Christina Aguilera: Why I Filed for Divorce

Christina Aguilera remembers vividly how she felt as she signed the papers in her divorce from music exec Jordan Bratman.

"Things were so unhealthy and unhappy for both Jordan and me, I knew I had to end it," the Burlesque star, 29, tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview. "I really didn't want to hurt Jordan, and I felt torn about splitting our family up."

The decision to end her marriage of five years was not easy for Aguilera, but she strongly felt she had to do what she thought best for her and Jordan's 2-year-old son.

"When you're unhappy in your marriage, your children are the ones who suffer," says the Grammy-winning pop singer, whose own parents' tumultuous relationship led to divorce when she was 7. "That's the last thing I wanted for my son."

Since filing for divorce, Aguilera has been out in Los Angeles and New York City with a new man, Matthew Rutler, a set assistant on Burlesque.

"He's the kind of person you could spend hours with on the phone talking to and all of a sudden it's daylight," she says.

Credit: People

Christina Aguilera: Exploited By Her Man's Band

Christina Aguilera is the best thing that ever happened to her new boyfriend's band -- and they know it -- because they quickly plastered her name all over their website in an apparent effort to gain exposure.

Right after the news broke that Matt Rutler was getting all cozy with Christina -- the guys from the Nate Mott Band posted Xtina's name and Matt's name all over the "Tags" section of their homepage -- hoping to increase the likelihood that anyone doing a Google search for those two will find their band's website.

But, it seems somebody wasn't happy with the coattail riding ... because the Christina-related tags have since been removed from the website.

Christina couldn't have been too upset -- because she accompanied Matt to a bar in Newport Beach, CA on Sunday to watch her new man jam out a few songs with another one of the guys from the band.

Credit: TMZ

Christina Aguilera Opens Up About Her New Man

It's been just six weeks since Christina Aguilera announced her divorce, but the singer is wasting no time being single, already announcing she's in love.

In a candid interview with People magazine, Aguilera has opened up about her split from husband Jordan Bratman and surprisingly revealed she's fallen for another man.

The blonde star is talking about Matthew Rutler, a set assistant on her new movie, Burlesque, who she has been photographed with numerous times since her break up.

When asked if she is in love, Aguilera said: "There's a love there, yes. I'm having fun, I'm dating and it's something I haven't had in a really long time."

Rutler's mother, Kathleen, spoke exclusively to Radar Online and denied they were anything but friends.

But Aguilera has now revealed they began dating right after she filed for divorce.

"Matthew is a special person. We had a really strong friendship on the movie," she said. "He's the kind of person you could spend hours on the phone talking to and all of a sudden it's daylight.

"Once I filed for divorce, we started dating. I'm not trying to jump into anything. I just left a five-year marriage. I'm taking it slow and trying to be happy."

And she isn't ruling out tying the knot again.

"Wholeheartedly. I know one day I'll be able to feel that again for someone. That idea will never die."

Credit: Radar Online

Christina Aguilera Meets New Guy's Mom

Christina Aguilera has been spending time with her new guy Matt Rutler – and his family.

Aguilera, who recently filed for divorce from husband Jordan Bratman, had a festive night out with Rutler at the Abbey in West Hollywood on Nov. 24. The couple were seen dancing, according to an onlooker, who added: "Christina was in a great mood and seemed very into Matt."

Aguilera, 29, spent Thanksgiving in Los Angeles with friends. Then after the holiday, the singer and Rutler, who worked as a set assistant on her film Burlesque, jetted to New York, while her son Max stayed with his dad for the holiday weekend.

"This is the first Thanksgiving she was without Max," says a source. "It was really hard for her and she was feeling sad, so she decided to go to the East Coast with Matt and a group of friends."

On Saturday, Aguilera, Rutler and a few pals went to Rhode Island for a spontaneous visit to Rutler's family home where they spent time with his mom, Kathleen.

"Since his family lives so close, they decided to drop in for a few hours," says the source.

But the source insists that meeting the family doesn't mean Aguilera and Rutler are getting more serious. "They’re still getting to know each other better," says the source.

