View source for Britney Spears

{{Short description|American singer (born 1981)}}
{{Redirect|Britney|the album|Britney (album){{!}}''Britney'' (album)|other uses}}
{{Redirect|Brittany Spears|the American basketball player|Brittany Spears (basketball)}}
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{{Use American English|date=June 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Britney Spears
| image              = <!--Do NOT change Britney Spears 2013 (Straighten Crop).jpg as the main article photo without reaching a consensus of editors on the talk page.-->Britney Spears 2013 (Straighten Crop).jpg
| caption            = Spears in 2013
| birth_name         = Britney Jean Spears
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1981|12|02}}
| birth_place        = [[McComb, Mississippi]], U.S.
| education          = {{ubl|[[Professional Performing Arts School]]|[[Parklane Academy]]<ref>{{cite book |first=Beth |last=Peters |title=True Brit: The Story of Singing Sensation Britney Spears |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_F24Fv4hcLgC&pg=PA11 |access-date=July 10, 2012 |date=July 1, 1999 |publisher=Random House Digital, Inc. |isbn=978-0-345-43687-0 |pages=11–12}}</ref>}}
| occupation         = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|dancer|actress}}
| years_active       = 1992–present
| spouse             = {{ubl|{{marriage|Jason Allen Alexander|2004|2004|end=annulled}}|{{marriage|[[Kevin Federline]]|2004|2007|end=divorced}}|{{marriage|[[Sam Asghari]]|2022|2024|end=divorced}}}}
| children           = 2
| parents            = {{hlist|[[Jamie Spears]]|[[Lynne Spears|Lynne Bridges]]}}
| relatives          = {{plainlist|
* [[Bryan Spears]] (brother)
* [[Jamie Lynn Spears]] (sister)
}}
| works              = {{hlist|[[Britney Spears discography|Discography]]|[[List of songs recorded by Britney Spears|songs]]|[[List of unreleased songs recorded by Britney Spears|unreleased]]|[[Britney Spears videography|videography]]}}
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by Britney Spears|Full list]]
| website            = {{URL|britneyspears.com}}<br>
{{URL|britney.com}}
| signature          = Britney Spears signature.svg
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist | embed = yes
 | genre          = {{hlist|[[Pop music|Pop]]|[[dance-pop]]|[[electropop]]|[[teen pop]]}}
 | instruments    = Vocals
 | label          = {{hlist|[[Jive Records|Jive]]|[[RCA Records|RCA]]}}
}}
}}

'''Britney Jean Spears''' (born December 2, 1981) is an American singer.<!--Keep most notable occupation in lead per MOS:ROLEBIO.--> Often referred to as the "[[Princess of Pop]]", she is credited with influencing the revival of [[teen pop]] during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Spears has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making her one of the [[world's best-selling music artists]]. She has earned [[List of awards and nominations received by Britney Spears|numerous awards]] and accolades, including a [[Grammy Award]], 15 [[Guinness World Records]], six [[MTV Video Music Awards]], seven [[Billboard Music Award|''Billboard'' Music Awards]] (including the [[Billboard Millennium Award|Millennium Award]]), the inaugural Radio Disney Icon Award, and a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]]. Her heavily choreographed music videos earned her the [[Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award]].

After appearing in stage productions and television series, Spears signed with [[Jive Records]] in 1997 at age fifteen. Her first two studio albums, ''[[...Baby One More Time (album)|...Baby One More Time]]'' (1999) and ''[[Oops!... I Did It Again (album)|Oops!... I Did It Again]]'' (2000), are among the [[List of best-selling albums|best-selling albums of all time]] and made Spears the best-selling teenage artist of all time. With first-week sales of [[Lists of fastest-selling albums|over 1.3 million copies]], ''Oops!... I Did It Again'' held the record for the fastest-selling album by a female artist in the United States for fifteen years. Spears adopted a more mature and provocative style for her albums ''[[Britney (album)|Britney]]'' (2001) and ''[[In the Zone]]'' (2003), and starred in the 2002 film ''[[Crossroads (2002 film)|Crossroads]]''. She was executive producer of her fifth studio album, ''[[Blackout (Britney Spears album)|Blackout]]'' (2007), often referred to as her best work.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Sheffield |first=Rob |date=October 30, 2017 |title=Britney Spears' 'Blackout': A Salute to Her Misunderstood Punk Masterpiece |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-blackout-a-salute-to-her-misunderstood-punk-masterpiece-121525/ |access-date=June 9, 2019 |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-date=February 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203233431/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-blackout-a-salute-to-her-misunderstood-punk-masterpiece-121525/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Following a series of highly publicized personal problems, promotion for the album was limited, and Spears was involuntarily placed in a [[conservatorship]].

