Christina Aguilera talks 'Burlesque,' Cher

For a while, Aguilera was inescapable on radio, whether it was a gut-wrenching ballad (“Beautiful”) or ambitiously snappy cabaret-pop (“Ain’t No Other Man”).

Now, the onetime member of “The Mickey Mouse Club” — who turns 30 in three weeks — is making her feature film debut in “Burlesque.”

Starring alongside the always-commanding presence known as Cher, Aguilera said she attacked her role as Ali, a small-town girl drawn to the club life in L.A., with the perfectionism she applies to everything in her life.

The singer answered questions from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution via e-mail about her preparation for “Burlesque” and how she’s handling a difficult period in her personal life (Aguilera filed for divorce in October from Jordan Bratman, her husband of almost five years and father of son Max).

Q: What was it about “Burlesque” that drew you to it as your first major acting role?

A: There was so much about Ali that intrigued me. First, she is a great character to play. I actually asked that the script be changed a bit to make her more complex and have more of a back story. That and the music, Etta James ... and the cast. Hello, Cher.

Q: Did you know Cher was involved when you signed on?

A: No, I was the first to sign on to the film. I met with [director-writer] Steven [Antin] and [Sony Screen Gems President] Clint [Culpepper] and really liked the story and the music. Once we talked about who would play Tess, Cher’s name was mentioned and I told the studio, get Cher or die trying.

Q: Cher has been publicly complimentary about you and your performance in the film. What was your first meeting like?

A: She was amazing from the first day we met. So open and so honest. She is a straight shooter and tells it like it is. And she has become a great friend, both personally and professionally.

Q: Your “Back to Basics” tour contained a lot of theatrical elements, but a live show is a lot different than a film, where everything is done in pieces and you don’t have the energy of an audience fueling you. How hard was it to adapt to performing on film?

A: Film is a different medium. You don’t get the instant feedback you do when you are onstage. And the hours are extremely long. But I am a perfectionist and I enjoyed the process.

Q: What type of training did you go through to prepare?

A: I did almost three months of dance rehearsals. I also met a few times with an acting coach.

Q: The production numbers have a tinge of Bob Fosse-ness about them. Did you watch any musicals for inspiration?

A: Yes, I watched “Cabaret” and also, believe it or not, I watched “The Wizard of Oz,” as I really felt it was a magical musical and timeless.

Q: It must have been nice to perform another Etta James song besides “At Last” [Aguilera performs James’ “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” and “Tough Lover” in the film].

A: Etta James is my all-time favorite and it was an honor to cover her songs. I grew up idolizing her and I was so happy when I found out her songs would be in the film. But I also wrote songs on the soundtrack as well, which I am really proud of.

Q: You have to do all of this promotion for the film — which is obviously a big moment in your career — during a tumultuous time in your personal life. How are you balancing the emotional with the professional?

A: I have always been a professional and really separate work and my personal life. And I find that when you throw yourself into work it helps you get through those “moments.”