Credit: People

Christina Aguilera & Matthew Rutler's NYC Date

Spending the holiday weekend in the Big Apple, Christina Aguilera and her new beau Matthew Rutler were spotted together in New York City on Saturday night (November 27).

After chowing down on dinner at the Corner Deli, the cute couple held hands as they headed to the Boom Boom Room, where they partied until 3AM.

Credit: Celebrity Gossip

Christina Aguilera & Matthew Rutler's Date Night

Back out with her rumored new flame, Christina Aguilera was spotted alongside Matthew Rutler at The Abbey in Los Angeles on Wednesday night (November 24).

The recently divorced singer/actress held hands with her date for the evening, as the pair have been spotted out together numerous times after having first met on the set of Christina's new movie "Burlesque".

Credit: Celebrity Gossip

Christina Aguilera Talks 'Mommy Drinking Nights'

...and all sorts of other dirty details, like how she's gone to the bathroom in a bucket backstage! Okay, so that was one of the TMI moments of the interview, but Christina Aguilera comes across as surprisingly modest and cheerful on a recent episode of Chelsea Lately.

Christina and host Chelsea Handler discussed the recent changes in Xtina's life and her new movie Burlesque, and it seems like the the dirrty girl is balancing single motherhood and her career just fine. Click the video above to see what she had to say!

Credit: X17 Online

Christina Aguilera Holds Hands With New Guy

Is Christina Aguilera ready to go public with her rebound man?

In Los Angeles Sunday, the star -- who filed for divorce from Jordan Bratman last month -- was photographed in L.A. holding hands with new guy Matt Rutler, a set assistant whom she met while making Burlesque.

It's definitely progress for the duo: The last time Rutler stepped out with Aguilera, 29 (during a Nov. 5 outing at L.A.'s Soho House with Nicole Richie and Joel Madden), he attempted to hide from the cameras.

"They've been on a few dates," a source told Us Magazine earlier this month, explaining that they reconnected after Aguilera's September separation from Bratman, her husband of five years.

Cautioned the source: "She's not looking to jump into a relationship right now. She...is focusing on spending as much time as possible with Max," her two-year-old son with Bratman, 33.

Rutler has been "really good for her and is helping her through this difficult time," adds the insider.

Credit: Us Magazine

Christina Aguilera Invites Pink On Play Dates

Now that Pink has announced her pregnancy, she and Christina Aguilera have a lot more in common than just being a couple of world-famous singers.

The two divas "bumped into" each other on the air Friday when they were scheduled to do back-to-back interviews with Ryan Seacrest on his KIIS-FM radio show.

With Aguilera about to sign off, Seacrest asked her to say hello to Pink on the other line, who noted Aguilera – mom to a 2-year-old boy, Max – could probably offer her some "mommy advice."

"Congratulations! I just heard the amazing news," Aguilera replied. "I'm so happy for you. Join the club."

"I feel like I really am joining a club," Pink said.

Aguilera, 29, then proceeded to interview her fellow singer – whose doctors believe is expecting a girl – about her pregnancy. "How are you feeling? Do you have morning sickness? How's it feeling for you?"

"No, unfortunately," Pink said as Seacrest stayed mum in the background. "I feel like if I had morning sickness I would have lost some weight. But I've kept everything down."

"It's good," Aguilera insisted. "You're eating for two now – use it while you can, right?"

Aguilera later suggested that they get their kids together down the line, saying "We have to have play dates." Pink chuckled at the suggestion, and Aguilera picked up on her hesitation – but Pink, 31, explained it wasn't personal.

"The reason I laughed is I was with these two girls last night who used to be best friends until their kids started fighting," Pink said. "It's pretty funny what that does to people."

Aguilera agreed friends can cross boundaries, saying, "Don't discipline my kid, thanks."

Added Pink, "What if your kid punches my kid? Then what happens?"

"Yeah, really messed up. And the moms start battling it out!" Aguilera said. 

Credit: People

Christina Aguilera Talks About "Love of My Life"

Although she filed for divorce from Jordan Bratman last month after five years of marriage, Christina Aguilera doesn't have to go it alone.