Subsequently, Spears released the chart-topping albums ''[[Circus (Britney Spears album)|Circus]]'' (2008) and ''[[Femme Fatale (Britney Spears album)|Femme Fatale]]'' (2011), the latter of which became her most successful era of singles in the US charts. With "[[3 (Britney Spears song)|3]]" in 2009 and "[[Hold It Against Me]]" in 2011, Spears became the second artist in history to debut at number one with two or more songs on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. She embarked on a four-year [[concert residency]], [[Britney: Piece of Me]], at [[Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino]] in Las Vegas to promote her next two albums ''[[Britney Jean]]'' (2013) and ''[[Glory (Britney Spears album)|Glory]]'' (2016). In 2019, Spears' [[Britney Spears conservatorship dispute|legal battle over her conservatorship]] became more publicized and led to the establishment of the [[Free Britney movement|#FreeBritney movement]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 28, 2021 |title=Britney Spears asks to address court over conservatorship case |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-56911822 |access-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506113109/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-56911822 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, the conservatorship was terminated following her public testimony in which she accused her management team and family of abuse.<ref name="NYTNov21" /> Spears published her first memoir, ''[[The Woman in Me (memoir)|The Woman in Me]]'', in 2023, which became a number-one [[The New York Times Best Seller list|''New York Times'' best-seller]] in its first week of release.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://about.simonandschuster.biz/news/britney-spears-memoir-2-million-sold/ | title=Gallery Books Reports More than 2 Million Copies Sold of Britney Spears's the Woman in Me | date=January 11, 2024 | access-date=January 12, 2024 | archive-date=January 12, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112115257/https://about.simonandschuster.biz/news/britney-spears-memoir-2-million-sold/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

