous room. She looks tired and her nose is red as she reaches for another tissue.

I feel a bit sorry for her and rather clumsily say, �Get well soon� before tripping over a carpet on the way out. I bet that really impressed her.

In the UK Stripped is out on October 21, and Dirrty is released on November 11.

Source: The Sun

�WEDENSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2002

Fred Durst On 'Stripped'

Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit made a surprise appearance today on MTV's TRL. When it came time to play "Dirrty" at #3, Fred helped introduce the video and afterwards revealed that he was on Christina's new album. He said the Intro of the album is Christina recollecting past drama that's gone on, and she called Fred to ask if she could use his name and voice in the Intro and he approved. He also said there's no bad blood between him and Christina.

_____________________________________
Christina To Perform At MTV Europe Awards

Christina Aguilera has joined the performance line-up for the MTV Europe Music Awards to take place at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on November 14. Christina joins already announced performers Coldplay, Enrique Iglesias, Pink, Robbie Williams, and Wyclef Jean. P Diddy will host the event.

Christina will perform her new single, "Dirrty" from the forthcoming album, 'Stripped.' Christina, 21, sold over 13 million copies of her debut album and has also released Spanish-language and Christmas albums, as well as joining forces with Lil' Kim, Mya, and Pink on the theme song to 'Moulin Rouge,' "Lady Marmalade."

Other artists attending the MTV Europe Music Awards include Kylie Minogue, Ms Dynamite, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Ronan Keating, Pharrell Williams of N*E*R*D, Holly Valance, Sugababes, Nick Carter, Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry.

Source: MTV.co.uk

_____________________________________
Is Your Mobile Phone Dirrty?

Christina Aguilera Phone Cover Debuts Today

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (BUSINESS WIRE) - Legend Mobile, Inc. today announced that the first Christina Aguilera branded faceplate for the Motorola i50sx mobile phone is now on sale. The color, Cherry On Top, was selected by Christina herself. The cover retails for $19.95 and can be purchased at her official site, www.christina-a.com, as well as at Let'sTalk.com (http://www.letstalk.com/brands/christina-a/faceplate.htm). The covers are expected to ship to retail later this month prior to the release of Christina's new CD, Stripped.

The cover is the first in the expected series of Christina Aguilera mobile accessories and applications. Her mobile news service, Christina Everywhere, is available now on through her site. Visitors to Christina's site can purchase the cover, a Motorola iDEN(R) phone, as well as her news service.

"Like Christina, this cover makes a statement with its bold color and cool CA logo. It should be the must have mobile accessory for the Fall and Holiday season," says Peter Klamka, President of Legend Mobile.

"I am really excited to be debuting my series of mobile phone accessories with the Cherry On Top cover. It's a little unruly," adds Christina.

Christina's new single "Dirrty" featuring Redman was released last week.

Source: Legend Mobile

�TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2002

More Tracklisting Info

It's looking more like the tracklisting going around is accurate, with more and more sites posting the very same information. One of those sites is a German BMG site that also provides the time length for each track, making it appear to be pretty accurate. The following is the tracklisting once again, including time lengths:

01. Stripped Intro (01:39)
02. Can't Hold Us Down (featuring Lil' Kim) (04:15)
03. Walk Away (05:47)
04. Fighter (04:05)
05. Primer Amor - Interlude (00:53)
06. Infatuation (04:17)
07. Loves Embrace - Interlude (00:46)
08. Loving Me For Me (04:36)
09. Impossible (04:14)
10. Underappreciated (04:00)
11. Beautiful (03:58)
12. Make Over (04:12)
13. Cruz (03:49)
14. Soar (04:45)
15. Get Mine, Get Yours (03:44)
16. Dirrty (featuring Redman) (04:58)
17. Stripped Pt. 2 (00:45)
18. The Voice Within (05:04)
19. I'm OK (05:18)
20. Keep On Singin' My Song (06:29)

_____________________________________
Three New Song Audio Clips

The Australian Click2Music website (also one of the sites with the above tracklisting posted) has put up 35-second audio clips of three songs from the new album, "Fighter," "Beautiful," and "Make Over." The clips on the site are in Windows Media format, they are also now up in our Audio section in Real format.

_____________________________________
TRL: Number 2

The voting is paying off, "Dirrty" moved up a spot to #2 on today's TRL. Vote vote vote and let's get it back to #1.

And just a reminder, if you haven't joined Christina's official i-squad online team yet, join today. It's free, and in return for helping promote Christina, you earn points that can be used for contests and exclusive Christina merchandise. Join Now

�MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2002

MTV Special Taping Complete

Today the last of the three days of shooting for Christina's upcoming MTV Special, Stripped In NYC, was completed.

As previously reported, the first day of taping on Friday took place in the MTV studios and consisted of Christina performing "Beautiful" and "Impossible" from the new album.

