The Queen of Vegas: Xtina’s Unforgettable Performances of Feminist Hits and Soulful Singing
Christina Aguilera, the pop diva known for her powerful voice and iconic hits, has launched her new Vegas show, Burlesque: Show Me How You Burlesque. It is a dazzling spectacle of music, dance, and glamour. The show is inspired by her 2010 movie Burlesque, where she played a small-town singer who joins a glamorous nightclub in the big city. The show features songs from the movie soundtrack and some of her classics and covers, spanning a range of genres and styles, from pop and rock to soul and jazz.
One of the highlights of the show is her cover of “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore, a feminist anthem that was released in 1963 when Gore was only 17 years old. The song expresses a woman’s independence and autonomy from a man, rejecting the idea of being treated like a possession or a toy and demanding respect and freedom. The song became a hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and it has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Joan Jett, Dusty Springfield, Bette Midler, and Grace. The song has also been featured in movies like Dirty Dancing, The First Wives Club, and Hairspray. The song remains relevant and inspiring today, as it reflects the current social and political issues facing women and other oppressed groups and motivates them to stand up for their rights and dignity.
Christina Aguilera chose to cover this song for her new Vegas show to tribute one of her musical inspirations and celebrate women’s empowerment. She said in an interview, “I love Lesley Gore. She was such a pioneer and a trailblazer for women in music. She was one of the first to sing about female independence and autonomy. I wanted to honor her legacy and message my fans that they don’t have to let anyone control or define them.”
She performed the song with a jazzy twist, accompanied by a big band and four female dancers, wearing a silver dress and sunglasses resembling welding goggles. She changed some of the lyrics to make them more personal and empowering, such as “I’m young and I love to be free” and “Don’t tell me what to do, don’t tell me what to say, and please, when I go out with you, don’t put me on display.” She dedicated the song to her fans, especially the women and the LGBTQ+ community, saying, “This is for all of you who have ever felt oppressed or silenced or not heard or not seen. You are beautiful, powerful, amazing, and you don’t belong to anyone but yourself.” The audience cheered and sang along with her as she delivered a powerful and passionate performance that showcased her vocal skills and artistic vision.
Christina Aguilera covering YOU DON’T OWN ME by Lesley Gore during her new Vegas show!! A feminist ANTHEM 🔥 PIC.TWITTER.COM/X5JZHODSA7
— 🤷🏼♀️ (@tween_xtina) DECEMBER 31, 2023
The show is a musical extravaganza and a celebration of the art of burlesque, a form of theatrical entertainment combining comedy, drama, music, and dance. The show explores themes of self-expression, sexuality, and liberation as Christina Aguilera and her dancers perform various routines that are playful, seductive, fierce, or vulnerable. She said in an interview, “I love burlesque because it gives me the freedom to express myself in different ways. I can be playful, seductive, fierce, or vulnerable. I can sing songs that are fun, sexy, empowering, or emotional. I can show different sides of myself and my artistry.”
The show is also a way for Christina Aguilera to connect with her fan base, who have supported her throughout her career. She said in an interview, “I wanted to create a show that is intimate and personal, that allows me to interact with my fans and share my stories and emotions with them. I wanted to make them feel part of the show and my journey.” She thanked her fans for their love and support and praised them for their diversity and strength.
Christina Aguilera has proven once again that she is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry and is not afraid to reinvent herself and challenge herself. She has staked her claim in Vegas with a show that is a testament to her talent, creativity, and charisma. She has also delivered a message of empowerment and inspiration to her fans and the world with a song that is a timeless classic and a feminist anthem. She has shown that she is not only a pop star but also a burlesque star and does not belong to anyone but herself.