The Burlesque star, 29, admits there's "just a little bit" going on in her life now on Friday's Ellen DeGeneres Show -- but she gets solace from a special guy in her life.

No, not set assistant Matthew Rutler (they have been on "a few dates," according to a source) -- her little boy Max, 2!

"He's the love of my life," Aguilera gushes. "I adore him and he's such a character and he's so happy and at the end of the day, that's what's most important."

The star adds that her son with Bratman is "my focus first and foremost...More power to single moms and those out there doing it. I was raised by a single mom."

(Indeed, an insider told Us of Aguilera's fledgling romance with Rutler: "It's not serious. She's not looking to jump into a relationship right now. She has a lot going on with the movie and is focusing on spending as much time as possible with Max.")

Aguilera also reaches a major milestone on Dec. 18: her 30th birthday!

"It's better than turning 20, I'll tell you that," she tells Ellen DeGeneres. "You're more comfortable in your own skin as a woman. You have a better idea of what you want and how to get it. At this time in my life, it's a huge turning point, it's a transitional stage and I'm ready. I'm ready."

Credit: Us Magazine

Christina Aguilera Appears On The Tonight Show

Christina Aguilera spoke out about being a single mom while appearing on The Tonight Show Wednesday, saying her 2-year-old son Max is “the happiest guy ever, and I want to see to it he remains that way."

As Radar Online previously reported, Aguilera filed for divorce from Max's father, Jordan Bratman, on October 14.

"More power to all the single moms out there," Aguilera said, noting she was raised by a single mother herself and "that turned out fantastic.

"It's hard just being a working mom... you find your own routine and your own rhythm of doing things," the Genie In A Bottle singer said. "I like being the first thing he wakes up to in the morning and the last thing he goes to bed at night seeing, and singing him his lullabies before bed...

"It means the world to me to do that," said the singer, who received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Monday.

Aguilera's new film Burlesque hits theaters November 24.

Credit: Radar Online

Christina Aguilera At The Premiere Of 'Burlesque'

Continuing on with quite the busy day, Christina Aguilera was looking lovely at the premiere of Screen Gems' "Burlesque" in Los Angeles, California on Monday evening (November 15).

Clad in a flowing green frock, the singer/actress joined co-star Cher as the pair worked the crowd as they slowly but surely made their way into Grauman's Chinese Theater for the debut of their upcoming movie.

Credit: Celebrity Gossip

Nicole Richie & Joel Madden's Wedding Details

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden have put all their wedding plans in motion, and Radar Online has learned exclusively that the couple plan to marry in early December.

The former Simple Life star, 29, and her rocker fiancee, 31, are set to tie the knot before a star-studded guest list at the Beverly Hill home of Nicole's proud dad, music icon Lionel Richie.

"Christmas has always been about family and faith for Nicole and Joel, so there is not better time of the year for them to wed," an insider told Radar Online.

While the super-secret details of the couple's nuptials have not yet been released, Radar Online has learned that close pal Christina Aguilera and Lindsay Lohan's ex-lover Samantha Ronson are both planning to be in attendance.

The maid of honor will be Nicole's best friend, Masha Gordon, while the best man will be Joel's twin brother, Benji.

Nicole's daughter Harlow will serve as a flower girl.

Father Lionel will walk Nicole, the daughter he adopted, down the aisle, Radar Online is told.

The pair - who confirmed their engagement in February - have also engaged a top Hollywood event planner, the same woman behind the amazing nuptials of Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Aguilera.

Nicole and Joel are planning to invite about 75 family members and close friends to the garden wedding.

The lovebirds have been dating since late 2006 and have two children together - Harlow, 2, and one-year-old Sparrow.

Credit: Radar Online

Christina Aguilera: InStyle UK Behind-the-Scenes

She’s no stranger to magazine covers, and Christina Aguilera looks fabulous on the front on InStyle UK's December issue.

The “Ain’t No Other Man” songstress appears in a sexy photo spread and behind the scenes video, and in the accompanying interview, she chats about her new film “Burlesque.”

