NEWS
Christina Aguilera performs on stage during the 2021 People's Choice Awards held at Barker Hangar on December 7, 2021 in Santa Monica, California.
Christopher Polk/E! Entertainment/NBCUniversal/NBCU Photo BankChristina Aguilera brought the heat to the 2021 People’s Choice Awards on Tuesday (Dec. 7), where she took to the stage to sing a medley of hits spanning her two decade-long music career. During the performance — which preceded her accepting People’s Choice’s first-ever Music Icon award — Aguilera paid tribute to her “Dirrty” look with the help of a quick outfit change.
Aguilera began her hits medley with a dramatic and haunting rendition of her first hit single, “Genie in a Bottle,” dressed in a black floor-length ruffled gown. The song then transitioned into the instrumentals for her Stripped classic “Dirrty,” marking the arrival of her alter ego, Xtina. She traded the black gown for a leather and lace-up detailed take of her iconic yellow and black “Dirrty” bra top and chaps costume, which she originally wore for a live MTV performance in 2002. (The outfit also appeared in red in the official 2002 music video.) Aguilera also brought back the black streaks in her blonde hair from the look, which has been one of her most memorable over the course of her career.
After singing a snippet of “Dirrty,” Aguilera transitioned into “Fighter” and “Can’t Hold Us Down” before closing out with a stunning display of vocal agility with “Somos Nada” and signature hit, “Beautiful.”
Later in the evening, Aguilera accepted the Music Icon Award and said that receiving the award was “an exceptional honor.”
“I have always strived for my music to communicate messages of empowerment, whether it’s speaking my own truths or giving voice to those unable to do so on their own,” Aguilera said in her acceptance speech. “My artistry has always been for the fighters in this world, for those who face adversity, for those wanting to evoke change, my music is for you.”
“Believing in yourself is often the biggest obstacle of all, and throughout the years I’ve heard your stories about the impact of songs like ‘Beautiful,’ ‘Fighter,’ ‘Can’t Hold Us Down,’ and yes, even ‘Dirrty.’ Thank you for your stories,” she continued. “Thank you for listening. And thank you for fighting. You inspire me every day.”
Watch Aguilera’s People’s Choice performance below, as well as the 2002 “Dirrty” video featuring the red take on the iconic outfit.
Sade will not be attending their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony this week.
The English group, made up of Sade Adu, Paul Denman, Stuart Matthewman, and Andrew Hale, are among this year's inductees into the prestigious institution. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles this Saturday.
However, a representative for Sade confirmed on Tuesday through the band's official website that none of the members would be attending the event.
"We're sorry that we won't be able to join everyone in person to celebrate alongside the other artists. However, our absence does not lessen how deeply this recognition means to us," they stated. "Being welcomed into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a wonderful honour and a meaningful opportunity to express our gratitude, not just to everyone who voted for us, but to every person who has made our music part of their lives."
The representative also acknowledged their manager Roger Davies for his support and paid tribute to the late engineer and co-producer Mike Pela, who passed away in 2022.
"We owe so much to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey," they continued, before signing the message: "Sade, Stuart, Andrew, and Paul. Mike Pela, the fifth member of Sade... This recognition belongs to you just as much as it does to us, Mike. You will always be our soul mate."
Sade will be joining Oasis among the artists missing this year's ceremony. Liam Gallagher previously addressed his absence in a message on X, saying the journey was "too far" for him to make just "for the night".
The other musicians being recognised at this weekend's ceremony include Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, the late Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.
