,type=downsize)
Christina Aguilera farewelled 2024 on her terms, shutting down critics and embracing self-love. On New Year's Eve, the 44-year-old five-time Grammy winner shared a powerful video montage on Instagram reflecting her year. The clip begins with screenshots of comments critiquing her appearance. Still, it quickly transitions to highlights of her remarkable achievements in 2024, set to an inspiring audio track about confidence and ignoring negativity.
Aguilera sent a strong message about empowerment and resilience in the caption: "This year, doing something a little different. This is a reminder to everyone that you are your OWN STORYTELLER in your OWN LIFE. No one else can dictate who you are. No one deserves an explanation. I am evolved enough to know that nothing comes easy and no one is perfect. Everyone will judge you. No matter WHAT you do. And/or what you don't do."
© GC ImagesShe continued, "Acceptance comes with accepting yourself first. And the difficult journey it takes sometimes to get there. I celebrate everyone taking the time to put one step in front of the next every day in order to build the next version of themselves for the better. Allowing yourself grace, patience and respect…"
Aguilera's defiant New Year's Eve post comes on the heels of her 44th birthday celebration on December 18. The pop icon marked the occasion with a bold and sultry black-and-white photo, proving once again that she's unafraid to push boundaries. The nearly nude image captured Aguilera in a striking side profile pose against a white backdrop. She wore stiletto heels, a black undergarment, and a matching beret that crowned her voluminous curls. Her right arm covered her chest, while her left wrapped around her legs, exuding confidence and elegance. She cheekily captioned the post, "Birthday Suit #44."
The pose and styling immediately drew comparisons to her iconic look from the 2010 musical "Burlesque." Fans and followers applauded the post, praising Aguilera for her fearless self-expression.
© Getty Images for VoltaireThis milestone birthday is just one year's highlight, filled with transformations and high-profile appearances. On November 21, Aguilera turned heads at reopening H&M's flagship store in Times Square. Dressed in high-waisted gold grommet shorts, black tights, thigh-high boots, and a velvet floor-length coat, she flawlessly blended edgy and glamorous elements, earning rave reviews for her radiant look.
Despite the glowing compliments, Aguilera has faced her share of scrutiny, particularly over her appearance. Reflecting on her relentless focus on her body in a recent interview with Glamour, she said, "I started to fill out, and then that was unacceptable because it was like, 'Oh, she's getting thicker.' Then I had industry people: 'They liked your body and how you were as a skinny teenager.'"
© @xtinaThese experiences have only fueled Aguilera's mission to embrace her body and encourage others to do the same.
