Britney Spears
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{{redirect3|Britney|For the self-titled album, see [[Britney (album)]]}}
{{Infobox Musical artist
| Name = Britney Spears
| Img_capt = <!-- NOTE TO EDITORS: DO NOT replace Image:Britney Spears.jpg with any fair use images. This image is a free image and can only be replaced with another free image. Any fair use photos (i.e. promotional photos) are copyright violations and will be deleted. Also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Fair use criteria -->Spears performing at the [[National Football League Kickoff game|NFL Kickoff Pre-Game]] concert on [[September 4]], [[2003]].
| Img = Britney Spears.jpg
| Imagesize = 150px
| Background = solo_singer
| Birth_name = Britney Jean Spears
| Alias =
| Born = {{birth date and age|1981|12|2}}<br />[[McComb, Mississippi|McComb]], [[Mississippi]], [[United States]]
| Died =
| Origin = [[Kentwood, Louisiana|Kentwood]], [[Louisiana]],<!--Britney was raised and grew up in Kentwood--> [[United States]]
| Genre = [[Pop music|Pop]], [[Dance-pop]], [[Urban pop]], [[Electropop]], [[Teen pop]], [[Bubblegum pop]]
| Occupation = [[Singer]], [[dance]]r, [[songwriter]], [[actor|actress]]
| Instrument = [[Singing]], [[piano]]
| Years_active = 1992–present
| Label = [[Jive Records|Jive]], [[Zomba Label Group|Zomba]]
| Spouse = [[Kevin Federline]] (2004 - 2006)
| Children = Sean Preston Federline, 2005
Jayden James Federline, 2006
| Associated_acts = [[New Mickey Mouse Club#1990s revival (MMC)|The New Mickey Mouse Club]], [[Innosense]], [[Madonna]]
| URL = [http://BritneySpears.Com BritneySpears.Com] [http://Britney.Com Britney.Com]
}}
'''Britney Jean Spears''' (born [[December 2]], [[1981]]) is an [[United States|American]] [[singer-songwriter]], [[dancer]] and [[actress]]. Born in [[McComb, Mississippi]] and raised in [[Kentwood, Louisiana]], Spears first appeared on national television as a contestant on the ''[[Star Search]]'' program in 1992 and went on to star on the television series ''[[The New Mickey Mouse Club]]'' from 1993-1994. After a brief membership with the [[pop music|pop]] musical group [[Innosense (band)|Innosense]], Spears signed a recording contract with [[Jive Records]], releasing her [[debut album]] ''[[…Baby One More Time]]'' in 1999 which debuted at number one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref name=FOX>{{cite web | url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,195283,00.html | title=Britney Spears biograghy from Fox News | date=[[13 September]] [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-10-22 | publisher=[[FOX News]] | author=}}</ref><ref name=BB>{{cite web | url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:kpfuxq9jldte~T51 | publisher=[[Allmusic]] | author= | title=Britney Spears Single Charts | date=2006 | accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The success of the album propelled Spears into stardom, establishing her as a [[pop icon]] and "bona fide pop phenomenon", credited for influencing the revival of [[teen pop]] in the late 1990s.<ref name="Billboard Biography">{{cite web | last= Huey | first= Steve | work=[[Allmusic]]| title = Billboard- Britney Spears- Biography | publisher = ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' | url = http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/bio/index.jsp?pid=290150 | accessdate = 2008-06-21}}</ref>
The [[…Baby One More Time (song)|title-track]] of Spears debut album and its accompanying [[music video]] also established her as a international [[sex symbol]], garnering controversy over the influence of her public image on teenage girls.<ref name="Billboard Biography"/> Amidst further media scrutiny, Spears continued her career with three more [[consecutive]] number one [[studio albums]]; ''[[Oops!… I Did It Again]]'' (2000), ''[[Britney (album)|Britney]]'' (2001), and ''[[In the Zone]]'' (2003).<ref name="always-celebrity">{{cite web | url =http://www.alwayscelebrity.com/music/britney_spears/biography.html | author= | publisher=Always Celebrity | year=2003 | accessdate=2007-09-18 | title=Biography of Britney Spears on Always Celebrity}}</ref><ref name=grammyaward>{{cite web | author=| title=Britney Spears Wins Her First Grammy Award… | publisher=blog.sonymusic.com | date=[[February 14]], [[2005]] | url=http://blog.sonymusic.com/sonybmg/archives/007415.html | accessdate=2007-02-19}}</ref> Spears subsequently became the first artist in the history of [[Nielsen SoundScan]] to have four consecutive albums debut at number one. Spears's personal life began to gain substantial media attention after her marriage to [[Kevin Federline]] in 2004. Their marriage ended two years later, resulting in an ongoing custody battle over their first child, born in 2005 and their second child, born in 2006.<ref name=sean/><ref name=jayden/>
Spears is ranked as the eighth [[List of best-selling music artists in the United States|best-selling]] female recording artist in the United States according to the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] with 36 million [[RIAA certification|certified]] albums and one of the [[List of best-selling music artists|worlds best-selling music artists]] having sold an estimated 83 million records worldwide.<ref>{{cite web | title = Top Selling Artists | publisher = [[Recording Industry Association of America]] | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=tblTopArt | accessdate = 2008-09-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Hall | first= Sarah | work=[[E! Online]]| title = Breaking Down the Britney Bucks | publisher = [[Yahoo!]] | url = http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/56349507 | accessdate = 2008-06-21}}</ref>
==Childhood and discovery==
Britney Spears was born in [[McComb, Mississippi]],<ref>{{cite web | author=NNDB | title=Britney Spears | publisher=nndb.com | year= 2006 | url=http://www.nndb.com/people/049/000022980/#FN1 | accessdate=2006-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Britney Spears's marriage license showing her birth place | url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jan-04-Sun-2004/photos/news.jpg | accessdate=2007-08-26}}</ref> and raised in [[Kentwood, Louisiana]] as a [[Southern Baptist]]. Her parents are Lynne Irene ([[married and maiden names|née]] Bridges), a former elementary school teacher, and Jamie Parnell Spears, a building contractor. Spears's brother Bryan works as a manager for the Spears family interests<ref name='People bryan'>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Who's In Charge of Britney Spears's Money? - Crime & Courts, : People.com | date=November 07, 2006 04:50 PM EST | publisher=[[People (magazine)]] | url =http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20178427,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnn | work =People | pages = | accessdate = 2008-03-03 | language = }}</ref> and her sister [[Jamie Lynn Spears|Jamie Lynn]] is an actress and singer. Her maternal grandmother Lillian Woolmore was an English [[war-bride]],<ref name="tree1">{{cite web | url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070309123724/http://landing.ancestry.com/famoustree/index.aspx?name=spears&offerId=0:679:0 | title=Britney Spears Family Tree | publisher=''Ancestry.com'' | accessdate=2007-03-29}}</ref> born in [[Tottenham]], [[London]]<ref>[http://knowhere.co.uk/3692_heroes.html Knowhere: Tottenham, Greater London, Local Heroes, Famous Residents<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> who met Spears's grandfather Barnett O'Field Bridges in [[England]] during [[World War II]]. Her paternal grandparents were June Austin Spears and Emma Jean Forbes.<ref name="tree1"/>
Spears was an accomplished gymnast, attending [[gymnastics]] classes until age nine and competing in state-level competitions.<ref name=britneyearlyyears>{{cite web | title=Yahoo!'s Web Celeb Britney Spears | publisher=yahoo.com | url=http://features.yahoo.com/webceleb/britney/ | year=April 1999 | accessdate=2007-05-07}}</ref> She performed in local dance revues and sang in her local Baptist church choir. At age eight she auditioned for the [[Disney Channel]] series ''[[The New Mickey Mouse Club]]''. Although she was considered too young to join the series at the time, a producer on the show introduced her to a New York City agent.<ref name=britneyearlyyears/> Spears subsequently spent three summers at NYC's [[Professional Performing Arts School]] and also appeared in a number of off-Broadway productions, including 1991's ''Ruthless!''. In 1992, she landed a spot on the popular television show ''[[Star Search]]''. She won the first round of competition, but ultimately lost. At age eleven, Spears returned to the Disney Channel for a spot on the ''[[The New Mickey Mouse Club]]'' in [[Lakeland, Florida]].<ref name=britneyearlyyears/> She was featured on the show from 1993 to 1994, until she was 13.<ref name=mickemc>{{cite web | title=Mickey Mouse Club at TV.com | publisher=tv.com | url=http://www.tv.com/show/3463/summary.html | accessdate=2007-03-07}}</ref> After the show ended, Spears returned to Kentwood and attended high school for a year.<ref>{{cite web | title=Britney Spears Bio | publisher=Askmen.com | url=http://www.askmen.com/women/singer/2c_britney_spears.html | accessdate=2007-02-12}}</ref>
In 1997, Spears briefly joined the all-female pop group [[Innosense (band)|Innosense]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:rqf4zff1eh4k~T1 | title=Biography of Innosense | author=MacKenzie Wilson | publisher=Allmusic | year=2000 | accessdate=2007-10-13}}</ref> Later that same year, she recorded a [[demo (music)|demo]] solo and was signed by [[Jive Records]].<ref name=britneyearlyyears/> She began a U.S. concert tour sponsored by American teen magazines, and eventually became an opening act for [['N Sync]] and the [[Backstreet Boys]].<ref name=galegroup>{{cite web | title=Women History: Britney Spears biography | publisher=Galegroup.com | url=http://www.galegroup.com/free_resources/whm/bio/spears_b.htm | accessdate=2007-08-26}}</ref>
==Music career==
===1998–2000: Rise to fame===
{{seealso|…Baby One More Time|Oops!… I Did It Again}}