Saturday's taping took place in an imtimate bar/lounge setting with Christina performing a reworked, more bluesy and laid-back version of "Come On Over Baby."

Today's final day of shooting was outdoors as Christina, along with Redman, performed "Dirrty" on stage with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge in the background.

The special is now scheduled to air on Saturday, October 19 from 1:00 to 2:00pm Eastern, followed by Christina's new MTV Diary from 2:00 to 3:00pm.

_____________________________________
Number 3 On TRL

"Dirrty" was number 1 on Friday's TRL, but slipped to #3 on today's show. Keep voting for the video and keep it at the top.

_____________________________________
Possible Album Tracklisting

Music sites such as TowerRecords.com, CDuniverse.com, and BestBuy.com have posted a tracklisting for Christina's new album Stripped. Keep in mind that no official word on the tracklisting has been released as of yet, so the information on these sites may not be completely accurate. The tracklisting they show is as follows:

1. Stripped Intro
2. Can't Hold Us Down (featuring Lil' Kim)
3. Walk Away
4. Fighter
5. Primer Amor Interlude
6. Infatuation
7. Loves Embrace Interlude
8. Loving Me 4 Me
9. Impossible
10. Underappreciated
11. Beautiful
12. Make Over
13. Cruz
14. Soar
15. Get Mine, Get Yours
16. Dirrty (featuring Redman)
17. Stripped Pt. 2
18. The Voice Within
19. I'm OK
20. Keep On Singin' My Song

_____________________________________
Access Hollywood Interview

Christina is returning with her new album, and Access Hollywood's Billy Bush will sit down for an exclusive interview with her to air on Thursday.

Access Hollywood is syndicated and airs at different times and stations throughout the country. Click here to check if and when it's on it your area.

_____________________________________
Christina In Taxi Teaser

You would have thought with all her millions Christina Aguilera could afford a car of her own.

The mega-rich pop star stunned fans when she stepped off the curb to hail a cab in New York. But the US singer hasn't fallen on hard times or been left behind by her chauffeur.

Christina was spotted filming a spoof for MTV, when she will be interviewed by host Carson Daly in the back of a cab.

An onlooker said, "People were stunned when they saw her hailing a cab in the middle of New York. I don't think they realized she was filming something for TV and must have wondered why she wasn't being escorted into a waiting limo."

Source: The Sun

�SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2002

Fan Reports From MTV Taping

Several members of Christina's LiveDaily message board attended the first day of taping of the upcoming MTV Special Christina Aguilera: Stripped In NYC yesterday. They each posted their own accounts of the event, which was highlited by Christina performing "Beautiful" and "Impossible" from the new album.

You can read each member's posts at the following links:
- jujublue
- DreamyEyesFan
- *J*9602
- ComeOnOverChristina

Taping of the special will continue today then again on Monday, and is scheduled to air as a two-hour special on MTV on Saturday, October 19 at 12:00pm Eastern, followed by the premiere of Christina's brand new Diary episode at 2:00pm.

_____________________________________
'Dirrty' Hits #1 On TRL!

After jumping from 6 to 2 in its second day on TRL, "Dirrty" was Friday's #1 video, overtaking Justin Timberlake. Great job voting everyone! Keep it up and keep "Dirrty" at #1! VOTE

_____________________________________
Christina Scheduled For B96 Halloween Bash

Chicago radio station 96.3 FM has announced the performers for this year's annual B96 Halloween Bash. The concert will take place at the Allstate Arena on Thursday, October 24, and will feature performances from Christina, Missy Elliott, Shaggy, LL Cool J, Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child, and Vi3. Tickets are on sale now through ticketmaster.com.

_____________________________________
Christina Gets Dirrty

Aguilera returns from hiatus with a new sound -- and a lot less clothing

By Stuart Derdeyn
The Province

After seeing the video for Christina Aguilera's new single "Dirrty," it's pretty clear this is one former mouseketeer who won't ever title one of her tunes "Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman."

Unlike her former TV clubmate Britney Spears's cautious straddling of the youth and teen markets, Aguilera's under-dressing Lil' Kim these days.

"She's arriving back from a long hiatus with a new sound aiming for the rhythm and urban markets," says BMG's Matthew Pinch. "But she isn't deserting her past fans; this is still filed under pop."

Pop or not, the 2000 Best New Artist Grammy winner is after much older kiddies with the release of Stripped, out Oct. 29.

The transition from the girly popster crooning "What a Girl Wants" to the hip-hop hussy growling "Shake a lil' somethin' (on the floor), I need that, uh, to get me off. Sweatin' till my clothes come off" started with a video.

