Christina Aguilera: Diva on board

Singer demands cloned apples and water shipped from Fiji on her way to Cardiff.When pop diva Christina Aguilera travels around the world, it is usually in the exquisite luxury of a private jet.So it might have come as a shock when she travelled to the Michael Jackson tribute concert on nothing more glamorous than the 14:15 First Great Western service from London Paddington to Cardiff Central.But any pretence that the Genie In A Bottle singer was just another commuter on the Intercity express was quickly dispelled when she arrived with an entourage of no fewer than 22 acolytes and was given the full VIP treatment.And while most travellers would make do with little more than a soggy egg-and-cress sandwich and a bag of Quavers on a journey, Aguilera insisted on a supply of food and drink befitting her international celebrity status.On board — as per her instructions — was Fiji mineral water flown 10,000 miles from the South Pacific; Fuji apples (a cloned variety developed in Japan); unsalted almonds and a pot of pure honey.The 30-year-old apparently spent £6,000 (Dh34289) hiring part of a first class carriage as she wanted to see the British countryside.Before boarding, her entourage was granted access to the Queen Victoria Lounge at Paddington, also used by the Queen and other members of the Royal Family. Aguilera had requested that the lounge be decorated with candles and her favourite flowers — white roses.Dressed in leggings, ballet pumps and a tartan flat cap, Aguilera boarded the train hand-in-hand with her 25-year-old boyfriend Matthew Rutler. On board, Aguilera was given her own steward, while a toilet attendant was on hand to ensure the first class facilities were kept pristine.