[[Image:Baby One More Time (1).jpg|left|thumb|180px|Spears performing during the …Baby One More Time Tour]]
Spears's debut single "[[...Baby One More Time (song)|...Baby One More Time]]", released at the end of 1998, became an instant international success; it peaked at number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. With nine million copies sold worldwide,<ref name=BB/><ref>{{cite web | author=Mark Savage | publisher=BBC | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6376213.stm | title=How Disney's TV gang has grown up | date=[[February 20]] [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-09-18}}</ref> the United World Chart ranked "…Baby One More Time" as the 38th best song and second most charted song of all time.<ref>[http://www.mediatraffic.de/alltime-track-chart.htm Songs at top of the chart]</ref> The song was also ranked 25th on ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' and [[MTV]]'s "100 Greatest Pop Songs of all time".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2000/nov/19/mtv_rolling_stone/ | title=MTV, Rolling Stone list top 100 pop songs since 1963| author=[[Associated Press]] | publisher=The Associated Press | date=[[November 19]] [[2000]] | accessdate=2007-09-18}}</ref> The music video of the song features Spears dressed in a [[midriff]]-baring schoolgirl uniform.<ref name="bsbio">{{cite web | title=Britney Spears: Biography | publisher=TheBiographyChannel.co.uk | year= 1999 | url=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_story/1125:1291/1/Britney_Jean_Spears.htm | accessdate=2007-01-06}}</ref>
The album of the same title was released in January 1999, reaching number one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref name="Spears-RockOn">{{cite web | title=Rock on the Net:Britney Spears | publisher=rockonthenet.com | year= 2006 | url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-s/britneyspears_main.htm | accessdate=2006-05-01}}</ref> ''[[…Baby One More Time]]'' was certified [[RIAA certification|diamond]] in the U.S. and subsequently achieving worldwide sales of 28 million copies, making it the biggest-selling album by a teenager to date.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8In9ajgj5S8</ref> <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,195283,00.html FOXNews.com - Britney Spears' Biography - Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment News | Arts And Entertainment<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref></small><ref>[http://www.alwayscelebrity.com/music/britney_spears/biography.html Britney Spears Biography and Profile<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref></small><ref>[http://www.ticketspecialists.com/concert/britney_spears_tickets.htm Britney Spears Tickets - Britney Spears Concert Tour Schedule Show Tickets Broker<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Spears broke the record in U.S for the youngest artist to have their debut single at number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart. She also broke the record for the youngest artist to have their debut single and debut album simultaneously at number one on the ''Billboard'' charts. Spears still holds this record to date.<ref name="eightnotes">[http://www.8notes.com/biographies/spears.asp Britney biography - 8Notes.com]</ref> The album received mixed reviews. [[Allmusic]] gave it 4 out of 5 stars, stating that the album "has the same blend of infectious, rap-inflected dance-pop and smooth balladry that propelled the New Kids and Debbie Gibson."<ref name="bomtamreview">{{cite web | author=Stephen Thomas Erlewine | title=…Baby One More Time review | publihser=allmusic.com | url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:u0jm7i51g71r~T1 | year=January 1999 | accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref> While ''Rolling Stone'' gave it 2 out of 5, noting that "while several Cherion-crafted kiddie-funk jams serve up beefy hooks, shameless schlock slowies, like 'E-Mail My Heart', are pure spam".<ref>{{cite web | author=Barry Walters | title=…Baby One More Time review | publisher=Rollingstone.com | url=http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/106495/baby_one_more_time | date=[[January 12]], [[1999]] | accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref> The success of Spears's music coupled with her controversial image made her one of the year's biggest stars. She also became the first artist to have a number one album and number one single in both the U.S. ''Billboard'' charts and in the United World Chart.<ref>[http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/searchResult.jsp?configType=BBCOM_SIMPLEDEFAULT&pubList=Billboard&an=bbcom&action=Submit&kw=&exposeNavigation=true&keyword=Britney+Spears&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&submit=Submit&searchType=ARTICLE_SEARCH Spears breaks more records]</ref><ref>[http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/discography/index.jsp?pid=290150&aid=332211 U.S Records for Miss American Drama]</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_1760000/newsid_1769100/1769174.stm | title=Who is Britney Spears? | publisher=BBC (news.bbc.co.uk) | date=[[2 October]] [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-10-08}}</ref>
In December 1999, she won four [[Billboard Music Awards|''Billboard'' Music Awards]], including Female Artist of the Year. A month later, she took home the Favorite Pop/Rock New Artist award at the [[American Music Awards of 2000|American Music Awards]].<ref>{{cite web | title=1999 Billboard Music Awards | publisher=infoplease.com | url=http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0878678.html | year=2000 | accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref> At the [[2000 Grammy Awards]], Spears received two nominations in the categories of [[Best New Artist]] and [[Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]] for ''…Baby One More Time'', but lost to American singer [[Christina Aguilera]] and Canadian musician-singer [[Sarah McLachlan]], respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/specials/2000/grammys/list.html|title=42nd Annual Grammy Awards nominations and winners|accessdate=2007-08-22|date=2000-02-23|publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref>
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Following the success of her previous album, Spears released the album ''[[Oops!... I Did It Again]]''. It debuted at number one in the U.S. by selling 1,319,193 units during its first week of sales, breaking the [[SoundScan]] record for the highest album sales in its debut week by any solo artist.<ref>{{cite web | author=Richard Skanse | title=Oops!… She Sold 1.3 Million Albums | publisher=''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine | date=[[May 25]], [[2005]] | url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/britneyspears/articles/story/5921422/oopsshe_sold_13_million_albums | accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref> The RIAA awarded the album with a [[RIAA certification|diamond certification]] with 10 million copies sold in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=tblDiamond | publisher=RIAA | title=Platinum Awards of 2000 | year=2000 | accessdate=2007-09-18}}</ref><ref name="always-celebrity"/><ref name=FOX/> Concerning both musical content and sales, the album was very similar to Spears's debut, although it fared better with critics. Allmusic once again gave it 4 out of 5 stars, saying that the album "has the same combination of sweetly sentimental ballads and endearingly gaudy dance-pop that made One More Time."<ref>{{cite web | author=Stephen Thomas Erlewine | title=allmusic (Oops!... I Did It Again) | publisher=allmusic.com | year=2000 | url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=10:sg4gtq9z9u48 | accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' gave the album 3.5 stars out of 5 by noting the album as "fantastic pop cheese" and "Britney's demand for satisfaction is complex, fierce and downright scary."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/britneyspears/albums/album/321762/review/5941004/oopsi_did_it_again | title=Rolling Stone on Oops! album review | author=Rob Sheffield | publisher=''Rolling Stone'' | date=[[8 June]] [[2000]] | accessdate=2007-10-13}}</ref>
The album's lead single [[Oops!... I Did It Again (song)|of the same name]] broke the record for most radio station additions in a single day, and quickly became a top ten hit in the U.S. and other countries.<ref>{{cite web | title=Oops… I Did It Again facts | publisher=sonfacts.com | url=http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=1431 | accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref> The same year, Spears launched her first world tour, the "[[Oops!… I Did It Again World Tour]]". During the tour, she made a stop in New York for the 2000 [[MTV Video Music Awards]]. As part of her performance, she ripped off a black suit to reveal a provocative nude-colored and crystal-adorned outfit that generated much controversy.<ref>{{cite web | author=David Basham | title=Britney, Eminem, 'NSYNC Get Wild, Weird For VMA Sets | publisher=mtv.com | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1428580/20000907/eminem.jhtml | date=[[September 7]], [[2000]] | accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref> She finished the year with two more ''Billboard'' Music Awards,<ref>{{cite web | author=Rick Ellis | title=2000 Billboard Music Award Winners | publisher=allyourtv.com | url=http://www.allyourtv.com/awards/awardsbillboard2000.html | date=[[December 6]], [[2000]] | accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref> and two Grammy nominations for ''Oops!... I Did It Again'' in the categories of [[Best Pop Vocal Album]] and [[Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Music/01/03/grammy.nominations.02/index.html|title=Diversity marks Grammy nominations|accessdate=2007-08-22|date=2001-01-03|publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref>
===2001–2003: Career development===
{{seealso|Britney (album)|In the Zone}}