Aguilera joined Mya, Pink and Lil' Kim for the "Lady Marmalade" video from Moulin Rouge and hooked up with producer Rockwilder and video director Paul Hunter (J. Lo, Eminem, etc.). This is the same team behind "Dirrty," which features a quick cameo by rapper Redman. Other collaborators on Stripped include Linda Perry (Pink), Eminem co-hort Scott Scorch, Eve, Dave Navarro and Alicia Keys, who co-wrote and co-produced the song "Impossible."

With its gyrating oil-soaked, tattooed muscle boys, crotch shots, simulated girl-on-girl ultimate fighting cage match and mud wrestling, the "Dirrty" video was a big hit with MuchMusic viewers when it debuted Tuesday night. Unlike most videos aired on Canada's music station, an advisory preceded the song.

"This video was referred to our internal review committee and found to be acceptable," says Sarah Crawford, VP of public affairs at CHUM TV. "Right now it has to air with a viewer discretion advisory noting that there are themes of sexuality and imagery in the video."

As to whether such a warning could have a positive or negative impact on an artist's success, Crawford said there has never been any noticeable correlation between a song's success and an advisory.

�THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2002

Brand New Layout Has Arrived!

For the first time in a long time, The Christina Connection finally has a new look. There are also a few newly added areas to the site.

The new section 'Ographies contains a completely updated Discography of albums, singles, and various other music releases, as well as a newly added Videography containing information on Christina's music videos and DVD/VHS releases.

There is also a new Christina section which includes a fully updated Biography, Quick Facts, Timeline, and list of Awards/Recognitions.

Many people have requested and asked about a new layout for the site for a while now, so we'd like to know what you think of the change. Feel free to sign the guestbook or email us with any thoughts and comments.

_____________________________________
Jump To #2 On TRL

"Dirrty" debuted yesterday on TRL at #6, and thanks to the fans' votes, it jumped to #2 on today's show. Keep on voting and get "Dirrty" to the #1 spot.

_____________________________________
Billboard Chart Update

"Dirrty" holds at 48 after 4 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

_____________________________________
'Dirrty' Import To Include B-Side

CDnow.com has posted the tracklisting for one of the "Dirrty" import singles, due for release on October 15. It includes a b-side track titled "I Will Be," and is enhanced with the "Dirrty" music video. Full tracklisting:

1. Dirrty (No Rap Edit)
2. I Will Be
3. Dirrty
4. Enhanced Video

_____________________________________
Christina's 'Dirrty' Makes Some Fans Ill, Others Hot To Eat Her Toes

NEW YORK � Offered her first peek at the new video from Christina Aguilera, Mashati Valez squinted into a small video screen perched on a Manhattan sidewalk and took in the pop star in all her "Dirrty" glory.

"My goodness, she's changed," Valez declared.

The New Yorker quickly and neatly summed up the reaction that most had after Aguilera's latest clip hit the airwaves on Monday. The David LaChapelle-directed video sees the young singer � clad in red panties, chaps and a bikini top � spar with a masked female boxer and writhe against an armload of female dancers while a shower drenches them all. And don't forget the cockfighting, mud wrestling, fire-eating, plushies, and female bodybuilding.

It's a far cry from the "Genie in a Bottle" who first emerged three years ago. "I just get really bored with sticking to the norm and having the proper conservative image. That's just so not me," Aguilera warned while her new album was taking shape. But steering clear of the norm seems to be turning off as many viewers as it's turning on.

"I think she's dirty," Minerva Materez observed. "She needs to go to church."

"She's trying to be like Britney Spears with all the guys dancing around her and being all slutty," Alex Castro said. "Seriously, she looks like a total ho ... She should just stick to what she was doing." Of course, one man's slut is another man's dream come true.

"She's practically wearing nothing, but I like it," Matthew Morris said.

"She seems cooler, more of a party girl now," Donald McCarver said. "That's hot."

Others were even more enthusiastic.
"Wow, that's my baby's mama right there," Floyd Allen said while watching the clip. "Boo, I'll eat your toes, officially."

�MTV News staff report

_____________________________________
Christina On Your Cell Phone

Christina Aguilera on your cell phone, your prayers have been answered � LetsTalk.com is selling X-tina faceplates in a color she conjured herself called Cherry On Top. The company also gives customers the option of receiving periodic Aguilera updates. Product details...

Source: MTV.com

�WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2002

Full Length 'Beautiful' Performance Audio!

We now have the full length audio of Christina performing "Beautiful" from Linda Perry's show at the Knitting Factory in LA. Thanks once again to Luke for coming through.

Unfortunately the sound quality is still extremely low, but it gives us even more of a feel for how great a song this will be on the album.

"Beautiful" (from Linda Perry Knitting Factory Show) 5:04
[ MP3 (zipped) | RealAudio ]

I'm not sure how long the MP3 file will be available, so download it while it's up. Once again, please do not directly link to either file on any website, thanks.

_____________________________________
Welcome, You've Got Christina

Today Christina was featured on the America Online Welcome screen for the official online video premiere of "Dirrty."


