Britney Spears: Everything you need to know about the icon
All hail Queen Brit 👑 🙌
Britney Spears is one of the most famous pop stars of all time, since the iconic singer burst onto the music scene back in the 90s. From legendary hits such as '...Baby One More Time' and 'Oops!...I Did It Again', to her iconic collab with Elton John, 'Hold Me Closer' in 2022, Britney has certainly proved to be a true pop legend!
The singer has had an incredibly successful career, from chart-topping songs, albums and sell-out tours to some pretty impressive TV cameos and, of course, a glorious array of perfumes. With the release of her memoir The Woman In Me, and her throwback photos with Taylor Swift, what better time to get to know Britney Spears a little bit better...
Here's everything you need to know about Britney Spears:
How old is Britney Spears?
Britney Spears was born on 2nd December 1981, meaning she's now 42-years-old!
Which of her songs are the most popular?
We think it's safe to say that pretty much every Britney song has been INCREDIBLY popular over the years. But let's take a look through the Top 5 best-selling singles by Britney Spears...
1. '...Baby One More Time', 1999
It's no surprise that Britney's biggest hit - her debut single - is her most popular song ever. Selling over 100 million copies worldwide, it also reached the Number 1 spot around the globe spending 23 weeks in the charts in total.
Not surprisingly, the record is now certified 3× Platinum in the UK.
2. 'Scream & Shout' - Will.I.Am, 2012
This controversial song hit the headlines after N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos claimed she'd written it. Either way, it has sold millions of records and was Britney's first hit as a featured artist, spending two weeks at Number 1 and 35 weeks in the charts overall.
3. 'Oops!... I Did It Again', 2000
Perhaps the secret to Britney's success is having a well-placed ellipsis in a song title... This song was Britney's third Number 1, spending a week at Number 1 and a total of 14 weeks in the charts.
4. 'Sometimes', 1999
You may not recognise Britney's second-ever single - if you're anything less than a die-hard fan - but 'Sometimes' was peak 90s bubblegum pop. Quickly selling 453,000 copies, the song went on to spend 16 weeks in the charts, peaking at Number 3.
5. 'Womanizer', 2008
Not exactly her most thought-provoking lyrics, but 'Womanizer' sold millions of copies and spent a massive 30 weeks in the charts, peaking at Number 3. Just a year after its release, 'Womanizer' was listed at Number 39 in the best selling digital songs of all time.
Britney's book The Woman In Me
In February 2022 it was revealed that Britney had landed a 'record-breaking' book deal for a tell-all memoir, after being the subject of a humungous bidding war.
Page Six reported that publisher Simon & Schuster beat competitors, and managed to secure the deal for Britney's highly anticipated memoir, for an alleged $15m (£11m), in a deal that is: "one of the biggest of all time, behind the Obamas".
The book details Britney's legendary rise to fame, as well as her relationship with her family and her experience living under a conservatorship - which ended in November 2021 - for over a decade. Britney's conservatorship became particularly high profile between 2020 and 2021, sparking the Free Britney movement.
Britney's book The Woman In Me was released in October 2023. The book has now become a New York Times bestseller.
Britney's perfumes
Britney Spears has no less than SEVEN perfumes on sale in the UK, but if we're being technical, she's produced over 30 in total. Her original fragrance, Curious, was released with Elizabeth Arden in 2004 and broke the company's first-week gross for a perfume.
More recently, Brit has released scents such as Rainbow Fantasy (2019), Glitter Fantasy (2020), Fantasy Intense (2021), Electric Fantasy (2021), Blissful Fantasy (2022) and Naked Fantasy (2022).
What is Britney's net worth?
According to Celebritynetworth.com Britney's net worth is thought to be around $70 million, however other sources state it to be nearer $60 million.
Who is Britney Spears' sister?
Britney Spears' sister is Jamie Lynn Spears. She was also a childhood star, choosing to go down the acting route and was star of teenage Nickelodeon's TV show Zoey 101, between the years of 2005 and 2008.
Jamie Lynn Spears announced she was pregnant aged 16 in 2007 by her then-boyfriend, Casey Aldridge. Jamie Lynn later gave birth to her daughter, Maddie Briann Aldridge, on 19th June 2008.
In 2013, the star announced a career in country music.
In November 2023, Jamie Lynn entered the I'm A Celeb jungle, however she decided to leave the show early, with a show spokesperson saying: "Jamie Lynn Spears has left I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! on medical grounds. She’s been a fantastic campmate who has triumphed at trials and bonded well with her fellow celebrities."
