Christina Lighter on the Sex

Christina Aguilera says she has toned down the sexuality on her upcoming double CD, “Back to Basics,” but has no regrets about the sultry image she projected in the past.

“The sexuality coming forward on this record is more softened,” Aguilera, 25, says in the July 31 issue of Newsweek. “It’s more pinup, tongue-in-cheek. . . . People take sex far too seriously.” Aguilera also told the magazine there never was a feud between her and a fellow ex-Mouseketeer, Britney Spears. We were like best friends, but the media saw a navel and blond hair and had to create some drama,” she said.

“Back to Basics” is set for release Aug. 15.