As a young girl, I could never have imagined how my life would turn out and how this album would change everything—not just for me, but for my family as well. Typically, artists release a self-titled album later in their careers, but looking back, making my debut album self-titled was a bold move. It’s ironic—while for some, a self-titled album represents the truest version of themselves. For me, it was just the beginning. I used that time as an opportunity to begin discovering the artist I would eventually become in my future albums, where I could fully speak my heart and my truth. I cherish this album because it gave me a voice while I was still figuring out what I wanted to say. ‘Christina Aguilera’ not only changed my life but also gave me the ability to provide for my family at a young age, altering all of our lives forever. Looking back, it’s wild to think about, but I knew I was up for the challenge. To my incredible fans, your support over these 25 years has meant everything. You’ve been with me through every high and low. Your fierce love and loyalty have been the constant that kept me going. This is not just my celebration but OURS. To my younger self, I’m proud of you and all you’ve overcome. You did it. Here’s to another 25 years, not stopping anytime soon 🤍
As a young girl, I could never have imagined how my life would turn out and how this album would change everything—not just for me, but for my family as well. Typically, artists release a self-titled album later in their careers, but looking back, making my debut album self-titled was a bold move. It’s ironic—while for some, a self-titled album represents the truest version of themselves. For me, it was just the beginning. I used that time as an opportunity to begin discovering the artist I would eventually become in my future albums, where I could fully speak my heart and my truth. I cherish this album because it gave me a voice while I was still figuring out what I wanted to say. ‘Christina Aguilera’ not only changed my life but also gave me the ability to provide for my family at a young age, altering all of our lives forever. Looking back, it’s wild to think about, but I knew I was up for the challenge. To my incredible fans, your support over these 25 years has meant everything. You’ve been with me through every high and low. Your fierce love and loyalty have been the constant that kept me going. This is not just my celebration but OURS. To my younger self, I’m proud of you and all you’ve overcome. You did it. Here’s to another 25 years, not stopping anytime soon 🤍
As a young girl, I could never have imagined how my life would turn out and how this album would change everything—not just for me, but for my family as well. Typically, artists release a self-titled album later in their careers, but looking back, making my debut album self-titled was a bold move. It’s ironic—while for some, a self-titled album represents the truest version of themselves. For me, it was just the beginning. I used that time as an opportunity to begin discovering the artist I would eventually become in my future albums, where I could fully speak my heart and my truth. I cherish this album because it gave me a voice while I was still figuring out what I wanted to say. ‘Christina Aguilera’ not only changed my life but also gave me the ability to provide for my family at a young age, altering all of our lives forever. Looking back, it’s wild to think about, but I knew I was up for the challenge. To my incredible fans, your support over these 25 years has meant everything. You’ve been with me through every high and low. Your fierce love and loyalty have been the constant that kept me going. This is not just my celebration but OURS. To my younger self, I’m proud of you and all you’ve overcome. You did it. Here’s to another 25 years, not stopping anytime soon 🤍
Christina Aguilera Defines Her Legacy 🧨 25 years since her introduction, @xtina continues to put forward her most authentic self. From pop princess to fearless rulebreaker, her place in culture has not only been defined by numbers or charts (despite massive success from the beginning: three No. 1’s on her debut self-titled album and now seven Grammys under her belt), but by connecting with the core of who she is and what resonates with her audience. “I will never be a part of the creative world in a way that jeopardizes my own integrity,” Aguilera says, reflecting on her commitment to evolving musically (and personally) for herself and her fans. “At this point, there is a new me that has been growing and building, and it is so ready to emerge.” At the #linkinbio, @xtina opens up to PAPER Editor-in-Chief @justintmoran about the early days of her career, her role as a pop star and a mother, and what’s coming next. photography @snyder.erica styling @chrishoran20 hair @yuichi_ishida_hair makeup @artbyhector nails @nailsbyzola set design @nataliefalt digi tech @grtaus photo assistants @_brandonyee @tarutaru.wav styling assistants @greerheavrin @elmozworlddd production assistant @officialricardodiaz set design assistant Natasha Romano retouching @yelenapopova_retoucher editor-in-chief @justintmoran managing editor @mattdwille editorial producer @angelinacantu cover type @qoralswjd_ story @justintmoran publisher @briancalle
It’s summer 1999 and on every Top 40 station, a 3-minute 36-second confection blares, “You gotta rub me the right way.” The song, of course, is “Genie in a Bottle.” The singer? An 18-year-old rising star named Christina Aguilera (@xtina), who would go on to become one of the most important pop stars of the 21st century. That formative song—and the subsequent self-titled album it appeared on—turns 25 this month (!!) and for our August cover, the singer is reflecting on a time when things were different. At the link in bio, Aguilera opens up about her extraordinary career, the ruthless 2000s tabloids, motherhood, and her highly-anticipated new album. Credits Writer: Chris Rosa @chris.rosa92 Photographer: Christine Hahn @christinehahn Stylist: Ryan Young @cryoungin Hair: Jesus Guerrero @jesushair Makeup: Hector Espinal @artbyhector Manicure: Zola Ganzorigt @nailsbyzola Producer: Rowan Productions @rowanproductions