Does Britney Spears have kids?
Britney Spears DOES have children! She had a high-profile relationship with Kevin Federline whom she married in September 2004. She gave birth to their first child Sean, in September 2005, and later their second son, Jayden James, in 2006. Sadly, Britney and Kevin divorced later that year.
Is Britney pregnant?
On 11th April 2022, Britney announced that she was expecting baby number three, taking to Instagram to share the news, revealing that she and her new husband Sam Asghari were set to be welcoming their first child together.
Sadly, on 14th May 2022, Britney shared the heartbreaking news that she had lost the baby early on in her pregnancy. Sharing the news on Instagram, Britney wrote: 'It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that we have lost our miracle baby early in the pregnancy.
'This is a devastating time for any parent. Perhaps we should have waited to announce until we were further along however we were overly excited to share the good news. Our love for each other is our strength.
'We will continue trying to expand our beautiful family. We are grateful for all of your support. We kindly ask for privacy during this difficult moment. Sam & Britney' (sic).
Is Britney single?
Britney was married to personal trainer/model Sam Asghari, however in August 2023 he filed for divorce. The couple were married for just 14 months, but in a relationship for six years.
The model took to Instagram to share the news with his followers, writing: 'After six years of love and commitment to each other my wife and I have decided to end our journey together.
'We will hold onto the love and respect we have for each other and I wish her the best always. S--- happens. Asking for privacy seems ridiculous so I will ask for everyone including media to be kind and thoughtful.' (sic)
The pair met on the set of her November 2016 music video for 'Slumber Party'. Britney confirmed their relationship with an Instagram photo in January 2017 and Sam told Men's Health: "After the video came out, nobody knew we were dating. But I don’t think she or I had the intention to just be friends."
When did they get engaged?
In September 2021 Britney announced the exciting news that she was officially engaged to her boyfriend Sam Asghari! The singer took to Instagram to share a picture of the excited couple, with the caption: 'I can’t f---ing believe it 💍💍💍💍💍💍❣️!!!!!!'.
On Friday 8th April 2022, Britney subtly announced that her and Sam were in fact officially MARRIED, dropping the term 'husband' into a caption she shared alongside a photo of him on her Instagram.
The 'Womanizer' singer began her caption with: 'Mathew, my lawyer, has been so kind to introduce me to some of the most magical places I’ve ever been to in my life !!! Trust me I know the beauty in where I am and it’s much appreciated … so here’s me shooting pics of my HUSBAND 💍 !!!!' (sic).
In June 2022, photos of the couple's special day were released. Vogue magazine posted three photos from the wedding, one of Britney and Sam, another of Britney's Versace dress, and a third of the stunning venue.
Britney Spears' conservatorship
Britney Spears was placed in a conservatorship back in 2008, which had her father acting as main her main conservator, and saw him controlling her life and financial decisions for 13 years.
After various documentaries, and the launch of the Free Britney movement, the public became more aware of Britney's situation and desire to re-gain control of her own life decisions.
In September 2021, after months of court proceedings, her father Jamie had his power removed - being replaced by a certified public accountant nominated by Britney herself.
A hearing, which took place on 12th November 2021, finally saw a judge terminate the conservatorship altogether. Britney was quick to share her love and thanks to her friends and fans for their ongoing support.
Elton John collaboration
In 2021, Britney and Elton released their collaborative track 'Hold Me Closer' on 26th August, which served as a new version of Elton's 1971 hit 'Tiny Dancer'. Listen to the track and watch the official music video below:
Is she going to collab with will.i.am again?
Britney teamed up with will.i.am back in 2013 to create the song 'Scream & Shout', and according to the Black Eyed Peas singer, there could be another collab on the cards.
He didn't give much away, but did reveal that: "There have been things in the works..."
Does Britney Spears have nerve damage?
Britney has revealed on social media that she has nerve damage, causing her to wake up and find her hands numb, however she said she has finally found some medication and it is helping.
The caption to her video read: 'I’m dancing in time now Victoria … yes … nerve damage on the right side of my body … there’s no cure except God I guess … nerve damage is caused sometimes when you don’t get enough oxygen to your brain … your brain literally shuts down 🧠 … blah blah blah old story … in that place I didn’t breathe when I was there … nerve damage causes parts of your body to go numb.
'I wake up like 3 times a week in bed and my hands are completely numb … nerves are tiny and it feels like pins and needles from the right side of my body it shoots up to my neck and the part that hurts the worst is my temple on my head … it stings and it’s scary … the last 3 years since I got out of that place I’ve been in a mild unconscious state … I couldn’t face it 😔.
