Aguilera goes mobile

Sony Ericsson and Orange announced a partnership on Friday in which they will both sponsor raunchy music star Christina Aguilera.

Orange will sell Sony Ericsson Walkman phones, including the white, clamshell W300i, which becomes available in the second quarter. It will also release exclusive Aguilera song remixes, ringtones and wallpaper linked to her new album and concert tour.

Ms Aguilera came across as quite switched on, not only about technology but also about men at the press conference in London’s Mandarin Oriental hotel. The two French executives, Herve Fontaine of Sony Ericsson and Frank Boulben of Orange, looked as pleased as punch to get a kiss on each cheek from her and one of them blushed.

Paparazzi were standing on chairs to get a better shot.

Other mobile operators will also be able to sell the Walkman-branded music mobiles, but Orange will provide some software customisation for its users.

The recently-married Ms Aguilera said mobile music “is great for artists” but added that she hoped people would still buy CDs. Asked if she would be toning down her stage act since marrying, she said: “There’s always a little naughty in me.”

The Orange/Sony Ericsson European sponsorship deal with the Sony BMG artist lasts for nine months.