The video also made its TRL premiere today, so make sure to start voting to see it on the countdown. There's a new graphic link on our main page to use for voting. There's also a link for joining Christina's official i-squad online street team, so sign up now.

_____________________________________
'Today' Performance Set

Christina is set to perform in New York on NBC's Today show Friday, November 1. The performance will be part of their 'Rocktober' Concert Series. The Today show airs live on NBC from 7:00am to 10:00am Eastern time.

_____________________________________
Come See Christina Aguilera Perform In NYC!

TRL Presents: Christina Aguliera "Stripped" in NYC.

See Christina perform her new song "DIRRTY" with a special appearance by REDMAN, along with some of her other HIT SONGS.

The performances will happen all over NYC at different locations over 3 days!!

We are also looking for the BIGGEST FANS to be part of several other intimate shoots with Christina. If you are a long time fan of Christina & love her music then this is the show you have been waiting for!

CONTACT US TODAY! Invites & seating is extremely limited.

DETAILS

DATES:
Friday 10/4
Saturday 10/5
Monday 10/7

TIMES: To be announced

* You must appear to be between 18-25 years old.
* ALL show locations & times will be revealed when you receive an invite.
* ALL show admissions are by invite only so you WILL have to contact us by e-mail or hotline and find out where we are having an open casting call or to have us contact you.

HOTLINE: 212.654.6137
EMAIL: [email protected]

Please include:
Age
Name
Address
Phone
School
Photo

Source: MTV.com

_____________________________________
Views Strike Chord With Pop Singer

Singer Christina Aguilera has purchased a Beverly Hills-area home for $2.75 million. The Grammy Award winning pop star had been leasing the home with an option to buy. The lease expired, and when she couldnt find another home that she preferred, she bought the house, which has spectacular city-to-ocean views.

Built in the 1950's, the house also has three bedrooms and four bathrooms in slightly more than 4,500 square feet. The master suite has two bathrooms, two walk in closets, an office and a gym. Among the other features are a library/den, state-of-the-art kitchen, dining area, breakfast bar and a pool.

Aguilera bought a newer and larger home in a nearby gated community in January 2001 for about the same price, but she never moved into it. She sold it before leasing the house she recently purchased.

A former member of the "New Mickey Mouse Club", Aguilera, now 21, sang the hit song "Reflection" in the Disney movie "Mulan" (1998) before releasing her debut album in 1999 with the hit single "Genie In A Bottle". A year later, she won a best new artist Grammy Award. Her newest album, "Stripped" (RCA), is due out October 29.

Source: Los Angeles Times
(courtesy MO-Xtina)

_____________________________________
Christina To Perform For Ecuadorean Candidate

According to an article from The Washington Times, Christina, along with other entertainers, is scheduled to perform for Ivonne A-Baki in New York's Trump Plaza. A-Baki is campaigning with hopes to become Ecuador's first female leader.

_____________________________________
AmEx To Sponser AOL Music Program

By Tobi Elkin

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- America Online said Monday that American Express Co. will be the first sponsor of its Sessions @ AOL, a weekly showcase on its music channel for new and established artists.

"Sessions @ AOL sponsored by American Express" debuts on Oct. 1 and will run through the fourth quarter with a diverse lineup that includes Christina Aguilera, Faith Hill and Yo Yo Ma. AOL and American Express declined to specify the financial terms of the deal. AOL parent AOL Time Warner and individual divisions of the company also have deals with American Express.

American Express will use the sponsorship to promote four new membership rewards charge cards that consumers can use to earn points when purchasing goods such as groceries, gas and stamps.

Music performances

Sessions @ AOL is a weekly half-hour program with interviews, on-location and in-studio performances; the feature also comes with a bi-weekly Sessions @ AOL Highlights show for high-speed Internet users. Since its June launch, Sessions has streamed more than 1 million artist interviews and performances across AOL Music each week. The highlights show has also been streamed more than 3 million times on AOL High Speed since its debut. Sessions @ AOL is offered both to AOL dial-up and high-speed broadband customers.

Artists who have appeared on the half-hour weekly show include Avril Lavigne, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and P. Diddy. Videos, interviews, exclusive concert footage and backstage access are all part of the drive by AOL Music to showcase premium content similar to what a cable TV channel offers. Eventually, such content could be offered on a pay basis, particularly on AOL's high-speed service. Currently, Sessions is offered for free.

Sessions is considered a model for future content franchises on the AOL service.

Leveraging a bond

"Franchise programming that's sponsorable and that is capable of deep integration within AOL and within the AOL Time Warner assets is a powerful initiative," said Bob Sherman, president-AOL Interactive Marketing. "The bond between music, marketers and consumers is leveragable from our AOL space."

As part of the deal, AmEx will sponsor an online local guide that offers consumers entertainment listings for their area.