In the United States, Spears is the fourth best-selling female album artist of the [[Nielsen SoundScan]] era,<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/ask-billboard-britney-spearss-career-sales/ |title=Ask Billboard: Britney Spears' Career Sales |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=June 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620124718/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6509510/ask-billboard-britney-spearss-career-sales |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as the best-selling female album artist of the 2000s.<ref name="21sells" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nielsen.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en/newswire/uploads/2010/01/Nielsen-Music-2009-Year-End-Press-Release.pdf |title=Nielsen SoundScan 2009 End Decade Report (Page 7) |website=Nielsen Soundscan |access-date=January 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412111503/https://www.nielsen.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en/newswire/uploads/2010/01/Nielsen-Music-2009-Year-End-Press-Release.pdf |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1632118/beyonce-nsync-outkast-top-decade-end-sales-list/ |title=Beyonce, 'NSYNC, Outkast Top Decade-End Sales List |publisher=MTV |access-date=January 11, 2019 |archive-date=January 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111175804/http://www.mtv.com/news/1632118/beyonce-nsync-outkast-top-decade-end-sales-list/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> She was ranked by ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' as the eighth-biggest artist of the 2000s.<ref name="bbad" /> Spears has had six number-one albums on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]<ref name="billboard_472190">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-snares-sixth-no-1-on-billboard-200-with-femme-fatale-472190/ |title=Britney Spears Snares Sixth No. 1 on Billboard 200 with 'Femme Fatale' |magazine=Billboard |date=April 6, 2011 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=March 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319203552/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-snares-sixth-no-1-on-billboard-200-with-femme-fatale-472190/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and five number-one singles on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100: "[[...Baby One More Time]]", "[[Womanizer (song)|Womanizer]]", "3", "Hold It Against Me", and "[[S&M (song)|S&M (Remix)]]". Other hit singles include "[[Oops!... I Did It Again (song)|Oops!... I Did It Again]]", "[[I'm a Slave 4 U]]", "[[Toxic (song)|Toxic]]", "[[Gimme More]]", and "[[Piece of Me]]". "...Baby One More Time" was named the greatest debut single of all time by ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' in 2020. In 2004, Spears launched a [[List of celebrity-branded perfumes|perfume brand]] with [[Elizabeth Arden, Inc.]]; sales exceeded $1.5 billion {{as of|2012|lc=y}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Britney Spears 'X Factor' Deal: By The Numbers |publisher=[[MTV]] |date=October 5, 2012 |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1684879/britney-spears-x-factor-deal-judge/ |access-date=June 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821051441/http://www.mtv.com/news/1684879/britney-spears-x-factor-deal-judge/ |archive-date=August 21, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Forbes]]'' listed Spears as the [[Forbes list of the world's highest-paid musicians#Female|world's highest-paid female musician]] in 2001 and 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/f5h9k1/beatles-britney-most-powerful-music-artists-forbes-says |title=Beatles, Britney Most Powerful Music Artists, Forbes Says {{pipe}} News |publisher=MTV |date=October 2, 2001 |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727051517/https://www.mtv.com/news/f5h9k1/beatles-britney-most-powerful-music-artists-forbes-says |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/dr-dre-tops-forbes-highest-395716/ |title=Dr. Dre Is Forbes' 2012 Highest-Paid Musician |first=Jason Lipshutz |last=Billboard |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=November 29, 2012 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727032647/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/dr-dre-tops-forbes-highest-395716/ |url-status=live}}</ref> By 2012, she had topped [[Yahoo!]]'s list of most searched celebrities seven times in twelve years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/most-searched-celebrities-past-12-years-britney-spears_n_2244614 |title=Most-Searched Celebrities Of The Past 12 Years: Britney Spears Dominates List |work=HuffPost |date=December 5, 2012 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=April 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407001518/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/most-searched-celebrities-past-12-years-britney-spears_n_2244614 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' named Spears one of the [[Time 100|100 most influential people in the world]] in 2021. Spears placed first in the ''Time'' reader poll.<ref name=":2">{{Cite magazine |last=Hilton |first=Paris |date=September 15, 2021 |title=Britney Spears: The 100 Most Influential People of 2021 |url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2021/6096086/britney-spears/ |access-date=November 16, 2021 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |archive-date=September 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915132602/https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2021/6096086/britney-spears/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Here's Who Won Time's 2021 Time100 Reader Poll |url=https://time.com/6096468/time-100-reader-poll-results-2021 |magazine=Time |access-date=December 7, 2021 |archive-date=December 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206230335/https://time.com/6096468/time-100-reader-poll-results-2021/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Life and career==
===1981–1997: Early life, family, and career beginnings===
Britney Jean Spears was born on December 2, 1981, in [[McComb, Mississippi]],<ref name=bsbiography/> the second child of [[Jamie Spears|James "Jamie" Parnell Spears]] and [[Lynne Irene Bridges]].<ref name=":3" /> Her maternal grandmother, Lillian Portell, was English and born in London, and one of Spears' maternal great-grandfathers was Maltese.<ref>{{harvnb|Spears|Craker|2008|pp=4, 8}}. "But on my mama's side, the family tree is a little more colorful and glamorous. Her father, my grandfather, was Anthony Portelli, who came from the island of Malta."</ref> Her siblings are [[Bryan Spears|Bryan James Spears]] and [[Jamie Lynn Spears]].<ref>{{harvnb|Spears|Craker|2008|p=211}}</ref>

Born in the [[Bible Belt]], where socially conservative [[evangelical Protestantism]] is a particularly strong religious influence,<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CRxNSxjYnMAC&pg=PA141 |title=Raising Up a Testimony |first=Matt |last=Soper |date=October 1, 2010 |publisher=Xulon Press |isbn=978-1-60957-818-3 |via=Google Books |access-date=December 2, 2017 |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026185845/https://books.google.com/books?id=CRxNSxjYnMAC&pg=PA141#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live}}</ref> she was baptized as a [[Southern Baptist]] and sang in a church choir as a child.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LoFm5aFfr4UC&pg=PA24 |title=The Exile of Britney Spears: A Tale of 21st Century Consumption |first=Christopher R. |last=Smit |date=December 29, 2017 |publisher=Intellect Books |isbn=978-1-84150-410-0 |via=Google Books |access-date=December 2, 2017 |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026185852/https://books.google.com/books?id=LoFm5aFfr4UC&pg=PA24 |url-status=live}}</ref> As an adult, she has studied [[Kabbalist]] teachings.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vrQvDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA111 |title=Consuming Religion |first=Kathryn |last=Lofton |date=September 12, 2017 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0-226-48212-5 |via=Google Books |access-date=December 2, 2017 |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026185849/https://books.google.com/books?id=vrQvDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA111#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live}}</ref> On August 5, 2021, Spears announced that she had converted to [[Catholicism]]. Her mother, sister, and nieces Maddie Aldridge and Ivey Joan Watson, are also Catholic.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Christine |last=Rousselle |title=Update: Britney Spears says she is 'Catholic now' in social media post |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248608/update-britney-spears-says-she-is-catholic-now-in-social-media-post |date=August 6, 2021 |access-date=August 7, 2021 |agency=Catholic News Agency |archive-date=August 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807192933/https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248608/britney-spears-says-she-is-catholic-now-in-social-media-post |url-status=live}}</ref> However, on September 5, 2022, after Spears' ex-husband, [[Kevin Federline]], and youngest son did an interview defending her father's actions during her [[Britney Spears conservatorship dispute|conservatorship]], she stated: "I don't believe in God anymore because of the way my children and my family have treated me. There is nothing to believe in anymore. I'm an [[atheist]] y'all".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Naumann |first=Ryann |date=September 5, 2022 |title='I Don't Believe In God Anymore': Britney Spears Posts 2-Minute Recording Speaking To Son Jayden As Public Family Fight Intensifies |url=https://radaronline.com/p/britney-spears-dont-believe-in-god-son-jayden-2-minute-recording-conservatorship/ |access-date=September 5, 2022 |website=Radar Online |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905210705/https://radaronline.com/p/britney-spears-dont-believe-in-god-son-jayden-2-minute-recording-conservatorship/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

