Christina Aguilera On Artists Sacrificing Authenticity To Stay Relevant

“I have to feel strong in my message and my core and what I’m doing out there. I think it’s been apparent throughout my career that I’ve taken risks and chances,” she said, adding that she’s avoided being “one dimensional” even though it’s easier to “play it safe for public perspective.”

Now more than ever, major stars face pressure to reinvent themselves between album cycles to keep their careers fresh and exciting for fans. But, when asked about the role of pop stars in today’s culture, Christina said she finds it “corny” when artists “do things intentionally for pop culture, noise and for attention to stay quote-unquote ‘relevant.’”

In light of this, Christina said she’s tried hard to “stay away” from “the formulaic pop route.”

“When you get into a space where it becomes about a gimmick, when it becomes about trying to fit a mold, when it becomes about trying too hard to get a charted record, you lose the authenticity there,” she said, stressing the importance of following “your gut” when it comes to your own projects.