Spears released her third studio album ''[[Britney (album)|Britney]]'' in November 2001. Although not as successful as her previous albums,<ref name=FOX/> she assumed some creative control by co-writing five of the album's tracks.<ref name=RRR/> It surpassed [[Michael Jackson]]'s album ''[[Invincible (Michael Jackson album)|Invincible]]'' when it had a successful debut at number one in the U.S. by selling 745,744 units during its first week.<ref>{{cite web | title=Teen Queen Britney Knocks King of Pop from No. 1 | work=[[Billboard magazine]] | url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1107321 | accessdate=2007-08-26}}</ref> The album's success made her the only female artist in music history to have her first three albums debut at number one.<ref name="britneysales">{{cite web | author=Andrew Dansby | title=Britney's "Britney" Is Tops | work= [[Rolling Stone]] magazine | date=[[November 14]], [[2001]] | url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/britneyspears/articles/story/5918984/britneys_britney_is_tops | accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref><ref name = "Spears-RockOn"/><ref>[http://www.womencelebs.com/c8/showcelebrity_categoryid-859.html Britney biography]</ref> The album fared well with critics such as Allmusic who gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars, describing the album's title tracks as being "pivotal moments on Britney Spears's third album, the record where she strives to deepen her persona, making it more adult while still recognizably Britney."<ref>{{cite web | author=Stephen Erlewine | title=Britney review | publisher.allmusic.com | url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:psxvad6kl8w4~T1 | year=November 2001 | accessdate=2007-03-05}}</ref> In contrast, ''Rolling Stone'' said of the album ''Britney'' "belabors the obvious: Spears is one month away from entering her twenties and clearly needs to grow up if she's going to bring her fans along."<ref name=RRR>{{cite web | author=Barry Walters | title=Britney review | publisher=rollingstone.com | url=http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/225846/britney | date=[[November 22]], [[2001]] | accessdate=2007-03-05}}</ref>
The singles did not perform as well; ''Britney'''s lead single "[[I'm a Slave 4 U]]" peaked at 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 making it the album's biggest hit.<ref name=britneycharthistory>{{cite web | title=Britney's chart history | publlisher=billboard.com | url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.vnuArtistId=290150&model.vnuAlbumId=551073 | accessdate=2007-03-05}}</ref> To help promote the album, Spears embarked on the [[Dream Within a Dream Tour]] in November 2001. The tour was forced to cut short in [[Mexico City]] due to bad weather.<ref>{{cite web | author=Jennifer Vineyard | title=Britney Says Lightning Storm Forced Her To End Mexico Show | publisher=Mtv.com | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1456371/20020730/spears_britney.jhtml | date=[[July 30]], [[2002]] | accessdate=2007-03-04}}</ref>
With the end to her tour, Spears announced she would take a six month break from her career.<ref>{{cite web | author=Kendis Gibson | title=Pop princess can't wait to take a break | publisher=CNN.com | url=http://archives.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/Music/09/11/hln.connect.spears/index.html | date=[[September 12]], [[2002]] | accessdate=2007-03-05}}</ref>
Spears made her third consecutive MTV Video Music Awards performance. While performing "I'm a Slave 4 U", she controversially utilized caged animals and danced erotically with a large albino python draped over her shoulders. Animal-rights organization [[PETA]] claimed that the animals featured in the performance were mistreated and cancelled plans for an anti-fur billboard that was to feature Spears.<ref>{{cite web | author=James Montgomery | title=Britney Spears' Greatest VMA Hits | publisher=Mtv.com | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1568995/20070906/spears_britney.jhtml | date=[[September 6]], [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-12-24}}</ref> Her career success was highlighted by ''[[Forbes]]'' magazine in 2002 as Spears was ranked the world's most powerful celebrity.<ref>{{cite web | title=Britney Spears tops Forbes' Most powerful celebrity in 2002 | url=http://www.forbes.com/lists/home.jhtml?passListId=53&passYear=2002&passListType=Person | publisher=Forbes | accessdate=2007-08-28}}</ref> At a performance at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, she appeared with Aguilera performing the song "[[Like a Virgin (song)|Like a Virgin]]", and was later joined by American pop singer [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]]. Spears locked lips with Madonna in a highly-publicized kiss.<ref>{{cite web | author=Sarah Warn | authorlink=Sarah Warn | title=VMA's Madonna-Britney-Christina Kiss: Progress or Publicity Stunt? | publisher=[[afterellen.com]] | url=http://www.afterellen.com/archive/ellen/TV/vmakiss.html | year=September 2003 | accessdate=2007-03-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=Associated Press | title=More On The Britney-Madonna Kiss! | publisher=cbsnews.com | url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/09/05/entertainment/main571865.shtml | date=[[September 5]], [[2003]] | accessdate=2007-03-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=CNN | title=Britney would not kiss another woman besides Madonna | publisher= CNN.com | url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/09/03/britney.spears/ | date=[[September 4]], [[2003]] | accessdate=2007-03-05}}</ref>
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In November 2003, Spears released her fourth studio album, ''[[In the Zone]]'', jettisoning the [[Max Martin]]-produced [[synthpop]] of her earlier releases. The album took in lesser-known producers such as [[Christopher Stewart (music producer)|RedZone]] and big names including [[Moby]] and [[R. Kelly]]. Spears co-wrote eight of the album's thirteen songs and co-produced several pieces of her material for the first time. ''In the Zone'' reached number one in the U.S. charts during its debut week, selling over 609,000 copies. This made Spears the first female in the [[Nielsen SoundScan]] [[era]] to have her first four studio albums to debut at number one.<ref name=inthezonestats>{{cite web | title=Britney Spears Sells 609,000 Copies Of 'In The Zone' | publisher=music.yahoo.com | url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/story/12064351 | date=[[December 1]], [[2003]] | accessdate=2007-02-20}}</ref> The album had a mild reception from critics. [[Stylus Magazine]] gave the album a D and even blamed Spears's career choices by stating, "Ultimately, ''In the Zone'' suffers greatly from Britney's uneasy transition from teen tart to sexually powerful woman. Had Britney been in charge of her career direction instead of mercilessly prostituted by her management, she might have been able to produce something with some semblance of musical vision."<ref>{{citeweb | author=Gavin Mueller | title=In The Zone Review | publisher=''Stylus Magazine'' | year=[[November 18]], [[2003]] | url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/britney-spears/in-the-zone1.htm | accessdate=2007-03-16}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' praised the album's melodies and her effort, giving it 4 out of 5 stars and writing, "Unlike previous Britney albums, ''In the Zone'' has no filler and no shoddy cover versions, just 57 varieties of blue-chip hit-factory pop. There is southern hip-hop, deep house, Neptunes-style R&B, the ubiquitous Diwali beat and, most importantly, oodles of Madonna."<ref>{{cite web | author=Dorian Lynskey | title=In The Zone Review | publisher=''The Guardian'' | date=[[November 14]], [[2003]] | url=http://arts.guardian.co.uk/reviews/story/0,11712,1084201,00.html | accessdate=2007-03-16}}</ref>
The album spawned the hit single "[[Toxic (song)|Toxic]]", winning Spears her first ever Grammy in the category of [[Best Dance Recording]].<ref name=grammyaward/> [[The Onyx Hotel Tour]] began in March 2004 to promote the album. The tour's choreography generated much controversy and criticism, with the presence of young children in the audience.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/britney_spears_the_onyx_hotel_tour | title=Britney Spears "The Onyx Hotel Tour" | author="ADMINN" | publisher=mtv.co.uk | date=[[1 August]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2007-10-06}}</ref>
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===2004–2005: Greatest hits and remix album===
{{seealso|Greatest Hits: My Prerogative|B In The Mix: The Remixes}}
After her marriage to [[Kevin Federline]], Spears announced on her website she was taking another career break in order to start a family.<ref name=04careerbreak>{{cite web | title=Britney takes a break from music | publisher=news.bbc.co.uk | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/music/newsid_3753000/3753198.stm | date=[[October 18]], [[2004]] | accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref> November 2004 saw the release of her first greatest hits collection, ''[[Greatest Hits: My Prerogative]]'', which features all of Spears's singles with the exception of "[[From The Bottom Of My Broken Heart]]". It also featured three previously unreleased songs, them being a cover version of American R&B singer [[Bobby Brown]]'s 1988 hit "[[My Prerogative]]", "[[Do Somethin']]", produced by Bloodshy and Avant, whom she had worked with on ''In The Zone'', and "I've Just Begun (Havin' My Fun)", which was a song recorded for Spears's fourth album, ''In The Zone'', but did not make the final cut.<ref>{{cite web | title=Greatest Hits: My Prerogative trajectory | publisher=Billboard.com | url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/discography/index.jsp?aid=656700&cr=album&or=ASCENDING&sf=length&pid=290150&kw=greatest+hits%3Amy+prerogative | date=[[November 27]], [[2004]] | accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref> By the end of that year, Spears had become one of the [[list of the best-selling music artists|best-selling artists]] in the world.