At age three, Spears began attending dance lessons in her hometown of [[Kentwood, Louisiana]], and was selected to perform as a solo artist at the annual recital. Aged five she made her local stage debut, singing "[[What Child Is This?]]" at her [[kindergarten]] graduation. During her childhood, she also had gymnastics and voice lessons and won many state-level competitions and children's talent shows.<ref>{{harvnb|Spears|Craker|2008|p=56}}</ref><ref name="stone99"/><ref name=foxnews>{{cite news |title=Britney Spears' Biography |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/britney-spears-biography |publisher=Fox News |date=July 31, 2008 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131124739/https://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,195283,00.html |archive-date=January 31, 2011}}</ref> In gymnastics, Spears attended [[Béla Károlyi]]'s training camp.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pop's (Sexy) Teen Angel |url=https://www.newsweek.com/pops-sexy-teen-angel-169246 |website=Newsweek |access-date=July 28, 2021 |date=February 28, 1999 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711195957/https://www.newsweek.com/pops-sexy-teen-angel-169246 |url-status=live}}</ref> She said of her ambition as a child, "I was in my own world,&nbsp;... I found out what I'm supposed to do at an early age".<ref name="stone99"/>

When Spears was eight, she and her mother Lynne traveled to [[Atlanta]], Georgia, to audition for the 1990s revival of ''[[The Mickey Mouse Club]]''. Casting director Matt Casella rejected her as too young, but introduced her to Nancy Carson, a New York City talent agent. Carson was impressed with Spears' singing and suggested enrolling her at the [[Professional Performing Arts School]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thambawita |first=Isuru |date=September 4, 2022 |title=Britney Spears' duet with Elton John |url=https://archives1.sundayobserver.lk/2022/09/04/youth-observer/britney-spears%E2%80%99-duet-elton-john |website=Sunday Observer}}</ref>

Spears was hired for her first professional role as the understudy for the lead role of Tina Denmark in the off-Broadway musical ''[[Ruthless!]]'' She also appeared as a contestant on the popular television show ''[[Star Search]]'' and was cast in a number of commercials.<ref>{{harvnb|Spears|Craker|2008|p=75}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Laufenberg|2005|p=616}}</ref> In December 1992, she was cast in ''The All-New Mickey Mouse Club''. Other fellow cast members included [[Christina Aguilera]], [[Justin Timberlake]], [[Ryan Gosling]], [[Keri Russell]], and [[JC Chasez]]. After the show was canceled in 1994, she returned to Mississippi and enrolled at McComb's [[Parklane Academy]]. Although she made friends with most of her classmates, she compared the school to "the opening scene in ''[[Clueless]]'' with all the [[cliques]].&nbsp;... I was so bored. I was the point guard on the basketball team. I had my boyfriend, and I went to [[homecoming]] and [[Winter Formal|Christmas formal]]. But I wanted more."<ref name="stone99"/><ref name="rs2">{{cite magazine |last=Mundy |first=Chris |title=Cover Story: The Girl Can't Help It |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=May 25, 2000 |issn=0035-791X}}</ref>

