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 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 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 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'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

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

Christina Aguilera At The SLS Hotel Beverly Hills

Situated backhome after a busy week of traveling, Christina Aguilera was spotted making her way into the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills, California on Tuesday afternoon (October 26).

Looking fabulous, the "Burlesque" beauty smiled and waved at photographers in a light ensemble, looking carefree after recently filing for divorce from ex-husband Jordan Bratman.

Credit: Celebrity Gossip

What a Girl Wants ... Is For Her Ex to Move Out!

It's hard enough getting a bad tenant out of an apartment. So just imagine Christina Aguilera's dilemma -- her hubby is still living in the family home with no plan to move and it's really awkward ... sources tell TMZ.

As TMZ first reported, Aguilera filed for divorce from Jordan Bratman last week after nearly five years of marriage. But despite the fact they've been separated since September 11, neither has moved out of their Bev Hills home.

Our sources say it's so uncomfortable for Christina, she's been staying in a hotel.

Things will get super awkward if she he brings a girl home.

Credit: TMZ

Christina Aguilera: Split Caused Tears & Sadness

Christina Aguilera is relying on her mother, her son and her closest friends to help her through the emotional turmoil of her divorce from Jordan Bratman.

"It's not easy, and there have been a lot of tears and sadness. It's impossible to redefine yourself and your life overnight," the pop star, 29, tells Redbook in its November issue, on newsstands Nov. 16.

"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."

Also, her son Max, who will be 3 in January, remains a source of joy – and someone she can focus on. "Thankfully, I have Max to keep me on a sane path," Aguilera says. "His needs and happiness are my top priorities, and my biggest concern is to protect him and make him feel safe."

Asked about the details of her split, she adds: "Out of respect for my husband, I prefer to keep the specifics private. Right now, I'm just trying to figure out how to make it through each day." 

Credit: People

Christina Aguilera At Hospital Days Before Split

Christina Aguilera made a late-night trip to a Los Angeles hospital in the days leading up to her divorce from husband Jordan Bratman, Radar Online has learned exclusively.

"Christina was bleeding from her mouth and had a bit of a busted lip," a source, who saw the couple at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said.

"Jordan told the nurses she had fallen down."

According to the witness, Aguilera was sporting "bumps and red bruises" along with her bloodied lip.

"Shortly after they arrived to Cedars, Christina's 'private surgeon' arrived to put a few stitches in her lip," the source added.

Adding to the mystery of why the singer needed treatment, on October 12, she was photographed wearing a hat pulled down over her face with what appears to be a small cut below her lower lip.

That is the same day that she and Bratman announced the end of their five-year marriage, citing "irreconcilable differences."

Aguilera's rep had no comment when contacted by Radar Online.

The 29-year-old superstar asked for joint legal and physical custody of their two-year-old son Max and for any spousal support to be terminated.

As Radar Online previously reported, the couple had an open marriage that, according to source, led to jealousy within their relationship.

"My understanding was that Jordan wasn't involved when she [Christina] brought girls home, so maybe the divorce is because Jordan's jealousy got the best of him," the source told Radar Online.

Credit: Radar Online

Christina Aguilera Leaning On Samantha Ronson

Christina Aguilera is divorcing Jordan Bratman, and Radar Online has learned the superstar turned to gal pal Samantha Ronson for emotional support.

"They've known each other forever and they're good friends," a source close to Christina told Radar Online of her relationship with the famous Hollywood deejay who has been the on-again, off-again girlfriend of Lindsay Lohan.

"Samantha was in Mexico with Christina for Nicole's [Richie] bachelorette party."

Christina and Sam grew closer as her marriage crumbled, and eventually Jordan found himself unnecessary in his wife's life.

As Radar Online was first to report, this isn't the first time Christina has turned to a woman - according to a source Christina has approached women while at gay bars in Los Angeles.

One woman who was approached told Radar Online that Christina sent over her bodyguard to see if she was interested. When the woman, who didn't want her name used, looked over, Christina waved and smiled.

"The bodyguard told me it was an understanding within their marriage and that she brings girls home and Jordan's okay with it," said the woman who was approached by the Dirrty singer while at The Abbey.

"I met Christina in the bathroom and she told me she liked to play with girls... I ended up not pursuing anything with it because the situation just seemed so weird to me, but Christina was definitely looking to hook up."

Christina has been open about her affection for the ladies telling Out magazine in May, "My husband knows that I get into girls. I think it's fun to be open and play."