In November 2005, Spears released her first remix album, ''[[B In The Mix: The Remixes]]''. The album ranged from "[[...Baby One More Time (song)|...Baby One More Time]]" to "[[Toxic (song)|Toxic]]". Her newest single "[[Someday (I Will Understand)]]" was also remixed. Another single, "[[And Then We Kiss]]", was only released in [[Asia]], where it charted in many countries. The song peaked at number 15 on ''Billboard'''s [[Hot Dance Airplay]] chart,<ref name=HotDanceAirplay>{{cite web | title=And Then We Kissed peaked at number 15 on Billboard's Hot Dance Airplay | publisher=Billboard.com | url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Singles&model.vnuArtistId=290150&model.vnuAlbumId=730830 | accessdate=2007-08-26}}</ref> despite it not being officially released in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=290150&model.vnuAlbumId=904005 | title=Britney Spears album chart history | publisher=Billboard.com | year=2007 | accessdate=2007-11-02}}</ref>
===2006-present: Return to music===
{{seealso|Blackout (Britney Spears album)}}
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In May 2007, she produced a mini-tour for the [[House of Blues]] under the name [[The M+M's Tour|The M+M's]]; with six shows altogether, she sang live during some lines of her songs.<ref>{{cite news |first = James|last = Hebert| url = http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2007-04-26-britney-hob_N.htm|title = Britney's famous 14 minutes|publisher = USA today| date=[[May 1]], [[2007]] | accessdate = 2007-05-02}}</ref> She recorded her latest album with producers such as [[Sean Garrett]], [[J. R. Rotem]] and [[Danja|Nate "Danja" Hills]] throughout 2006 and 2007.<ref name='MSNBC producers'>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title='Blackout' procuers, songwriters hail Britney - The Scoop - msnbc.com | date=[[October 31]], [[2007]] | publisher=MSNBC | url =http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21549557/ | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2008-03-03 | language = }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1541093/20060918/spears_britney.jhtml| title=Britney's new music is 'The Next Level,' Producer Says | accessdate=2007-09-04 | publisher=mtv.com}}</ref>
The release of Spears's fifth album, ''[[Blackout (Britney Spears album)|Blackout]]'', was rescheduled to October 30 2007 rather than November 13 2007 due to online leaks.<ref name=fifthalbum/><ref name=blackout>{{cite web | url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12175878 | title=Label moves up Spears CD release date | date=[[10 October]] [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-10-21 | author=John Rogers | publisher=Yahoo Music}}</ref> ''Blackout'' debuted at number two on the U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref>{{cite news | title=Jay-Z Leapfrogs Eagles, Britney For No. 1 Debut | url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003672227 | publisher=Billboard | first=Katie | last=Hasty | accessdate=2007-11-15 | date=[[2007-11-14]] }}</ref> It was fairly well received by critics.<ref>[http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/spearsbritney/blackout?q=blackout Britney Spears: Blackout (2007): Reviews<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' gave the album 3.5 out of 5 stars.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/17046611/review/17118068/blackout| author=Melissa Marez | publisher=Rolling Stone | date=[[15 November]] [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-12-20 | title=Rolling Stone's review of Blackout}}</ref> [[Allmusic]] also rated the album 3.5 out of 5 stars, calling Blackout "coherent and entertaining" and stating that "it holds together better than any of her other records".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:wxfrxzlhldse~T1 | title=Allmusic review of Blackout | author=Stephen Thomas Erlewine | editor=Allmusic | year=2007 | accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref>
''Blackout'''s lead single, "[[Gimme More]]" leaked on the internet on August 30.<ref name=fifthalbum>{{cite web | title=Britney Spears's fifth studio album to be released in November | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20054191,00.html | author=Mike Fleeman | publisher=People | accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref> The song, which was Spears's first produced by [[Nate Hills|Danja]], peaked at number three on ''Billboard's'' [[Billboard Hot 100|Hot 100]] on October 3, making it her most successful single in the U.S. since her debut, "[[…Baby One More Time (song)|…Baby One More Time]]".<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=The+Billboard+Hot+100 | title=Billboard Hot 100 chart listings | accessdate=2007-10-04 | publisher=billboard.com |date=October 2007}}</ref><ref name=gimme>{{cite web | url= http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3id267c422b4feb35373800f46f0c893dd | title='More' Scores for Britney On Digital, Hot 100 Charts |author=Silvio Pietroluongo|publisher=[[Billboard.com]]|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref>
Spears's highly-anticipated performance of "Gimme More" at the [[2007 MTV Video Music Awards]] was panned.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/10/wbritney110.xml | title=Britney Spears disappoints in MTV comeback | author=Catherine Elsworth | publisher=Telegraph.co.uk | accessdate=2007-10-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/07/content_6679217.htm | title=Britney Spears plans comeback at MTV Awards | publisher=news.xinhuanet.com | accessdate=2007-10-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://asia.news.yahoo.com/070910/3/37n5w.html | title=Britney Spears attempts comeback at MTV awards | publisher=Yahoo! News | accessdate=2007-10-08 | author=Dean Goodman}}</ref> The [[BBC]] stated that "her performance would go down in the history books as being one of the worst to grace the MTV Awards",<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6986539.stm | title=BBC report on MTV Award Show performance | publisher=BBC News | date=[[September 10]] [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-09-07}}</ref> and ''[[The Times]]'' noted that "Spears was out of synch as she lip-synched and at times just stopped singing altogether."<ref>{{cite web | title="Oops! Britney Spears forgets the words in catastrophic return to stage" | url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article2422810.ece | publisher=TimesOnline.co.uk | accessdate=2007-09-10}}</ref> Despite the criticism on her performance,<ref name='WPOST 2008-03-04'>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=In VMA Comeback, Britney Makes All The Wrong Moves - washingtonpost.com | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/09/AR2007090902135.html | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2008-03-04 | language = }}</ref> the single has achieved worldwide success.<ref>{{cite web | publisher=About.com | author=Bill Lamb | year=2007 | accessdate=2007-11-03 | url=http://top40.about.com/od/albums/fr/britneyblackout.htm | title=Blackout received 4 our of 5 stars from About.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=Margeaux Watson | publisher=EW.com from Entertainment Weekly | date=[[23 October]] [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-11-03 | url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20153719,00.html | title=Blackout gets a B+ from EW.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=Pete Paphides | publisher=Times Online | [[Blackout]] has spawned the no.1 hit singles [[Gimme More]] and [[Piece Of Me]], and the smash top ten [[Break The Ice]]. [[Blackout]] has sold over a record breaking 4.2 million copies, since it release. url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article2718710.ece | title=Times Online review of Britney Spears's Blackout | date=[[22 October]] [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-11-03}}</ref>
Music producers, [[JR Rotem]] and [[Sean Garrett]], whom worked with Spears on her previous album, ''[[Blackout]]'' have confirmed to ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' that they are back in the studio with Spears.<ref>Marisa Laudadio ([[May 21]]) (2008). [http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20201672,00.html Producer: "Britney Is 'Really Shaping Up'. ''People''. Retrieved on [[May 21]] [[2008]].</ref> A source also told the magazine that she is in the experimental stages of a new album and Spears is trying to find the sound and direction she wants to go in. Music producer, [[Guy Sigsworth]] spoke with the [[Los Angeles Times]] and said that he has signed on to work with Spears on her upcoming album due out later in the year. Sigsworth previously produced her single, [[Everytime]] in 2004.<ref>Richard Cromelin ([[June 06]]) (2008). [http://theguide.latimes.com/blogs/soundboard/2008/06/05/korns-davis-ready-to-stretch. Guy Sigsworth Signs on for Sixth Album. "Los Angeles Times". Retrieved on [[June 06]] [[2008]].</ref> According to her aunt, Chandra McGovern told Britain's [[The Sun]] newspaper that Spears is working on a new album and could go head to head with [[Whitney Houston]]'s [[Whitney Houston's forthcoming album|upcoming album]].<ref> Korin Miller ([[May 9]]) (2008). [http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2008/05/09/2008-05-09_britney_spears_is_toxic_no_longer.html Britney Spears is 'Toxic' no longer. ''NY Daily News''. Retrieved on [[May 21]] [[2008]].</ref> Several reports have surfaced, that Spears could be in talks with [[George Maloof]], owner of the [[Palms Casino Resort]] in Las Vegas to perform a string of shows at the resort's Pearl Theater. Spears and Maloof have been seen on multiple occasions having dinner business meetings, were thought to be making plans for the performances. <ref>[http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/22052008/421270/britney_spears_comeback_rumoured Britney's Comeback Rumoured | MTV UK<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
On June 11, 2008 [[Jive Records]] confirmed that there would be no more singles from ''Blackout'', since Spears is working on a new album with [[Danja]] and [[Bloodshy & Avant]]. <ref> [http://www.britneyexperts.com/ No More Blackout Singles] </ref> scheduled to be released in early 2009. <ref> [http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=dxvhE_J1COg] Rap TV Footage about new album</ref>
The MTV Newsroom has said that Britney will make a cameo in [[Madonna]]'s coming up worldwide tour this August. She will not actually be on the tour, rather, she will appear in a video filmed for the televisions surrounding the stage. <ref>http://newsroom.mtv.com/2008/07/10/for-the-record-britney-spears-amy-winehouse-the-flaming-lips-more/</ref>
==Film and television==
Spears entered New York City's [[Professional Performing Arts School]] when she was 8. She was an [[understudy]] in the 1991 play ''[[Ruthless!]]'' and appeared in several other off-Broadway productions. At age 11, she joined the cast of ''[[The New Mickey Mouse Club]]'' until the show ended in 1993.<ref name=britneyearlyyears/><ref name=mickemc/>