In June 1997, Spears was in talks with manager [[Lou Pearlman]] to join the female pop group [[Innosense]]. Lynne asked family friend and entertainment lawyer [[Larry Rudolph]] for his opinion and submitted a tape of Spears singing over a [[Whitney Houston]] karaoke song along with some pictures. Rudolph decided that he wanted to pitch her to record labels, for which she needed a professional demo made. He sent Spears an unused song of [[Toni Braxton]]; she rehearsed for a week and recorded her vocals in a studio. Spears traveled to New York with the demo and met with executives from four labels, returning to Kentwood the same day. Three of the labels rejected her, saying that audiences wanted pop bands such as the [[Backstreet Boys]] and the [[Spice Girls]], and "there wasn't going to be another [[Madonna]], another [[Debbie Gibson]], or another [[Tiffany Darwish|Tiffany]]."<ref name="hughes145" />

Two weeks later, executives from [[Jive Records]] returned calls to Rudolph.<ref name="hughes145" /> Senior vice president of [[A&R]] Jeff Fenster said about Spears' audition that "it's very rare to hear someone that age who can deliver emotional content and commercial appeal&nbsp;... For any artist, the motivation—the 'eye of the tiger'—is extremely important. And Britney had that."<ref name="stone99"/> Spears sang Houston's "[[I Have Nothing]]" (1992) for the executives, and was subsequently signed to the label.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Taylor |first=Chuck |title=Air Waves: Jive's Britney Spears Sets Top 40 Abuzz With Rhythm-Leaning 'Baby One More Time' |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JQoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA80 |magazine=Billboard |volume=110 |issue=43 |date=October 24, 1998 |access-date=March 11, 2011 |issn=0006-2510 |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026185851/https://books.google.com/books?id=JQoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA80#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live}}</ref> They assigned her to work with producer Eric Foster White for a month; he reportedly shaped her voice from "lower and less poppy" delivery to "distinctively, unmistakably Britney".<ref name="Hughes 2005 147">{{harvnb|Hughes|2005|p=147}}</ref> After hearing the recorded material, president [[Clive Calder]] ordered a full album. Spears had originally envisioned "[[Sheryl Crow]] music, but younger; more adult contemporary". She felt secure with her label's appointment of producers, since "It made more sense to go pop, because I can dance to it—it's more me."<ref name="stone99"/> She flew to [[Cheiron Studios]] in Stockholm, Sweden, where half of the album was recorded from March to April 1998, with producers [[Max Martin]], [[Denniz Pop]], and [[Rami Yacoub]], among others.<ref name="stone99"/>

===1998–2000: ''...Baby One More Time'' and ''Oops!... I Did It Again''===
After Spears returned to the United States, she embarked on a shopping mall promotional tour, titled [[L'Oreal Hair Zone Mall Tour]], to promote her upcoming debut album. Her show was a four-song set and she was accompanied by two back-up dancers. Her first concert tour followed, as an opening act for [[NSYNC]].<ref>{{harvnb|Blandford|2002|p=28}}</ref> Her debut studio album, ''[[...Baby One More Time (album)|...Baby One More Time]]'', was released on January 12, 1999.<ref name="stone99"/> It debuted at number one on the U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and was certified two-times [[Music recording sales certification|platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] after a month. Worldwide, the album topped the charts in fifteen countries and sold over 10 million copies in a year.<ref>{{harvnb|Blandford|2002|p=30}}</ref> It became the biggest-selling album ever by a teenage artist.<ref name=foxnews />

[[File:Britney Spears 1999.jpg|thumb|upright|Spears performing during her [[L'Oreal Hair Zone Mall Tour]] in 1998]]

