She co-starred opposite Cher in the musical Burlesque and was nominated for a Golden Globe for co-writing the song, Bound to You, which she sang in the movie. She has a host of television and movie credits but her passion is performing. She’s a superstar but first and foremost, a loving and devoted mother; her children are always her top priority. The megastar gave Travelgirl Publisher Renee Werbin the inside story on the roots of her passion for performing, and how she balances travel, work and motherhood.

Travelgirl: We are incredibly honored to have you aboard; you’ve inspired us with your talent and your illustrious career. I’ve read that you knew almost since birth that you wanted to be a singer. Who inspired you at a young age to pursue a musical career?

Christina Aguilera: I’ve always been inspired by Julie Andrews and Whitney Houston. Their talents and success continue to encourage me to be my best in all that I do!

TG: Your career took off when you were only eight years old; you debuted on national television on the show Star Search. At 11, you became the youngest person to perform the national anthem at a major sporting event. Then at 12, you auditioned for the All-New Mickey Mouse Club in 1989, won the part, and stayed with the show until it closed. How did fame at such a young age affect you?

CA: My career, from the beginning until this day, has molded me into the woman I am today. I am grateful to have the opportunities that I earned at such a young age. Now with social media it is a much different landscape for young performers – we did not have a way to capture the attention of fans outside of existing mediums such as TV stations and record companies. Doing the things I did at such a young age was very special and memorable; I would not trade it for anything.

TG: You’ve amassed a wealth of prestigious awards including being named by Time Magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” in 2013. You are a multi-platinum and six-time Grammy Award-winning entertainer. Rolling Stone Magazine is quoted as saying “your video, Dirrty, is the most played music video of all time. ” You are a shining star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and you were nominated for a Golden Globe for co-writing a song for the movie Burlesque, in which you co-starred with Cher and earned very favorable reviews for your acting acumen. You’re a superstar but first and foremost, a mother.  How do you balance your career and your family? 

CA: First, thank you for recognizing all of this, wow! Being a parent is also a full-time job and that is my top priority, but it’s no different than everyone else around the world who raises families and works while doing so! I would say the most challenging part of balancing work-life for me is the travel – and making sure that my kids feel safe and comfortable on the road with me. We’ve turned my career into an adventure for them!

TG: What advice do you have for your children concerning a career choice?  

CA: Do whatever makes you happy!

TG: You are a singer, performer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. Which role is the most engaging for you? 

CA: Being a performer and artist is my passion – it’s what I was put on this earth to do! I cannot imagine myself doing anything other than performing.

TG: You are garnering rave reviews; The Xperience at Zappos Theater is the talk of the town? How do you describe it?

CA: I am so proud of my show at the Zappos Theater! I knew that when I finally decided to put on a residency, it would have to be a place I called home – and the show would have to be more than just a concert. With that in mind, as I built The Xperience, I wanted to create a safe zone for people to experience more than just music, but to feel things, smell things and hear things that invoke a range of emotions and a lot of excitement. Our show certainly brings all the elements into the spotlight and continues to evolve. Wear comfy shoes – you’ll be on your feet!

TG: I can only imagine the incredible amount of work it takes to gather the materials, the costumes, the sets and the songs for a show of this magnitude. How did you prepare for this theatrical experience? 

CA: It takes a village. I couldn’t do it without the help of my band, dancers, costumers, engineers, crew and so on. We had months of meetings and planning with each department to put together The Xperience.

TG: When you get time to yourself, do you have a favorite travel destination that you return to year after year? 

CA: Tokyo, Japan – my favorite!

TG: What’s on Christina Aguilera’s travel bucket list?

CA: It’s no secret that I love Japan – and I would love to experience living there with my family for a short period of time – something more than a vacation. I love exposing my kids to new experiences and showing them how other cultures and people live in other parts of the world.

TG: Is there one item you never leave home without when you head out on a trip?

CA: My CDs and DVDs – I’m old school, and while I’m down with digital, I love having my discs with me.

TG: Please share your sage advice for young people who want to follow in your famous footsteps and become a singer.

CA: The biggest thing I would tell other young artists is that it’s OK to say “No” and it’s OK to voice your opinion. Always remember and keep close the ones who love you unconditionally, and remember to enjoy the moment always! Growing is a constant process.

TG: You’ve lent your name, time and energy to a wealth of wonderful charitable endeavors. We applaud your efforts on behalf of The Shade Tree; $1 of every ticket purchased to Christina Aguilera: The Xperience at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will be donated back to  www.theshadetree.org.

The Shade Tree, Southern Nevada’s only 24-hour accessible emergency shelter for women and children in crisis, services victims of domestic violence and/or human trafficking. Tell us how you became involved in this most worthwhile endeavor.

CA: I’m not shy about having grown up in an environment that was witness to domestic issues – and it’s imperative that I help support those who currently are affected by domestic abuse or violence. The Shade Tree is an incredible organization in Nevada that serves those in need of help – and I could not think of a more fitting place for me to donate my voice and aid.

TG: Thank you so much for all you do to make this world a better place and thank you also for being on our cover. It’s an honor and a pleasure to have you.

CA: Thank you!

www.theshadetree.org

www.christinaaguilera.com/

www.caesars.com/planet-hollywood/shows/christina-aguilera

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