Spears had her first starring role in the 2002 film ''[[Crossroads (2002 film)|Crossroads]]'',<ref name='crossroads'> {{cite web|url=http://imdb.com/title/tt0275022/|title=Crossroads (2002/I) |accessdate=2008-03-04 }}</ref> in which she portrayed a high school graduate who travels to find her long-lost mother. The movie was poorly received,<ref>{{cite web | title=''Crossroads'' Reviews | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | year=2006 | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1112549-crossroads/ | accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref> as was Spears's performance; Spears received [[Razzie Award]]s for Worst Actress and for Worst Original Song.<ref>{{cite web | author=John Wilson | title=The 23rd Annual Razzie Awards | publisher=Razzies.com | url=http://razzies.com/asp/content/XcNewsPlus.asp?cmd=view&articleid=110 | date=[[February 10]], [[2003]] | accessdate=2007-03-07}}</ref> Nonetheless, the film grossed over $60 million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web | title=''Crossroads'' Grosses | publisher=boxofficemojo.com | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=crossroads.htm | year=2002 | accessdate=2007-03-09}}</ref> Spears also made cameo appearances in ''[[Austin Powers in Goldmember]]'' and ''[[Longshot (film)|Longshot]]''.<ref>{{cite web | title=''Britney Spears'' filmography | publisher=Yahoo!Movies | year=2006 | url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800328228/filmography | accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref> Footage of Spears appeared in the 2004 documentary ''[[Fahrenheit 9/11]]'', which samples a 2003 CNN interview about the [[Iraq War]] in which Spears says, "Honestly, I think we should just trust our president in every decision he makes and should just support that, you know, and be faithful in what happens."<ref>{{cite web | publisher= CNN.com | title= Britney Spears: 'Trust our president in every decision'| url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/09/03/cnna.spears/ | accessdate=2007-03-13}}</ref><ref name=Fahrenheit911>{{cite web | title=A quote from Britney featured on Fahrenheit 9/11 | publisher=imdb.com | url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361596/quotes | accessdate=2007-08-26}}</ref>
In late 1999, Spears appeared on the sitcom ''[[Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (TV series)|Sabrina, the Teenage Witch]]'' and performed the song "[[(You Drive Me) Crazy]]"; this cameo was a cross-promotion for the film ''[[Drive Me Crazy]]'', which starred ''Sabrina'''s [[Melissa Joan Hart]] and was named after the song.<ref>{{cite web | title=Britney On 'Sabrina' | url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12028783 | date=[[30 August]] [[1999]] | author=Craig Rosen | publisher=music.yahoo.com | accessdate=2007-10-13}}</ref> She later appeared on ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' as host and musical guest during 2000, 2002 and 2003.<ref>{{cite web | title = Attention to "Saturday Night Live" list | publisher = imdb.com | url = http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005453/ | accessdate=2007-09-09}}</ref> In 2006, Spears guest-starred on the ''[[Will & Grace]]'' episode "Buy, Buy Baby". Her portrayal of a closeted lesbian drew criticism from conservative Christian groups.<ref>{{cite web | author=Josh Grossberg | title= NBC Spears Britney's "Will & Grace" Story Line | publisher=eonline | date=02/01/2006 | url=http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=b93f36ed-c09b-4053-af89-566692cd6c35 |accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Buy, Buy Baby episode summary | publisher = imdb.com | date = 2006 |url = http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0782659/ | accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref> <!-- could not find any reference to her on this site, besides btv is a spam site == In 2007, Spears made a cameo appearance on the premiere of the [[E!]] reality show ''[[Sunset Tan]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.buddytv.com/sunset-tan.aspx | title=Sunset Tan | date=2007 | accessdate=2007-10-06 | publisher=buddytv.com }}</ref> -->
In 2008, Spears guest-starred on [[CBS]]'s television show ''[[How I Met Your Mother]]'' playing a receptionist.<ref>{{cite web | title = Britney to Guest Star on How I Met Your Mother! | publisher = [[People.com]] | url = http://tvwatch.people.com/2008/03/10/britney-to-guest-star-on-how-i-met-your-mother/ | accessdate=2008-03-10}}</ref> She received positive reviews for her performance as well as bringing in the series highest ratings ever.<ref>{{cite web | title = Spears goes for laughs on CBS' 'Mother' | author = Erin Carlson | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | url = http://tv.yahoo.com/show/38167/news/urn:newsml:tv.ap.org:20080325:tv_britney_spears__ER:47044 | date=2008-03-25 | accessdate=2008-03-25 }}</ref><ref>{{ cite web | title = Spears delivers 'Mother's' highest ratings | author = James Hibberd | publisher = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3ia2cce804ce40901d82b7a82b3af831e3?imw=Y | date=2008-03-25 | accessdate=2008-03-25 }}</ref> Spears reprised her role in May 2008, leaving the storyline open for a future return.<ref>[http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Ausiello-Scoop-Britney/800036708 Oops… Brit's Doing CBS' Mother Again!]''[[TV Guide]]''. [[April 2]], [[2008]]. Retrieved on [[April 2]] [[2008]].</ref>
==Products and endorsements==
{{main|Britney Spears products}}
[[Image:Curious.jpg|thumb|right|Britney Spears perfume "Curious"]]
In early 2001, Spears signed a multi-million dollar promotional deal with [[Pepsi]] that included television commercials, point-of-purchase promotions, and Internet ties between Spears and the company. Britney Spears has earned over US$370 million from her many, multi-million dollar advertisement and endorsement deals all around the World..<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5919256/britney_chooses_pepsi | date=[[February 8]] [[2001]] | accessdate=2007-02-08 | publisher=Rollingstone.com | author=Jaan Uhelszki | title=Britney chooses Pepsi}}</ref> She has published four books, including ''[[A Mother's Gift]]'', and released seven DVDs, including her self-produced 2005 reality series ''[[Britney & Kevin: Chaotic]]''. Other Spears products include a [[Britney Spears Doll|doll]] and a [[Britney's Dance Beat|video game]]. She participated in seven tours including "[[The Onyx Hotel Tour]]" in 2004. She has grossed over US$350 million from tour ticket sales and over $185 million in merchandise from her tours, the most ever grossed by a performer (male and female).<ref>{{cite web | publisher=forbes.com | author=Lea Goldman, Kiri Blakeley | date=[[20 January]] [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-09-30 | title=In Pictures: The Richest 20 Women In Entertainment | url=http://www.forbes.com/2007/01/17/richest-women-entertainment-tech-media-cz_lg_richwomen07_0118womenstars_slide_13.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Spears's tour merchandise sales figures | url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12176255 | author=AP | publisher=music.yahoo.com | date=[[April 27]] [[2004]] | accessdate=2007-09-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-264124/Britney-Spears-Onyx-Hotel-Tour.html | title=Britney Spears Tour sets record for concert merchandise sales | publisher=PR Newswire | date=[[April 26]] [[2004]] | accessdate=2007-09-05}}</ref>
Spears endorsed her first [[Elizabeth Arden]] fragrance "[[Curious (fragrance)|Curious]]" in 2004. In September 2005, Spears released the fragrance "[[Fantasy (fragrance)|Fantasy]]" with Elizabeth Arden, which also saw great success.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.beautyfeast.com/Perfume/Britney-Spears-Perfume.htm | title=Britney Spears Perfume | accessdate=2007-10-02 | date=2007 | publisher=beautyfeast.com}}</ref> These were followed by the release of two more fragrances of "[[Curious (fragrance)#In Control|In Control]]" and "[[Fantasy (fragrance)#Midnight Fantasy|Midnight Fantasy]]" in 2006. Her latest Elizabeth Arden fragrance "[[Believe (fragrance)|Believe]]", was released in September 2007.
==Personal life==
===1999–2004===
Spears posed for her first major magazine publication, ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' in April 1999. Shot by photographer [[David LaChapelle]],<ref name = "LaChappelle-StoneCover">{{cite web | author=David LaChappelle | title=Rolling Stone: Britney Spears cover | publisher=Rolling Stone Magazine | year=1999 | url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/britneyspears/photos/collection/photo/75/large | accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref> the photo shoot garnered much criticism for the controversial mixing of child-like innocence and [[adolescent sexuality]]. The cover featured her in a skimpy outfit lying on a bed.<ref name = "LaChappelle-StoneCover"/> More controversy arose when Spears declared that she would "remain a virgin until marriage".<ref name='BBC 2008-03-04'>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=BBC NEWS / Entertainment / Britney's boast busts virgin myth | date= | publisher= | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3052143.stm | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2008-03-04 | language = }}</ref> This pledge has been questioned due to her apparently sexual relationship with fellow pop singer [[Justin Timberlake]].<ref>{{cite web | title= 'Britney Spears lost her virginity at 14' | url=http://www.hollywoodrag.com/index.php?/weblog/britney_spears_lost_her_virginity_at_14 | publisher=Hollywood Rag | date=[[November 20]], [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-12-24 }}</ref> In early 2002, Spears's four-year relationship with Timberlake ended.<ref name=JT>{{cite web | author=Stephen M. Silverman | title=Britney, Justin: Speaking of Love | publisher=People.com | date=[[June 19]], [[2002]] | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,624123,00.html | accessdate=2002-02-19}}</ref> His 2002 song "[[Cry Me a River (Justin Timberlake song)|Cry Me a River]]" and its music video, which featured an actress resembling Spears, caused speculation that Spears had been unfaithful;<ref name=crymeariver>{{cite web | author=Corey Moss | title='Cry Me a River' About Britney And Justin, But Not: VMA Lens Recap | publisher=MTV.com | date=[[August 18]], [[2003]] | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1476973/20030818/timberlake_justin.jhtml | accessdate=2007-02-19}}</ref> Timberlake, however, denied that his song was meant to portray her.<ref>{{cite web | author=Joe D'Angelo | title=Justin and Britney at War, Magazine Cover Story Declares | publisher=MTV.com | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459124/20021212/spears_britney.jhtml | date=[[December 12]], [[2002]] | accessdate=2007-03-05}}</ref>
June 2002 saw the opening of Spears's restaurant, Nyla, in New York City, which served Louisianan and Italian cuisine. However, she was pulled out of the business venture in November as a result of debts and management issues. Nyla officially closed in 2003.<ref name=galegroup/> In the same year, [[Limp Bizkit]] frontman [[Fred Durst]] confirmed that he was in a relationship with Spears. Durst was also hired to help write and produce tracks for her album ''[[In the Zone]]'', which were eventually scrapped.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cmt.com/news/articles/1459522/20030114/spears_britney.jhtml | title=Britney dates Fred Durst | accessdate=2007-10-27 | publisher=cmt.com}}</ref>
Spears married childhood friend Jason Allen Alexander on [[January 3]], [[2004]], at [[The Little White Wedding Chapel]] in [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]].<ref name='aolweddings'> {{cite web|url=http://vegas.aol.com/galleries/vegas-celebrity-weddings |title=Celebrity Weddings in Vegas - AOL Vegas |accessdate=2008-03-04 |publisher=AOL }}</ref> The marriage lasted 55 hours, ending with an [[annulment]] stating that Spears "lacked understanding of her actions to the extent that she was incapable of agreeing to marriage because before entering into the marriage the Plaintiff and Defendant did not know each others' likes and dislikes, each others' desires to have or not have children, and each other's desires as to State of residency."<ref>{{cite web | author=Associated Press | title=Judge dissolves Britney's 'joke' wedding | publisher=msnbc.msn.com | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3869708/ | date=[[January 6]] [[2004]] | accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Britney Spears's annulment request | publisher=thesmokinggun.com | year=2004 | url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/britneyannul1.html | accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref>