"[[...Baby One More Time]]" was released as the lead single from the album on September 29, 1998. Originally, Jive Records wanted the associated music video to be animated; however, Spears rejected this idea, and suggested the final concept of a Catholic schoolgirl.<ref name="Hughes 2005 147" /> The single peaked at number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], topping the chart for two consecutive weeks in January–February 1999. It sold more than 10 million copies, making it one of the [[best-selling singles]] of all time.<ref>{{harvnb|Blandford|2002|p=29}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Bronson|2003|p=377}}</ref> "...Baby One More Time" later received a [[Grammy]] nomination for [[Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2000/grammys.htm |title=Rock on the Net: 42nd Annual Grammy Awards – 2000 |work=[[National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences]] |publisher=RockOntheNet.com |year=2010 |access-date=June 5, 2010 |archive-date=December 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220020435/http://rockonthenet.com/archive/2000/grammys.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> The title track also topped the singles chart for two weeks in the United Kingdom, and became the fastest-selling single ever by a female artist, shipping over 460,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://everyhit.com/record4.html |title=Record-Breakers and Trivia |publisher=Everyhit.com |year=2010 |access-date=June 5, 2010 |archive-date=April 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419113327/http://www.everyhit.com/record4.html |url-status=live}}</ref> It would later become the [[List of million-selling singles in the United Kingdom|25th-most successful song of all time in British chart history]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://everyhit.com/bestsellingsingles.html |title=Best Selling Singles of All Time |publisher=Everyhit.com |year=2010 |access-date=June 5, 2010 |archive-date=September 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928234451/http://www.everyhit.com/bestsellingsingles.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Spears is the youngest female artist to have a million seller in the UK.<ref name="ukchart">{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/BRITNEY%20SPEARS/ |title=Britney Spears |publisher=The Official Charts Company |year=2010 |access-date=June 5, 2010 |archive-date=November 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104171450/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/BRITNEY%20SPEARS/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The album's third single "[[(You Drive Me) Crazy]]" became a top-ten hit worldwide and further propelled the success of the ''[[...Baby One More Time (album)|...Baby One More Time]]'' album. The album has sold 30 million copies worldwide,<ref name="BOMTsales">{{Cite web |first=Francesca |last=Pellegrini |date=January 12, 2024 |title="...Baby One More Time" fête ses 25 ans : 10 anecdotes sur le premier album de Britney Spears |url=https://www.vanityfair.fr/article/anecdotes-sur-le-premier-album-de-britney-spears-baby-one-more-time |access-date=January 12, 2024 |magazine=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |language=fr |archive-date=January 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112222857/https://www.vanityfair.fr/article/anecdotes-sur-le-premier-album-de-britney-spears-baby-one-more-time |url-status=live}}</ref> making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. It is the best-selling debut album by any artist.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.elle.com/fashion/g18431/britney-spears-fashion-history/?slide=3 |title=The Evolution of Britney |work=ELLE |access-date=May 14, 2019 |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112181635/https://www.elle.com/fashion/g18431/britney-spears-fashion-history/?slide=3 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/10/britney-spears-baby-one-more-time_n_4574929.html |title=Britney Spears' Debut Album 'Baby One More Time' Turns 15 |work=HuffPost |access-date=May 14, 2019 |archive-date=November 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109112130/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/10/britney-spears-baby-one-more-time_n_4574929.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 28, 1999, Spears began her first headlining [[...Baby One More Time Tour]] in North America, which was positively received by critics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/S/Spears_Britney/1999/07/10/749831.html |title=Spears takes aim at fame |date=July 10, 1999 |access-date=January 1, 2010 |last=Stevenson |first=Jane |work=[[Jam!]] |publisher=[[Quebecor Inc.]] |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710044944/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/S/Spears_Britney/1999/07/10/749831.html |archive-date=July 10, 2012}}</ref> It also generated some controversy due to her racy outfits.<ref>{{harvnb|Blandford|2002|p=38}}</ref> An extension of the tour, titled [[(You Drive Me) Crazy Tour]], followed in March 2000. Spears premiered songs from her upcoming second album during the show.<ref name=rs2 />

''[[Oops!... I Did It Again (album)|Oops!... I Did It Again]]'', Spears' second studio album, was released in May 2000. It debuted at number one in the US, selling 1.3 million copies, breaking the [[Nielsen SoundScan]] record for the highest debut sales by any solo artist.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Oops!...She Sold 1.3 Million Albums: Britney Spears |date=May 25, 2000 |magazine=Rolling Stone |last=Skanse |first=Richard |issn=}}</ref> It has sold over 20 million copies worldwide to date,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/britney-spears-oops-i-did-it-again-anniversary-6561510/ |magazine=Billboard |title=Britney Spears' 'Oops!...I Did It Again': 15 Best Moments for 15th Anniversary |date=May 15, 2015 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |first=Erin |last=Strecker |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221172606/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/britney-spears-oops-i-did-it-again-anniversary-6561510/ |url-status=live}}</ref> making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. [[Rob Sheffield]] of ''Rolling Stone'' said that "the great thing about ''Oops!''&nbsp;– under the cheese surface, Britney's demand for satisfaction is complex, fierce and downright scary, making her a true child of [[rock & roll]] tradition."<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Britney Spears: Oops!...I Did It Again: Music Reviews : Rolling Stone |date=June 8, 2000 |magazine=Rolling Stone |last=Sheffield |first=Rob |issn=}}</ref> The album's lead single, "[[Oops!... I Did It Again (song)|Oops!... I Did It Again]]", peaked at the top of the charts in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and many other European nations,<ref name=ukchart /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/en/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=Oops!...+I+Did+It+Again&cat=s |title=ultratop.be&nbsp;– Britney Spears&nbsp;– Oops!... I Did It Again |work=[[Ultratop]] |publisher=Hung Medien |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823235312/http://www.ultratop.be/en/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=Oops!...+I+Did+It+Again&cat=s |archive-date=August 23, 2011 |access-date=June 5, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> while the second single "[[Lucky (Britney Spears song)|Lucky]]", peaked at number one in Austria, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland. The album as well as the title track received Grammy nominations for [[Best Pop Vocal Album]] and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2001/grammys.htm |title=Rock on the Net: 43rd Annual Grammy Awards – 2001 |work=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences |publisher=RockOntheNet.com |year=2010 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |archive-date=March 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311012724/http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2001/grammys.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>

