Christina Aguilera: Singer doesn't regret her controversial "Dirrty" performance

More than two decades after the release of her controversial hit "Dirrty," Christina Aguilera remains as proud as ever of the song that sparked a storm of outrage in 2002. At an event in Santa Monica, the 44-year-old spoke openly about the reactions at the time – and why she felt "incredibly empowered" despite all the criticism.

"I remember when I released my 'Stripped' album and received some pretty harsh criticism for my song 'Dirrty,'" Aguilera said during a panel discussion , according to US magazine "People ." For the singer, "Dirrty" was far more than just a provocative song—it was a statement of self-determination. "For me, it felt incredibly empowering to own my body and express myself the way I wanted," she explained. The track was her conscious rebellion against the "weird, label-driven pop bubblegum-manufacturing robot thing" that, in her own words, she never was.

Released on September 3, 2002, the song featuring rapper Redman marked a radical image transformation for the artist, who had previously recorded three albums under strict label control. "The label wanted to push this sugary, almost virginal image that just wasn't me," Aguilera explained at the time . She wanted to free herself from this "really fake and superficial" image.

Criticism as a motivational boost

What's particularly fascinating is that the more pushback Aguilera received for her daring look, the more fun she had with it. "I have to say, the more flack I got for wearing it, the more fun I had," she revealed to People in 2021. She's kept the iconic chaps from the music video to this day: "We definitely archived the look, and God, I just hope they're still in good condition after all these years."

The negative public reaction also made Aguilera reflect on societal double standards. "It was very interesting for me to hear why other people thought I shouldn't do this, why I shouldn't have the right to my own voice over my own body," she reflected at the event in Santa Monica.

Lessons for the next generation

These experiences also shape her role as a mother today. Aguilera, who has a son, Max Liron (16), with ex-husband Jordan Bratman and a daughter, Summer Rain (10), with her fiancé Matt Rutler, wants to educate her children differently: "As I've grown older and now have a daughter, it's really important to me to make sure she's informed and not afraid to ask questions."

Today, more than 20 years later, Aguilera looks back on her decision with satisfaction. Since 2022, she has co-founded Playground, a sexual health company, and continues to fight for women's empowerment. Her message is clear: "I've reached a point of maturity now where I don't give a shit about your opinion. I'm not going to adopt it. Other people's opinions about me are none of my business."

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