Christina Aguilera Redbook December 2010

Newly single Christina Aguilera takes the cover of the December issue of Redbook Magazine, which hits newsstands November 16. Inside the issue, Aguilera opens up about her divorce, devotion to her little boy, Max and what gets her out of bed in the morning.

On balancing work and motherhood: "My life is cyclical. First it's album time, then it's touring time. I go through phases, so we roll with the punches. 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. You know, this is what the cards have in store for Max. We put it into his brain early on that he's a traveling guy. He adapts well when we go from hotel to hotel."

On woman power: "Every woman has the ability or the drive to do it all and have it all. Men aren't as strong and capable as we are. We're machines."

Close friend Nicole Richie, on Christina: "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."