The same year, Spears embarked on the [[Oops!... I Did It Again Tour]], which grossed $40.5 million; she also released her first book, ''[[Britney Spears products|Britney Spears' Heart to Heart]]'', co-written with her mother.<ref name=foxnews /><ref>{{Cite book |title=Britney Spears' Heart to Heart |last=Spears |first=Britney |date=May 9, 2000 |publisher=Three Rivers Press |isbn=978-0-609-80701-9 |edition=three rivers press |location=New York}}</ref> On September 7, 2000, Spears performed at the [[2000 MTV Video Music Awards]]. Halfway through the performance, she ripped off her black suit to reveal a sequined flesh-colored bodysuit, followed by heavy dance routine. It is noted by critics as the moment that Spears showed signs of becoming a more provocative performer.<ref name=vma>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1568995/britney-spears-greatest-vma-hits-barely-there-costumes-giant-snakes-and-a-scandalous-lip-lock/ |title=Britney Spears' Greatest VMA Hits: Barely There Costumes, Giant Snakes And A Scandalous Lip-Lock |date=September 6, 2007 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |last=Montgomery |first=James |publisher=MTV |archive-date=April 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402232251/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1568995/20070906/spears_britney.jhtml |url-status=dead}}</ref> Amidst media speculation, Spears confirmed she was dating NSYNC member [[Justin Timberlake]].<ref name=foxnews /> Spears and Timberlake both graduated from high school via [[distance learning]] from the [[University of Nebraska High School]].<ref name="DN">{{cite news |title=University of Nebraska High School provides online education to students across the world |first=Will |last=Roper |url=http://www.dailynebraskan.com/arts_and_entertainment/university-of-nebraska-high-school-provides-online-education-to-students/article_9b6a0358-9d9f-11e7-8636-23eebc77920c.html |newspaper=[[Daily Nebraskan]] |date=September 19, 2017 |access-date=February 19, 2019 |archive-date=September 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920041010/http://www.dailynebraskan.com/arts_and_entertainment/university-of-nebraska-high-school-provides-online-education-to-students/article_9b6a0358-9d9f-11e7-8636-23eebc77920c.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Ehigh">{{cite web |title=Did Britney and Jessica go to high school? |first=Leslie |last=Gornstein |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/58270/did-britney-and-jessica-go-to-high-school |publisher=[[E!]] |date=March 11, 2007 |access-date=February 19, 2019 |archive-date=February 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220063426/https://www.eonline.com/news/58270/did-britney-and-jessica-go-to-high-school |url-status=live}}</ref> She also bought a home in [[Destin, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Guess Which Celebrities Vacation in Destin, Florida? |url=https://www.tripshock.com/blog/guess-which-celebrities-vacation-in-destin-florida.html |website=TripShock |access-date=January 14, 2016 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303020608/https://www.tripshock.com/blog/guess-which-celebrities-vacation-in-destin-florida.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[The Woman in Me (memoir)|In her 2023 memoir]], Spears revealed that she had an [[abortion]] in late 2000 while dating Timberlake after he said they were not prepared for parenthood.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 17, 2023 |title=Britney Spears says she had abortion when dating Justin Timberlake |agency=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67136898 |access-date=October 20, 2023 |archive-date=October 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020220916/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67136898 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-67144871 |title=Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake: Everytime video revisited following abortion news |agency=BBC News |date=October 18, 2023 |access-date=October 21, 2023 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022231451/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-67144871 |url-status=live}}</ref> Spears called the abortion "one of the most agonizing things I have ever experienced in my life."<ref>{{Cite magazine |first=Jeff |last=Nelson |title=Britney Spears Reveals She Had an Abortion Because Justin Timberlake 'Didn't Want to Be a Father' (Exclusive) |url=https://people.com/britney-spears-justin-timberlake-pregnancy-abortion-exclusive-8362622 |date=October 17, 2023 |access-date=October 22, 2023 |magazine=People |archive-date=October 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021233420/https://people.com/britney-spears-justin-timberlake-pregnancy-abortion-exclusive-8362622 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2001–2002: ''Britney'' and ''Crossroads''===