After nearly five years of marriage Christina, 29, filed for divorce on October 14 from her husband Jordan, 33, citing "irreconcilable differences."

Christina asked for joint legal and physical custody of their two-year-old son Max and for any spousal support to be terminated.

"My understanding was that Jordan wasn't involved when she brought girls home," a source said.

A rep for Christina had no comment when contacted by Radar Online.

Credit: Radar Online

Christina Aguilera At First Event Post-Divorce

One day after filing for divorce from Jordan Bratman in California, Christina Aguilera touched down in Honolulu, Hawaii Friday.

And the singer, 29, wasn't shy at her first public event since this week's shocking split announcement: Aguilera was all smiles as she flaunted her curves and cleavage in a skin-tight, hot pink dress and five-inch stilletto heels at a barbecue and concert to celebrate the opening of The Waikiki EDITION.

A source tells Us Magazine that Aguilera arrived at the bash with an entourage of 8. The star and her crew kept it low-key at the bash -- sipping champagne and talking quietly on chaise lounges in an oceanside VIP area. The group stayed for less than 45 minutes, departing around 8:40 p.m.

"She knows everyone knows about her pending divorce," a party observer tells Us. "She's trying to show she's OK., confident, and going to be alright."

No sign of Max, her 2-year-old son with music producer Bratman, 33. The couple met in 2002 and wed in 2005. Following UsMagazine.com's exclusive report that they had separated, the duo acknowledged the sad news in a Tuesday statement: "Although Jordan and I are separated, our commitment to our son Max remains as strong as ever"

The "You Lost Me" singer then filed for divorce on Thursday, stepping out with her little boy to visit a local pumpkin patch in L.A.

Credit: Us Magazine

Christina Aguilera: Pumpkin Patch Fun with Max

Fresh from the announcement of her divorce from Jordan Bratman, Christina Aguilera and Max were spotted at Mr Bones Pumpkin Patch on Thursday (October 14).

In search of the perfect pumpkin, the “Stronger” singer and her little man wandered the premises as the on-hand paparazzi snapped away.

Credit: Celebrity Gossip

Christina Aguilera Officially Files for Divorce

Just days after confirming that she had separated on Sept. 11 from her husband Jordan Bratman, Christina Aguilera has filed for divorce, a source close to the singer confirms to PEOPLE.

In the papers, Aguilera cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split.

She also asked for joint physical and legal custody of their son, Max, TMZ reports.

Aguilera, 29, and Bratman, 33, wed in California's Napa Valley in November 2005, after becoming engaged in Carmel, Calif., in February of that year. Their only child, Max, was born in January 2008.

Earlier this week, Aguilera told PEOPLE: "Although Jordan and I are separated, our commitment to our son Max remains as strong as ever."

Credit: People

Christina Aguilera Visits A Friend In Beverly Hills

Christina Aguilera seen leaving a friends house in Beverly Hills, CA. Yesterday morning it was reported that Christina and her husband Jordan Bratman have spit after 5 years of marriage.

Credit: Zimbio

Photos by Photo Agency

Christina Aguilera Splits From Husband

Singer Christina Aguilera is going solo.

Though the pop star, 29, told Us Magazine less than a year ago that she felt “very blessed” in her union with music executive Jordan Bratman, 33, a source close to Aguilera tells Us the couple “have been separated for a few months.”

And though Aguilera and Bratman — who met in 2002 (he was a producer on one of her albums) and wed in 2005 — have not yet decided whether to divorce, the source reveals, “they are now living apart, and they will see how that goes.”

What went wrong?

“They were very much in love,” explains the insider. “But over the last six months, it ­became clear they were more like friends than husband and wife.”The source adds that Aguilera even “­proposed their August trip to Italy to ­rekindle their relationship, but it didn’t help.”

The duo remain united in their commitment, however, to son Max, 2.

“He is their main concern,” says the pal. Aguilera has even been bringing the tot to the studio while she wraps up the soundtrack for her November 24 musical, Burlesque.

“Christina is doing her best to be a great mom,” says the insider. “She has a lot to ­juggle, but she’s learning how to make it work and balance it all.”

UPDATE: Christina addressed the separation telling People magazine, “Although Jordan and I are separated, our commitment to our son Max remains as strong as ever.”

Credit: Us Magazine

Christina Aguilera & Hubby At Matsuhisa

Christina Aguilera enjoyed a night out with her husband Jordan Bratman at Matsuhisa in Beverly Hills last night, September 22, 2010.

Credit: Zimbio

Photos by PacificCoastNews.com