"The female body is so beautiful and I am glad that in recent years all women have acquired a new love for their body."
"We are beautiful, no matter what they say." Who does not remember this emblematic attack from the song "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera?

The song marked an era and encouraged many people to accept themselves as they are. For this reason, and because she continues to be a symbol of empowerment all these years, Christina Aguilera is featured on the cover of the new issue of "Vogue Portugal", which is dedicated to bodies.

 
Through her music and songs such as "Beautiful" from the 2002 album "Stripped" she advocated the promotion of new standards for beauty, standards that celebrate diversity and break away from stereotypes. And she led the change because she never hid her own problems with her body.

 
"Stripped" was generally an important turning point for me, as it was there that I embraced all sides of myself and came to realize for the first time who I am as a woman. "I was open and honest - on a creative, professional, sexual, emotional level - exploring my strengths as well as my insecurities," she explains.

"It was revolutionary and true at the same time. I wanted to shake off the old standards and stereotypes of the industry, with which I grew up and in which I felt trapped, and create new rules for myself and the fans who wanted to follow me. "Yes, 'Beautiful' was a big part of it - especially after the ambitious and bold 'Dirrty,'" he continues.

 
"It showed a softer side and I knew it was a timeless message that anyone could identify with - hurting their own acceptance - even in their worst moments, and that you should not be afraid to admit your insecurities and to turn them into your only superpower ", he states.

"Now, discussions about mental health and awareness are more valuable than ever… Be kind and encouraging to yourself, despite what everyone may be saying or thinking about you. "It's a strong message that goes beyond the test of trends and time."

Her self-confidence is as palpable as her honesty and these two elements are inseparable.

 
From the beginning of her career, Christina Aguilera highlights the empowerment of women and erases everything that threatens her self-esteem - and ours.

"Gender-based beauty standards are something that requires constant discussion and change. "As a young artist in the music industry, the industry executives and my fans certainly had expectations for me - and then there were the role models I had for myself," she recalls.

"Now, as a woman with more life experience and my own children, I fall in love with my body over and over again - along with the changes I am experiencing. "The female body is so beautiful and I am glad that in recent years all women have acquired a new love for their body", she adds.

Christina Aguilera - Latin Grammy Awards 2021
In an age of social media and stress, more voices like Christina Aguilera are needed.

"My opinion is that so many people have problems with their bodies right now because of social media. They constantly show us photos and videos of how beauty should be - but many times these images are processed with visual effects or filters. "It can really affect the development of young teens, which is really sad."

 
"I feel very protective of the way women see themselves and each other. In particular, I constantly encourage my 7-year-old daughter to appreciate, love and appreciate everything that makes her unique - as I know that soon enough society and unrealistic beauty standards will make her question and analyze herself ", she reveals.

"I want to make sure I have prepared the ground for her to feel confident and encouraged now about who she is and not to depend on anyone else's standards or views," he said.

"The Lord knows that I have seen first hand growing up in this job what women have to go through psychologically (especially!) And that now more than ever we are setting new rules and standards for who we are and the way we write "Our history instead of being dictated to us", he comments.

This is why Christina Aguilera does not neglect her mental health.

"The best way to achieve good mental health is to set boundaries in all aspects of my life. I try to take care of and give time to myself, my family, my music and my fans. The balance of these things can