Months after her Las Vegas marriage, Spears embarked on [[The Onyx Hotel Tour]], which was canceled in June, after Spears injured her knee during the filming of the video for the single "[[Outrageous]]".<ref>{{cite web | author=Stephen Silverman | title=Britney Blows Out Knee, Undergoes Surgery | publisher=people.com | date=[[June 10]] [[2004]] | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,649582,00.html| accessdate=2008-03-04}}</ref> She then became involved in the [[Kabbalah Centre]] in September 2004 through her friendship with Madonna.<ref name=Kabbalah>{{cite web | title=Madonna's trip to Israel | publisher=BBC | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3641256.stm | accessdate=2007-08-26}}</ref> However, she publicly left the religion in 2006, stating on her website, "I no longer study [[Kaballah]], my baby is my religion."<ref>{{cite web | author=Jeannette Walls | title=Forget Kabbalah, Britney's baby is her religion | publisher=MSNBC | date=[[June 1]] [[2006]] | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12920032/ | accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref>
===2004–2006===
In July 2004, Spears announced her engagement to [[Kevin Federline]], three months after they met. Federline had recently been in a relationship with actress [[Shar Jackson]], who was eight months pregnant with their second child.<ref name=kfed>{{cite web | author="New York AP" | title=Shar Jackson says she was dating Kevin Federline… | publisher=usatoday.com | date=[[November 4]] [[2005]] | url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-11-04-shar-jackson-federline_x.htm | accessdate=2007-02-10}}</ref> These initial stages were chronicled in Spears's first reality show ''[[Britney & Kevin: Chaotic]]'', which aired on [[UPN]] in May and June 2005.<ref>{{cite web | title=Britney and Kevin: Chaotic details | publisher=TVGuide.com | url=http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/britney-kevin-chaotic/191426 | year=May 2005 | accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref> On the night of September 18, Spears married Federline in a surprise, [[non-denominational]] ceremony at a residence in [[Studio City, California]], filing legal papers on October 6.<ref name=married>{{cite web | author=[[Associated Press]] | title=Pop Star Marries Dancer Kevin Federline In Quiet Private Ceremony | publisher=CBSNews.com | date=[[September 20]], [[2004]] | url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/09/23/entertainment/main645138.shtml | accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Britney Spears's "Faux" Wedding | publisher=smokinggun.com | date=[[November 8]], [[2006]] | url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0924042_britney_spears_1.html | accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref> After the marriage, Spears announced via her website that she would be taking another career break to start a family. She gave birth to her first child, Sean Preston Federline, on [[September 14]], [[2005]] in [[Santa Monica, California]] by a scheduled [[caesarean section]].<ref name=sean>{{cite web | author=''People'' Magazine | title=Britney Welcomes Home Sean Preston | publisher=people.com | date=[[September 21]] [[2005]] | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1039012_1107631,00.html | accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref>
Spears announced her second pregnancy in May 2006 during an appearance on ''[[The Late Show with David Letterman]]''.<ref>{{cite web | author=''People'' Magazine | title=Britney Spears Is Pregnant Again | publisher=people.com | date=[[May 10]] [[2006]] | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1039012_1171195,00.html?cid=redirect-articles/ | accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref> She also appeared on ''[[Dateline NBC|Dateline]]'' the next month to discuss tabloid rumors about an impending divorce, and motherhood. She addressed an incident which occurred in February when photos revealed her driving with her son unrestrained in her lap,<ref>{{cite web | title=Britney: 'I love My Son' | publisher=People.com | date=[[February 7]], [[2006]] | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1157153,00.html | accessdate=2007-02-12}}</ref> explaining, "I see a bunch of photographers and I’m scared and I want to get out of the situation… They’re coming up on the sides of the car which is a scary situation for me… so I get my baby out of the car and I go home."<ref>{{cite web | author = Matt Lauer | title = A defiant Britney Spears takes on the tabloids | publisher = msnbc.com | date = [[June 20]] [[2006]] | url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13347509 | accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref> The month following the televised interview, Spears posed nude for the August 2006 cover of ''[[Harper's Bazaar]]''.<ref>{{cite web | author=Laura Brown | title= Britney Spears - One Sexy Mother | publisher=Harper’s Bazaar | url= http://www.harpersbazaar.com/etoc/articles/2006/080106_1.html | date=[[August 1]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2007-03-03 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060902202404/http://harpersbazaar.com/etoc/articles/2006/080106_1.html |archivedate = 2006-09-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=Karen Thomas | title=Non-blond Britney shows 'darker' side | publisher=USAToday.com | url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-07-12-britney-spears_x.htm | date=[[July 12]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref> Just two days before Sean's first birthday, Spears gave birth to her second son, Jayden James Federline on September 12 in [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]].<ref name=jayden>{{cite web | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,26334,1550177,00.html | title=Britney's Baby Name: Jayden James Federline| work=People Magazine | year=2006 | accessdate=2006-10-24}}</ref>
Spears filed for divorce from Federline on November 7, citing [[irreconcilable differences]] and asking for both physical and legal custody of their two children, with visitation rights for Federline.<ref name='People divorce'>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Britney Spears Files for Divorce - Divorced, Britney Spears, Kevin Federline : People.com | date=November 07, 2006 04:50 PM EST | publisher=[[People (magazine)]] | url =http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1556096,00.html | work =People | pages = | accessdate = 2008-03-03 | language = }}</ref> The following day, Federline filed a response to Spears's divorce petition, seeking physical and legal custody of their children.<ref name=custody>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,26334,1556996,00.html|title=Kevin Federline Seeks Custody of Kids|work=People|date=[[November 8]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref> American attorney [[Laura Wasser]] was hired to represent Spears in the case.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/07/britney.divorce/index.html|title=Britney Spears divorcing|work=CNN|date=[[November 13]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref> According to a representative for Federline's lawyer, the divorce filing "caught Kevin totally by surprise".<ref> {{cite web|author=Ken Lee and Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,26334,1557574,00.html|title=Britney Spears Heading to Miami|work=People|date=[[November 10]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref> The couple reached a global settlement agreement in March 2007 and their divorce was finalized in July.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=7d62035a-bdfa-4b47-aca8-937826e95306|title=Britney, Kevin Back to Being Single|accessdate=2007-08-22|author=Sarah Hall|date=2007-07-30|publisher=E! News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Jul30/0,4670,PeopleSpearsFederline,00.html|title=Spears, Federline Are Divorced|accessdate=2007-08-22|author=Amanda Beck|date=2007-07-20|publisher=Fox News}}</ref>
===2007–present===
Spears's aunt Sandra Bridges Covington, with whom she had been very close, died of [[ovarian cancer]] on January 21, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title=Lynne Spears Visits Sister's Grave Amid Crisis | publisher=People.com | date=[[January 5]] [[2008]] |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20169661,00.html | accessdate=2008-01-05}}</ref>
Spears then stayed in an off-shore [[drug rehabilitation]] facility in [[Antigua]] for less than 24 hours on February 16.<ref>{{cite web | title=Britney Spears Finally Gets Help, Enters Rehab | publisher=ExtraTV.com | date=[[February 16]] [[2007]] |url=http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2007/02/exclusively_on_extra_britney_s.html | accessdate=2007-02-19}}</ref>
The following night at a hair salon in [[Tarzana, California]] she shaved her head with electric clippers. A few days later, she admitted herself to another treatment facility in [[Malibu, California]].<ref name=rehab>{{cite web | title=Britney Spears Back in Rehab | work=Foxnews.com |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,253142,00.html| date = [[February 20]] [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-02-20}}</ref>
While leaving the facility briefly, she quickly returned on February 22.<ref>{{cite web | title=Britney Spears reportedly back in rehab | url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0702/22/sbt.01.html | publisher=CNN | date=[[February 22]], [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-02-22}}</ref> The previous day, Kevin Federline had requested an emergency hearing regarding the custody of their children but then his attorney announced that Federline asked to cancel the court appearance. No further explanation was given.<ref>{{cite web|date=[[February 23]], [[2007]]|title=Federline cancels court appearance amid rehab reports|url=http://www.thekansan.com/stories/022307/play_022307035.shtml|publisher=[[Kansas City Kansan]]|accessdate=2007-02-25}}</ref>
Throughout 2007, Spears's behavior received heightened media attention, including attacking a paparazzi vehicle with an umbrella.<ref name=struggle>{{cite web | author=[[Associated Press]] | title=Britney Spears's behavior in public | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/17/people.britneyspears.ap/index.html | publisher=edition.cnn.com | accessdate=2007-08-29}}</ref> Spears left the rehabilitation center on March 20 according to her manager, who said she was released after "successfully completing their program."<ref>{{cite web|title=Britney Spears Completes Stint in Rehab |date=[[March 21]] [[2007]] |publisher=People.com|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20015538,00.html|accessdate=2007-04-11}}</ref>
As the legal battle over the custody of their children continued, many members of her entourage have been summoned to testify about her parenting skills.<ref>{{cite web|title=Federline vs. Spears Case Takes Violent Turn |year=[[2007-08-28]] |publisher=usweekly.com|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/britney_and_k_fed_0|accessdate=2007-08-29}}</ref>
In September 2007, the official findings in Spears's custody battle were announced by the court. She was ordered to undergo random drug and alcohol testings and to attend parenting counseling. Spears and Federline continued to share joint custody of their two children on a conditional basis.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://usmagazine.com/brit_and_kevin | title=Spears Must Undergo Regular Drug Tests in Order to Keep Her Children | publisher=US Magazine | date=[[18 September]] [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-09-18 | author=Megan Lynn}}</ref>