'It was like it was too scary to be here … although my instagram has been not up to par to most … hey hey hey it gave me existence and got me here … it’s funny though when I dance I don’t feel the pain 💃 … it’s like my mind literally goes to a place of my inner child. And although I don’t move like I use to … I truly believe my faith in it gave me strength … by the grace of God I finally found a medication where I actually feel oxygen going to my brain and through my neck 🧠 … my eyes are more open now and I can hold my head up correctly 👁️ … I’ve done a good job trying to pull it off.
'Either way I’m getting a lot better, I can breathe … I feel smarter because well, Jesus I can breathe now … either way, I’m breathing now and I can dance in time, Victoria … I send all my love to every single one of you … this is me this morning ☀️ … I’m gonna vacuum now !!!' (sic)
Which TV shows and films has Britney Spears been in?
We've rounded up a list of Britney Spears' very best cameos in TV and film...
Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1999)
Brit took part in an episode of Sabrina the Teenage Witch after lead actress Melissa Joan Hart starred in the music video for her song, 'You Drive Me Crazy', which was itself the title track for Melissa's film Drive Me Crazy. In the episode, Sabrina thinks about moving to Paris to live with her dad, and Britney is summoned to give her a private concert.
Kenan & Kel (1999)
In 1999, Britney appeared in Nickelodeon's children's TV show Kenan & Kel as herself, meeting the pair during their trip to Hollywood. At one point, they gave her a makeover - and it's safe to say she wasn't happy with it!
The Simpsons (2000)
You're not really famous unless you've made an appearance in The Simpsons - and Britney got her role in 2000. Voicing a yellow version of herself, her character was in Springfield to present an awards ceremony with Kent Brockman, and accidentally killed the town's oldest resident after kissing him on the cheek. She then gives the award to the second-oldest - Mr Burns - who begs her not to give him the "kiss of death".
Longshot (2001)
Britney starred as a member of the cabin crew in a film called Longshot, back in 2001. The film was about two brothers played by Tony DeCamillis and Joey Sculthorpe. Younger brother Alex (Joey Sculthorpe) gets caught up in his older brother's activities.
Crossroads (2002)
Ok, so technically this isn't a cameo as Britney actually played the lead role in the 2002 film, but you can't leave out her turn in Crossroads! Brit played Lucy Wagner alongside Zoe Saldana and Kim Catrall in the coming-of-age movie, and also contributed single 'I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman' to the soundtrack.
Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)
Britney once again took to the big screen in Austin Powers, playing a robot version of herself. It turns out that Britney's appearance as herself in the third Austin Powers film was all down to Beyoncé.
She told the Calgary Sun: "She called me. She said she desperately wanted to be in the movie and wanted to wear a bra that shot bullets. We managed to accommodate her requests."
Pauly Shore Is Dead (20030
In 2003, Britney appeared in Pauly Shore Is Dead, a mockumentary comedy film, written and produced by American actor and comedian Pauly Shore. In 2023, the film celebrated its 20th anniversary, and Pauly shared a behind the scenes video on YouTube.
Will & Grace (2006)
Britney took part in one of Will & Grace's eighth season episodes, playing Amber-Louise - Jack's new co-host on 'JackTalk'.
How I Met Your Mother (2008)
She had two turns in CBS series, How I Met Your Mother. Britney starred as Abby in season three, the receptionist of Stella Zinman, Ted Mosby's tattoo laser removal physician who he gets a crush on. Abby in turn gets a crush on him, and is devastated to find out that he's actually interested in Stella.
How I Met Your Mother (2008)
Britney returned six episodes later as Abby - but this time, she enters into a relationship with Ted's best friend Barney Stinson, even getting engaged to try and make Ted jealous.
Glee (2010)
Britney's songs appeared in the TV show Glee more times than we can remember, but she actually made an appearance herself in the second episode of season two.
The Pauly D Project (2012)
In 2012, Britney starred in an episode of The Pauly D Project called Divas, Diamonds and D... The episode followed Pauly opening for Britney in Puerto Rico. The reality TV series aired for just one series of 12 episodes.
Jane The Virgin (2015)
Britney's appearance in Jane The Virgin was iconic. It wasn't just a blink-and-you'll-miss-it kind of situation either - pretty much the entire episode revolved around Britney's feud with Rogelio, and the pair putting aside their differences.
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