Marie Claire

The year is starting out right for the popstar. She appears on the February cover of Marie Claire. The blurb “I’m a different person now” tells a lot about the mag’s juicy interview with the 29-year-old.

She talks about motherhood and maturing in the showbiz industry. “In this crazy business, it’s so easy to build up a lot of walls and a lot of bitterness,” she said. “And it’s just no way to be… “[I can now use softer tones] that maybe I’ve been afraid to do in the past, to allow myself to go to a place of ‘less singing.’ I’m more vulnerable and more strong at the same time.”

The cover shoot shows the petite singer hamming it up in front of a grand piano wearing spring’s must-have prints. Check Marie Claire’s behind-the-scenes photos here.

Christina also talks about her new album, Bionic, which will be released in March, and will be featuring collaborations with Goldfrapp, Ladytron, M.I.A, Linda Perry, Tricky Stewart, and The Neptunes. One of the singles is entitled “Glam,” a poppy, hip-hop inflected throwback to Madonna’s “Vogue.” Can’t wait.

Her promotional video for the album is bordering on artistic and disturbing. Check it out:

“Mature” is right. Remember her early days as a post-Mickey Mouse Club member?