Though it’s been four years since she released ‘Back to Basics,’ Christina Aguilera has been busy. She gave birth to her first child, a son named Max, and is poised for a huge 2010 with her highly anticipated new album, ‘Bionic,’ her major motion picture debut in ‘Burlesque’ with fellow diva Cher and a new tour.

In the following Q&A, Aguilera tells PopEater about motherhood, ‘Bionic,’ working with Cher and her upcoming tour. After the interview, get the exclusive LiveNation presale code to buy tickets to Aguilera’s concerts before they go on sale to the general public on May 21.

What have you been up to since you released ‘Back to Basics’ in 2006?
I took some time off to have my son, record a new album and shoot a film, so although it was a break from touring, it really wasn’t a “break.” As an artist, you have to take some time to actually live life and that helps the creative process. So having Max and taking that year to be a mom really helped give “birth” to the album and sound.

After having Max, my perspective on life changed. I found that rather than drawing from the past, I was looking to the future and that is where this new sound came from. [It's] very much influenced by the future.

How would you describe the sound on the album?
It’s an album that has many sides. There are some great dance tracks, but also ballads that are unique and inspiring.

You’re constantly reinventing yourself. How would you describe your image this time around?
After having Max my perspective on life changed. I found that, rather than draw from the past, I was looking to the future and that is where this new sound came from. Very much influenced by the future.

You worked with great songwriters like M.I.A., Sia and Peaches. How did that come about?
The artists I collaborated with on this album are ones I have been fans of for years. When I was pregnant with Max, I was listening to a lot of Sia, M.I.A., etc. My husband said, “Why don’t you ask them to collaborate?” That thought never even crossed my mind, but I am so glad I did it. They were amazing to work with and really allowed me to do my thing and they did theirs, so there is a great mix of both sounds. Each of us had something unique to bring to the table. Sia also taught me to appreciate the imperfections in my voice and that is where the sound on ‘You Lost Me’ came from.

You’re making your major movie debut this year in ‘Burlesque’ with Cher. How was that experience for you?
Cher is a strong woman and someone I related to immediately. We became close girlfriends on this film and she offered advice both professionally and personally. Making the film was an amazing experience.

What can fans expect from your upcoming tour?
My plan, as I have done in the past, is not to disappoint and to put on a show that my fans will love. Fans will have to come see the show to find out what we have in store.

To purchase tickets to Christina Aguilera’s tour now, visit LiveNation between now and 10AM ET on Thursday and enter the code AOLCHRISTINA. Fans who purchase tickets between now and June 4 will get an exclusive link to download ‘Bionic’ on June 7, the day before it is released.

Source: Popeater.com