Miller MobleyChristina Aguilera was “longing for freedom,” and now she’s ready for her Liberation.
The singer, who Thursday announced her new album and its first single, “Accelerate,” covers the latest issue of Billboard, in which she discusses feeling trapped on The Voice, working with Kanye West, and heading back on tour for the first time in 10 years.
Christina, who was a coach on The Voice from 2011 to 2016, tells Billboard the show became too restrictive for her.
“It became something that I didn’t feel was what I had signed up for in season one,” she says. “You realize it’s not about music. It’s about making good TV moments and massaging a story.”
She continues: “I didn’t get into this business to be a television show host and to be given all these [rules]. Especially as a female: You can’t wear this, can’t say that. I would find myself on that show desperately trying to express myself through clothing or makeup or hair. It was my only kind of outlet.”
With Liberation, Christina was able to get back to her roots: recording an album with a heavy R&B-hip-hop influence. Kanye produced two tracks, including “Accelerate,” featuring 2 Chainz and Ty Dolla $ign.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of Kanye,” Christina says in the interview, which took place before Kanye’s recent controversial comments. “Outside of, you know, his controversial aspects, I just think he’s a great artist and musicmaker and beatmaker.”
More good news: Christsina’s planning to tour behind Liberation.
“Touring is so frightening to me, because I am a mom first,” she says. But, she says, “it needs to happen. I’m looking forward to getting back out and actually showing my kids what Mommy really does!”
Copyright © 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
