SHANGHAI, China (AP) - Christina Aguilera says she's reading scripts in search of the right role to launch an acting career. ''I am looking forward to moving into another form of what I feel is another creative outlet for me and that would be acting,'' the 26-year-old singer told reporters Monday in Shanghai, where she was to hold her first mainland China concert.

Aguilera, who married music executive Jordan Bratman in 2005, said she was taking her time reading and understanding the film industry.

''It is something that, when I attempt to do it, I want to do it right so it's important for me that I do choose the right first role for myself,'' said Aguilera, who will perform Tuesday night at the Shanghai Grand Stage, host to earlier performances by the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and the Black Eyed Peas.

Aguilera found fame alongside boy bands and Britney Spears, but caused a stir with the release of her second album, 2002's ''Stripped,'' with its accompanying sexual imagery and overall bad-girl attitude. The album received mixed critical reviews but racked up strong sales.

Her latest record, the double album, ''Back to Basics,'' and its accompanying tour were inspired by the blues, jazz and early soul music of the 1920s, '30s, and '40s, along with the sexy, grown-up look of Hollywood vamps such as Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow and Veronica Lake.

''I wanted to revert back to a time and place in music that truly inspired me the most,'' Aguilera said.

Her sexy act apparently didn't faze China's cultural officials, who told the Rolling Stones not to sing some of their racier hits and canceled a performance by Jay-Z after deeming the rapper's lyrics ''vulgar.''

Yet, Aguilera said she was already moving on, gathering inspiration for the next album, which she promised would be ''completely different from this one.''

Aguilera offered no hints what that new style would be, but did make one promise: It will be a single album. ''We're going to keep it short and sweet,'' she said.

-Christina Aguilera Pictures

By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN Associated Press Writer

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