“I was jealous of all the boys on Burlesque because they always had combat boots, but they’d never come in my size . . . Not everything has to be pushed up and out . . . I like to keep my options going. I get bored with the same old thing.”

As for her sexual personal, “That’s where the bondage and latex came in for Not Myself Tonight, because sexuality is such a freedom. Sexuality is where I feel a lot of times I get to express my voice. Throughout the ages, women are always shamed for it or labeled for it and so it makes me feel empowered to give it a voice and to stand up for it and to be strong about it.”

Credit: Celebrity Gossip

Christina Aguilera: The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Christina Aguilera receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during a ceremony in Hollywood on November 15, 2010.

Credit: Zimbio

Photo by Photo Agency

Christina Aguilera Leaving The E! Studios

A dressed down Christina Aguilera leaves E! studios after making an appearance on the TV show "Chelsea Lately" on November 10, 2010.

Credit: Zimbio

Photos by PacificCoastNews.com

Christina Aguilera Visits "Chelsea Lately"

Christina Aguilera, wearing a short pink dress and animal print high heels, arrives at E! studios to tape an appearance on Chelsea Handler's show "Chelsea Lately".

Credit: Zimbio

Photos by PacificCoastNews.com

Christina's Getting "Help Through" Hard Times

Ain't no other man like...Matthew Rutlet?

Weeks after her announced split from husband Jordan Bratman, Christina Aguilera has been seeking comfort in a brand-new guy: Matthew Rutlet, a set assistant whom she met while making her new film Burlesque.

"They've been on a few dates over the last few weeks," a source tells Us Magazine.

Indeed, despite his attempts to hide, Rutler was photographed escorting Aguilera, 29, on a Friday double date at L.A.'s Soho House with Nicole Richie and Joel Madden.

But, cautions the source: "It's not serious. She's not looking to jump into a relationship right now. She has a lot going on with the movie and is focusing on spending as much time as possible with Max."

Wed in 2005, the singer and producer Bratman, 33, have a two-year-old son, Max.

Aguilera and Rutlet befriended one another while making Burlesque, and reconnected after her September separation from Bratman.

"He's been really good for her and is helping her through this diffcult time," the source explains.

Credit: Us Magazine

STYLE POLL: Katy Perry vs Christina Aguilera

Diva-off! The new Mrs. Russell Brand worked out in January in her Wildfox Couture T-shirt, while the newly single Ms. Christina Aguilera announced her intentions this week in L.A.

Who wears it best?
Katy Perry
Christina Aguilera

View Results

Credit: People

Christina Aguilera: December Issue Of Redbook

Christina Aguilera dropped heavy hints about personal drama in a Redbook magazine interview conducted just weeks before her announced split from music producer husband Jordan Bratman.

"Men aren't as strong and capable as we are," Aguilera, 29, says in the mag's December issue. "We're machines."

In the chat, the singer was effusive about son Max, 2, but vague and hesitant about Jordan, whom she married nearly five years ago. Alluding to emotional upheaval, she said she was eager to get back in the music studio and "pour my heart out and be able to release anything I'm going through."

The "You Lost Me" singer also hinted to Redbook that she was feeling restless. "My life is cyclical," she said. "I'm not a 9-to-5 woman who has the same kind of lifestyle for years on end. I couldn't do it. I need the spontaneity, that thrill of change. That's part of how I get inspired."

One big fan through thick and thin? Close pal and fellow mom Nicole Richie, who gushed to Redbook: "It's very clear through Christina's music what a strong woman she is...But to watch her as a mother only skyrockets the respect I have for her. She is the woman who's recording until 4 a.m. and up at 7 to be with her son. Her dedication to Max is incredible."

After news of her breakup made headlines, Aguilera opened up some more to the mag, and thanked her close friends. "There have been a lot of tears and sadness," she said of her new single life. "It's impossible to redefine yourself and your life overnight. Thankfully, I have my mom and a small group of close friends who are there for me 24/7 and whom I can trust and depend on. On days when it feels impossible to even get out of bed, much less function as a mother, their support and encouragement have kept me moving forward."

The December issue of Redbook hits stands November 16.

Credit: Us Magazine