A few days later, she was officially charged with misdemeanor [[Hit and run (vehicular)|hit-and-run]] and driving without a license. If convicted, she could face a year in jail.<ref>{{cite web | title=Spears charged with Hit-and-Run | url=http://articles.latimes.com/2007/09/22/metro/me-britney22 | publisher=LA Times | accessdate=2007-09-22 | date=[[22 September]] [[2007]]}}</ref>
Spears lost physical custody of her children to Federline on October 1,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/10/01/spears.federline/index.html | title=Spears will lose custody of children | publisher=CNN | accessdate=2007-10-10}}</ref><ref name='msnbc-custody'>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Britney Spears loses custody of children - Celebrities- msnbc.com | date=2007-10-01 | publisher= | url =http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21087621/ | work =MSNBC | pages = | accessdate = 2008-03-04 | language = }}</ref> with the court ruling that Federline will keep full custody of the children.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tmz.com/2007/10/03/k-fed-retains-custody-brit-gets-visitation/ | publisher=TMZ.com | title=K-fed Retains Custody -- Brit Gets Visitation | date=[[3 October]] [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref>
The charges for her alleged hit-and-run that occurred in August 2007 were officially laid,<ref>{{cite web | date=[[9 October]] [[2007]] | url=http://www.tmz.com/2007/10/09/judge-to-britney-you-must-be-booked/ | title=Judge to Britney: You Must Be Booked | publisher=TMZ.com | accessdate=2007-10-09}}</ref>
she was booked for the charges by the Los Angeles Police Department on October 15 but was not arrested.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20152562,00.html | title=Britney is Booked for Misdemeanor Charges | accessdate=2007-10-16 | author=Ken Lee | publisher=People Magazine | date=[[16 October]] [[2007]]}}</ref>
On the evening of January 3 2008, after not sleeping for over 4 days police were called to Spears's home after she refused to relinquish custody of her children to Federline's representatives.<ref>[http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20169330,00.html Britney Spears Hospitalized for 'An Evaluation']. ''People''. Retrieved on [[2008-01-04]].</ref>
She was hospitalized at [[Cedars-Sinai Medical Center]] after she "appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance,"<ref name='peoplehospital'>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Britney Spears Hospitalized for 'An Evaluation' - Britney Spears : People.com | date=2008-01-04 | publisher=People.com | url =http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20169330,00.html | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2008-03-04 | language = }}</ref>
though blood tests show negative for any illicit substances.<ref>[http://lifeandstylemag.hollywood.com/2008/01/exclusive_britney_not_on_drugs_1.php EXCLUSIVE: Britney not on drugs!]. Life & Style. Retrieved on [[2008-01-04]].</ref>
She was held for psychiatric evaluation for two days.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/01/04/spears/ Britney Spears taken to hospital for tests]. cnn.com. Retrieved on [[2008-01-04]].</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,320111,00.html | title=Britney Spears Hospitalized After Denying Ex-Husband Access to Children | accessdate=2008-01-04|publisher=Fox News}}</ref><ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/2008/01/05/britney-spears-on-suicide-watch-89520-20275088/ Britney Spears on suicide watch]. The Mirror. Retrieved on [[2008-01-17]]</ref>
Pending a February 19 hearing, Commissioner Scott Gordon issued an order on January 14 stating that her visitation rights have been suspended indefinitely. On January 31, a court placed Spears under temporary co-[[conservatorship]] of her father James Spears and attorney Andrew Wallete, giving them complete control of her assets.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/mediaNews/idUSN0121235520080202 | title=Britney Spears' father takes over her affairs| author=Reuters | date=[[1 February]] [[2008]] | accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=reuters.com}}</ref>
As a result of an order placed by her psychiatrist, she was taken to [[UCLA Medical Center]] to be put on a [[5150 (Involuntary psychiatric hold)|5150 involuntary psychiatric hold]] for the second time that month.<ref>{{cite news | title=Britney Spears taken to hospital by police: report | publisher =''Reuters'' | date =2007-01-31 | url = http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN3128619820080131?feedType=nl&feedName=usmorningdigest | accessdate =2007-01-31}}</ref>
On February 1, a [[restraining order]] was issued against Sam Lutfi, a prominent figure in Spears's life.<ref>[http://www.aolcdn.com/tmz_documents/0205_sam_brit_wm.pdf Notice of Hearing and Temporary Restraining Order, Los Angeles Superior Court]</ref><ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8UKCNL01&show_article=1 "Spears' Manager Accused of Drugging Her", Breitbart]</ref> She was released from the hospital on February 6, amid speculation that she has [[bipolar disorder]],<ref>[http://www.ndtvmusic.com/story.asp?id=ENTEN20080040046 Music Story Page<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-me-britney7feb07,0,941960.story | title=Spears released from UCLA hospital | publisher=LATimes.com | accessdate=2008-03-04}}</ref> although medical records are classified, and no confirmation has been made. Her parents expressed disappointment and concern at the decision to release her.<ref name='CTVatrisk'>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=CTV.ca / Spears' parents say their daughter is 'at risk' | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080207/spears_parents_080207?s_name=&no_ads= | work =CTV | pages = | accessdate = 2008-03-04 | language = }}</ref>
She has regained some visitation rights after coming to an agreement with Federline and his counsel.<ref>{{cite news | title = Britney Sees Kids For First Time In 2 Months | date = [[23 February]] [[2008]] | publisher=cbs5 | url = http://cbs5.com/entertainment/k.fed.kevin.2.661407.html | accessdate = 2008-03-03}}</ref>
==Cultural references==
[[Image:Britney Spears Madame Tussauds.jpg|thumb|175px|right|Spears's [[wax sculpture|wax figure]] at [[Madame Tussauds]], [[London]].]]
Spears has been referenced in songs by [[Eminem]], [[Missy Elliott]], [[Pink (singer)|Pink]], [[Sara Nunes]] and [[Busted]].
[[Madame Tussauds]] has wax figures of Spears at museums around the world. Artist Daniel Edwards created a sculpture of a nude Britney Spears giving birth to Sean Preston. The sculpture has been named "Monument to Pro-Life: The Birth of Sean Preston".<ref>http://defamer.com/hollywood/britney-spears/britney-spears-the-last-thing-youll-ever-see-162638.php</ref>
Spears is parodied in the 2005 straight to DVD release of ''[[Family Guy Presents Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story]]''.<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385690/plotsummary Family Guy Reference - IMDB]</ref> Spears is also parodied in the series ''[[The Fairly Odd Parents]]'' with the character Britney Britney who looks and acts like Spears.
Spears was also made reference to in ''[[Spamalot]]'' by having her name said in the song "Diva's Lament". However, because of Spears's hospitalization, it was removed and replaced with [[Victoria Beckham]].<ref name="contactmusic">[http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/spears%20reference%20taken%20out%20of%20spamalot_1059462 Spamalot Reference - Contact Music]</ref> It was also reported that [[Brian May]] ordered all references to Spears be removed from the musical based on the songs of [[Queen (band)|Queen]], ''[[We Will Rock You (musical)|We Will Rock You]]'' out of respect.<ref name="contactmusic"/>
The ''[[South Park]]'' episode entitled "[[Britney's New Look]]" also made reference to Spears's troubles and 2008 hospitalization, portraying her attempting suicide by putting a [[rifle]] in her mouth and pulling the trigger.<ref name="eonlinesouthpark">{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=E! News - Britney, Miley Toon In to South Park - Britney Spears / Miley Cyrus | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=8446b763-1963-43cd-960f-6b6ade2f00c4 | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2008-04-06 | language = }}</ref> However, Spears survives (albeit with the top half of her head, including her brain, missing) and attempts to make a musical comeback at the [[MTV Video Music Awards]] to disastrous reviews, making reference to Spears's "comeback" performance at the [[2007 MTV Video Music Awards]].<ref name="eonlinesouthpark"/> In this episode, the makers portrayed her with sympathy. She had also been referenced to in two other ''[[South Park]]'' episodes one in 2003 and the other in 2004.
[[Justin Timberlake]] made a few jokes that seemed to be directed at Britney Spears while giving a speech about [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]] before she was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]], in 2008. Timberlake commented that "She (Madonna) has still found time to kiss someone I may or may not have publicly kissed while I was in the audience." Then going on to say he was talking about [[Sean Penn]]. He then said "The world is full of Madonna wannabes, and I may have even dated a couple."<ref>[http://www.usmagazine.com/justin_timberlake_calls_britney_spears_a_wannabe_0 US POLL: Justin Timberlake Calls Ex Britney Spears a Wannabe — Too Harsh?]</ref>
A month long exhibit called ''Number Ones'' created by 11 current and former ASU students featured their art work that displays the essence of Spears's number one singles.<ref>[http://www.asuwebdevil.com/issues/2008/04/28/style/705024 Spears, As an Art Form]</ref>
Jenn Harris will portray Spears in an upcoming off-Broadway show at the Ace of Clubs theatre in [[New York]].<ref name="irelandonline">{{cite news | first= | last= |coauthors= | title= Ireland Online | date= | publisher= | url http://breakingnews.iol.ie/entertainment/story.asp?j=2538084127&p=z538x9yy8 | work= | pages= | accessdate = 2008-04-27 | language = }}</ref> Though recently due to last minute scheduling conflicts the show will play later in the year instead of the original date of May 11, 2008.
Author Karen Dawn has released a book called ''Thanking the Monkey: Rethinking the Way We Treat Animals'', where she blasts Spears as a pet owner.<ref>[http://www.ecorazzi.com/2008/04/28/paris-hilton-and-britney-spears-pet-owners-from-hell Paris Hilton And Britney Spears: Pet Owners From Hell!!!]</ref> A journalist named Ian Halperin has confirmed to media outlets that he is set to write a "tell-all" book chronicling Spears supposed suicide attempts. He claims he worked as an undercover photographer following Spears where he witnessed these behaviours.<ref>[http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/43264/britney-spears-suicide-hell-exposed-in-new-book]</ref> Spears mother is also currently writing a book called ''Through the Storm: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World''. The book is being categorized as a tell-all memoir.<ref>[http://www.latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2008/06/lynne-spears-wi.html/</ref>
==Discography==
{{main|Britney Spears discography}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
===Studio albums===
* 1999: ''[[…Baby One More Time]]''
* 2000: ''[[Oops!… I Did It Again]]''
* 2001: ''[[Britney (album)|Britney]]''
* 2003: ''[[In the Zone]]''
* 2007: ''[[Blackout (Britney Spears album)|Blackout]]''
===Compilation albums===
* 2004: ''[[Greatest Hits: My Prerogative]]''
* 2005: ''[[B in the Mix: The Remixes]]''
{{col-3}}
===DVDs===
* 1999: ''[[Time Out with Britney Spears]]''
* 2000: ''[[Live and More!]]''
