Christina Aguilera just re-created her iconic 2002 ‘Dirrty’ chaps

Christina Aguilera was 2002. Back then, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears were the It couple. Ben Affleck was People‘s Sexiest Man Alive. Nickelback was cool. You were playing the original Sims on the family computer and were told you had to log off before you were even done acquiring 1 million Simoleons via cheat codes. 

And Christina Aguilera, then known for her 1999 hit “Genie in a Bottle,” introduced a new era and dominated pop culture with “Dirrty.” No longer the girl next door, Aguilera released the R&B-influenced dance song with Redman. In the music video she wore chaps and a triangle bikini top and continued to wear variations of the look while promoting Stripped, her fourth studio album. 

At the People Choice Awards Tuesday night, December 7, Aguilera paid homage to her “Dirrty” days in a look that channeled the era. The pop icon wore a black, white, and yellow corseted leotard over fishnet stockings with chaps. 

Throughout the “Dirrty” era, Xtina had white-blonde hair with some black braided pieces. For her look at the PCAs, she called back to that as well, but with a more modern take.  

Check out both looks (from 2002 and 2021, respectively) below:

At the PCAs, Aguilera received the first-ever Music Icon Award. For her performance, she sang a medley of her most iconic hits, including “Genie in a Bottle,” “Beautiful,” and, of course, “Dirrty.”

“I have always strived for my music to communicate messages of empowerment, whether it’s speaking my own truths or giving voice to those unable to do so on their own,” Aguilera said when accepting the Music Icon Award, per People. “My artistry has always been for the fighters in this world, for those who face adversity, for those wanting to evoke change, my music is for you.”

It’s about time she came to start the party.