Quotes from Christina Aguilera

The artists I look up to are the ones who push their own limits.

Being a working mother is not easy, but I think it helps you choose what's important in your life. If I think about starting a new project--whether it be music, a movie or a fragrance--I always stop and think: Is this something I feel really passionate about? That way, if I'm not at home at least it's for something I really love, and my son can look up to that.

For me, my voice and music was always an outlet. Growing up in an unstable environment and whatnot, music was my only real escape.

There's nothin' more dangerous than a boy with charm.

I knew there would be a negative reaction in the press to my divorce, but I am not going to live my life because of something someone might say. That goes against everything I sing on my records. I have to be myself.

So blissful in taking this time for creating all things blossoming new on the horizon ... album, baby & beautiful music to come.

When I try to describe how I feel when you hold me, I get butterflies, I hear lullabies, it's hard to explain -- like the scent of a rose or the sound of the rain. It's too precious and too wonderful to give it a name.

I laugh a lot lately. People expect me to cry, but I always laugh when things go wrong.

You are beautiful no matter what they say.

During that Grammy moment, when I nearly collapsed, I was thinking, Are you kidding me? I've always been really good with my heels. Even pregnant, I could perform in heels. Note to self: Never wear a train onstage.

For me the visual is just as important as the music. I would never record without my red lipstick. It was my way of getting into character, sort of like Method singing.

People who see an unhappy, sulky pop star assume that she's an ungrateful, self-absorbed little ninny. But nobody knows what's really going on. I need to eat, I need to sleep, and sometimes those things weren't considered. It was like, "When do you think I'll have time to go to the bathroom?" That wasn't on the schedule.

When you have a specific vision for something, you just go in and attack it.

Why is a woman's sexuality always under so much scrutiny? Why can't she do exactly what she please without being called a million things?

When there's no one else look inside yourself -- like your oldest friend -- just trust the voice within -- then you'll find the strength that will guide your way. You'll learn to begin to trust the voice within.

I've never watched an entire episode of American Idol. It's too mean. Why would anyone want to go on a show to be ripped apart? I don't want to be tough with my singers, but I do want to tell them on The Voice that if you really want this, you'll be kicked when you're down. You have to be willing to roll with those punches. You have to really want it.

If you are a woman and you're assertive and you want to get the job done, you're a bitch. If you're a guy, you're just assertive.

It's so weird to say this about the icon and legend that is Cher, but she's like an old girlfriend. We still talk all the time. She's an incredible person personally and professionally, giving such amazing advice, stories for days, been there done that. She's one of a kind.

I don't see makeup as a defense. I see it as a creative outlet. I am a woman who has my extreme vulnerable side and my baggage--and at times I feel extremely weak. And who's to say a little mascara doesn't make you feel more confident when you pop it on and look in the mirror? It helps, especially in my position, where I have people waiting down the street to take pictures of me so they can evaluate and criticize every little flaw on my face.

I've found that doing interviews forces you to face yourself; I'm constantly having to search within myself, to see why I do certain things.

I think women are sensual, beautiful beings, and I feel empowered when I express myself sexually.

Sometimes magazines will take artist's creative choices too literally; they assume that I actually live the way I do in music videos. For example: the whole "Dirty" thing. Do you think I wear chaps to the grocery store?

I'm turning 30 years old this year ... it's better than 20, I'll tell you that. The lessons I've learned.

Pain is rewarding, in every capacity.