* 2001: ''[[Britney: The Videos]]''
* 2002: ''[[Live from Las Vegas]]''
* 2004: ''[[In the Zone (DVD)| In the Zone]]''
* 2004: ''[[Greatest Hits: My Prerogative (DVD)| Greatest Hits: My Prerogative]]''
* 2005: ''[[Britney & Kevin: Chaotic]]''
{{col-3}}
===Tours===
* 1999: [[Hair Zone Mall Tour]]
* 1999: [[...Baby One More Time Tour]]
* 2000: [[Crazy 2K Tour]]
* 2000: [[Oops!... I Did It Again World Tour]]
* 2001-2002: [[Dream Within a Dream Tour]]
* 2004: [[The Onyx Hotel Tour]]
* 2007: [[The M+M's Tour]]
{{col-end}}
===Music videos===
{{main|Britney Spears videography}}
Spears's music videos have contributed significantly to her musical success. The video for "[[…Baby One More Time (song)|…Baby One More Time]]" featured Spears in a school uniform that exposed her midriff, an image that helped propel her to superstardom.<ref name=galegroup/><ref name=greatesthitsbooklet>Jenny Eliscu, Spears's career biography from the booklet of ''Greatest Hits: My Prerogative'', page 2–4, Zomba Recording LLC, 2004</ref> Similarly, the video for "[[Oops!… I Did It Again (song)|Oops!… I Did It Again]]" showed Spears wearing a red tightly-fitted catsuit, fueling speculations that the star has [[breast implants]].<ref name=galegroup/><ref name=greatesthitsbooklet/><ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Interviews-Features/Article/default.aspx?posting=%7BB90BD588-6E70-4DF1-9DC9-C959EA7AFB50%7D | title=Oops!… Britney's Video Mishaps | date=[[2 June]] [[2000]] | publisher=tvguide.com | accessdate=2007-10-14}}</ref> Her image as a "clean, straight-up girl" was revolutionized by the videos for "[[I'm A Slave 4 U]]", "[[Toxic (song)|Toxic]]" and "[[Gimme More]]" which generated controversy by portraying Spears in a more sexually-oriented manner.<ref name=greatesthitsbooklet/>
===Number one singles===
<!-- NOTE TO EDITORS: Please do not change Spears's U.S. and international number one singles count and peak positions. All positions are based on the Billboard Hot 100 and the corresponding international main singles chart, not the Hot 100 Airplay or Dance or any other component charts-->
{{dablink|The following singles reached number one in the United World Chart, the [[United States|U.S.]], the [[UK Singles Chart|United Kingdom]], [[Canadian Singles Chart|Canada]], [[ARIA Charts|Australia]], [[Media Control Charts|Germany]], [[Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique|France]], [[Irish Singles Chart|Ireland]], [[Sweden]] and/or [[Brazil]]. For a full singles discography, see [[Britney Spears discography#Singles|Britney Spears discography]].}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!rowspan="2"| Year
!rowspan="2"| Single
!colspan="10"| Peak positions<ref name='acharts'> {{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/performer/britney_spears |title=Britney Spears - Music Charts | accessdate=2008-03-03 }}</ref><ref name='allmusic'>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&searchlink=BRITNEYSPEARS&sql=11:kpfuxq9jldte~T51 |title=allmusic "Britney Spears; Charts & Awards; Billboard Singles" |accessdate=2008-03-03 }}</ref><ref name='mediatraffic'> {{cite web|url=http://www.mediatraffic.de/top-track-achievements.htm |title=GLOBAL TRACK CHART |accessdate=2008-03-03 }}</ref>
! width="200" rowspan="2"| Album
|-
! width="30"|<small>[[World|WW]]
! width="30"|<small>[[Billboard Hot 100|U.S.]]
! width="30"|<small>[[UK Singles Chart|UK]]
! width="30"|<small>[[Canadian Singles Chart|CAN]]
! width="30"|<small>[[ARIA Charts|AUS]]
! width="30"|<small>[[Media Control Charts|GER]]
! width="30"|<small>[[Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique|FRA]]
! width="30"|<small>[[Irish Singles Chart|IRE]]
! width="30"|<small>[[Sweden|SWE]]
! width="30"|<small>[[Brazil|BRA]]
|-
|align="center" rowspan="1"| 1998
|align="left"| "[[…Baby One More Time (song)|…Baby One More Time]]"
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center" valign="center" rowspan="3"|''...Baby One More Time''
|-
|align="center" rowspan="2"| 1999
|align="left"| "[[(You Drive Me) Crazy]]"
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|10
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|13
|align="center"|12
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|-
|align="left"| "[[Born to Make You Happy]]"
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|21
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|9
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="center" rowspan="2"| 2000
|align="left"| "[[Oops!… I Did It Again (song)|Oops!…I Did It Again]]"
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|9
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|4
|align="center" valign="center" rowspan="2"|''Oops!…I Did It Again''
|-
|align="left"| "[[Lucky (Britney Spears song)|Lucky]]"
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|23
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|16
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|4
|-
|align="center" rowspan="1"| 2003
|align="left"| "[[Me Against the Music]]" <small>(feat. [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]])</small>
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|35
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|11
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|3
|align="center" valign="center" rowspan="3"|''In The Zone''
|-
|align="center" rowspan="3"| 2004
|align="left"| "[[Toxic (song)|Toxic]]"
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|9
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|4
|-
|align="left"| "[[Everytime]]"
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|15
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|16
|-
|align="center" align="left"| "[[My Prerogative#Cover versions|My Prerogative]]"
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|101
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|7
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|18
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|6
|align="center"|5
|align="center" valign="center" rowspan="1"|''Greatest Hits: My Prerogative''
|-
|align="center" rowspan="2"| 2007
|align="left"| "[[Gimme More]]"
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|7
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|2
|align="center" valign="center" rowspan="2"|''Blackout''
|-
|align="left"| "[[Piece of Me]]"
|align="center"|6
|align="center"|18
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|7
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|9
|align="center"|1
|-
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
|align="center" colspan="2"|'''Total Number-one hits'''
|align="center"|7
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|7
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|
|}
<!-- NOTE TO EDITORS: Please do not change Spears's U.S. and international number one singles count and peak positions. All positions are based on the Billboard Hot 100 and the corresponding international main singles chart, not the Hot 100 Airplay or Dance or any other component charts-->
==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
|-
| 1991 || ''[[The Mickey Mouse Club]]'' || Various Roles || Seasons 6-7, 1991-1993
|-
| 2000 || ''[[Longshot (film)|Longshot]]'' || Flight Attendant || Cameo
|-
|rowspan="3"| 2002 || ''[[Austin Powers in Goldmember]]'' || Herself || Cameo/Soundtrack
|-
| ''[[Crossroads (2002 film)|Crossroads]]'' || Lucy Wagner || Lead Role/Feature Film
|-
| ''[[Robbie the Reindeer in Legend of the Lost Tribe]]'' || Donner || English version/Animation
|-
| 2004 || ''[[Britney & Kevin: Chaotic]]'' || Herself || Reality Show
|-
| 2006 || ''[[Will & Grace]]'' || Amber-Louise || Episode "Buy, Buy Baby"
|-
| 2008 || ''[[How I Met Your Mother]]'' || Abby || 2 episodes: "[[Ten Sessions]]" and [[Everything Must Go (How I Met Your Mother episode)|Everything Must Go]]"
|-
|}
==Awards==
{{main|List of Britney Spears's awards}}
==See also==
*[[List of best-selling music artists]]
*[[List of best selling music artists in U.S.]]
*[[List of artists who reached number one on the Hot 100 (U.S.)]]
*[[List of best-selling albums worldwide]]
*[[List of best-selling singles worldwide]]
==Further reading==
*Peters, Beth (1999). ''True Brit: The Story of Singing Sensation Britney Spears''. Ballantine Books. ISBN 978-0345436870.
*Spears, Britney (2000). ''Britney Spears' Heart to Heart''. Three Rivers Press. ISBN 978-0609807019.
*Scott, Kieran (2001). ''I was a Mouseketeer!.'' Disney Press. ISBN 978-0786844708.
*Stevens, Amanda (2001). ''Britney Spears: the illustrated story.'' Billboard Books. ISBN 978-0823078677.
*Smith, Sean (2006). ''Britney The Unauthorized Biography of Britney Spears.'' Pan Macmillan. ISBN 978-0330440776.
==References==
{{reflist|3}}
==External links==
{{commonscat|Britney Spears}}
{{wikiquote}}
<!-- DO NOT ADD MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A COLLECTION OF LINKS. If you think that your link might be useful, instead of placing it here, put it on this article's discussion page first. Links that have not been verified WILL BE DELETED -->
* [http://www.britneyspears.com/ Under Construction Official website]
* [http://www.britney.com/ Jive's Britney Spears website]
* {{imdb name|0005453|Britney Spears}}
* [http://www.myspace.com/britneyspears Britney Spears Official Myspace]
{{Britney Spears}}
{{Britney Spears singles}}
{{Persondata
|NAME=Spears, Britney Jean
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=Singer; occasional actress and songwriter
|DATE OF BIRTH=[[December 2]], [[1981]]
|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[McComb, Mississippi]], [[United States]]
|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Spears, Britney}}
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