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1 year oldChristina Aguilera is headed to Australia to perform on our shores for the first time in 15 years.
In these exclusive photos, the Grammy winner was spotted at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday evening local time, en route to Australia ahead of her highly anticipated Melbourne show on November 25.
“Australia holds a special place in my heart. I remember the energy of the fans and the breathtaking landscapes. I’m so happy to be back – it’s been too long!” she told news.com.au ahead of her flight.
“Life gets busy and piecing together a schedule can be complex. I’ve always wanted to come back and I’m so thrilled to return for this special performance. I promise it’ll be worth the wait!”
The 42-year-old will belt out her greatest chart-toppers including Genie in A Bottle, What a Girl Wants, and Beautiful at the open-air Flemington Racecourse venue this Saturday – and she’s raring to go.
“A night of hits plus a whole lot of love,” she says of what fans can expect of the show, which also includes guest performances from Jessica Mauboy, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and electronic duo m8riarchy.
Aguilera is also the newest brand ambassador for Menulog, teaming up with the online delivery app and American rapper Latto for their fresh Did Somebody Say ad campaign, which in the past has starred Snoop Dogg and Katy Perry.
“The brand is creative and experimental with their ideas, and that appeals to me,” Aguilera says of her ambassadorship.
And true to Aguilera’s form, she’s bringing her star and style power to the brand.
As she embarked on her flight to Australia, the hitmaker was seen toting a custom-made, bedazzled Menulog delivery bag created by Aussie label, by Weave Collection, which was inspired by the commercial.
“It’s a cute accessory for my Australia visit!” Aguilera said. “I’ve worked with so many talented designers over the years and I love anything that pushes the boundaries creatively and in fashion.”
Aguilera herself has been known to push the boundaries when it comes to her music and career. Never afraid to march to the beat of her own drum, the singer has always championed female sexuality and this is prevalent in her risqué music videos such as Lady Marmalade, Not Myself Tonight and, of course, Dirrty.
“My main principle, musically and personally, has been to always stay true to who I am. It’s important to be genuine,” she tells us.
“When I made the music video for Dirrty, we were having fun and creating a world that felt authentic to me and appropriate for the song. I don’t particularly see it as a scandal.”
Next year marks 25 years since Aguilera released her self-titled debut album. Aged just 18 when she burst onto the scene, Aguilera certainly turned heads with her vocals, winning the coveted Best New Artist at the 1999 Grammy Awards.
She would go on to win another six Grammy Awards, including two Latin Grammys.
“Twenty-five years allows me the opportunity to reflect on the music, my growth and the amazing journey during that time of spending incredible moments with my fans worldwide,” she says of her upcoming career milestone.
“There have been so many amazing moments. It’s impossible to pick only one, but since there’s nothing like the first time – I would say winning the Grammy for Best New Artist was such a thrill at the time. I was a newcomer and baby to the business. You can never repeat that category, so it’s one that I especially cherish.”
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