In January 2001, Spears hosted the [[American Music Awards of 2001|28th Annual American Music Awards]], starred at [[Rock in Rio]] alongside NSYNC, and performed as a special guest in the [[Super Bowl XXXV halftime show]] headlined by [[Aerosmith]] and NSYNC.<ref>{{cite web |title=BRITNEY SPEARS TO HOST AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1434370/britney-spears-to-host-american-music-awards/ |publisher=MTV |access-date=January 19, 2022 |date=November 2, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209160334/https://www.mtv.com/news/1434370/britney-spears-to-host-american-music-awards/ |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=The most memorable Super Bowl halftime shows |url=https://ew.com/gallery/super-bowl-memorable-halftime-shows/?slide=421911#421911 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=December 1, 2020 |date=February 2, 2009 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417200247/https://ew.com/gallery/super-bowl-memorable-halftime-shows/?slide=421911#421911 |url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2001, she signed a $7–8 million promotional deal with [[Pepsi]], and released another book co-written with her mother, ''[[A Mother's Gift]]''.<ref name="foxnews" /> Her third studio album, ''[[Britney (album)|Britney]]'', was released in November 2001, with a funkier sound inspired by hip hop artists such as [[Jay-Z]] and [[the Neptunes]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1450334/britney-says-britney-reflects-who-britney-is/ |title=Britney Says Britney Reflects Who Britney Is |date=October 25, 2001 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |last=Moss |first=Corey |publisher=MTV News |archive-date=October 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006025323/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1450334/20011024/spears_britney.jhtml |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Britney'' debuted at number one in the ''Billboard'' 200 and reached top five positions in Australia, the United Kingdom, and mainland Europe, and has sold 10 million copies worldwide.<ref name="ukchart" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/en/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=Britney&cat=a |title=ultratop.be&nbsp;– Britney Spears&nbsp;– Britney |publisher=Ultratop |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829212330/http://www.ultratop.be/en/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=Britney&cat=a |archive-date=August 29, 2011 |access-date=June 5, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="worldsalesfirst">{{cite news |url=https://acervo.oglobo.globo.com/busca/?tipoConteudo=pagina&ordenacaoData=relevancia&allwords=Britney+Spears&anyword=&noword=&exactword=&decadaSelecionada=2000&anoSelecionado=2003 |date=January 7, 2003 |access-date=June 21, 2019 |title=Sex Machines |newspaper=[[O Globo]] |last=Porto |first=Bruno |language=pt-br |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603011518/https://acervo.oglobo.globo.com/busca/?tipoConteudo=pagina&ordenacaoData=relevancia&allwords=Britney+Spears&anyword=&noword=&exactword=&decadaSelecionada=2000&anoSelecionado=2003 |archive-date=June 3, 2020 |quote=and 'Britney', released in 2001, sold 10 million copies (150,000 in Brazil).}} [https://archive.org/details/MatriaOGloboSexMachines2003 Alt URL]</ref>

[[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] of [[AllMusic]] called ''Britney'' "the record where she strives to deepen her persona, making it more adult while still recognizably Britney.&nbsp;... It does sound like the work of a star who has now found and refined her voice, resulting in her best record yet."<ref name="britney-2001">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r556064 |title=Britney – Overview |year=2001 |access-date=June 5, 2010 |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |website=[[AllMusic]] |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026185854/https://www.allmusic.com/album/britney-mw0000006300 |url-status=live}}</ref> It was nominated for the Grammy awards for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "[[Overprotected]]", and in 2007 it was named one of the best albums of the preceding 25 years by ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2007/06/18/new-classics-music/ |title=The New Classics: Music |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=June 18, 2007 |access-date=December 22, 2021 |archive-date=July 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713183154/https://ew.com/article/2007/06/18/new-classics-music/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The lead single, "[[I'm a Slave 4 U]]", became a top-ten hit in several countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/en/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=I%27m+A+Slave+4+U&cat=s |title=ultratop.be&nbsp;– Britney Spears&nbsp;– I'm a Slave 4 U |publisher=Ultratop |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319025341/http://www.ultratop.be/en/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=I%27m+A+Slave+4+U&cat=s |archive-date=March 19, 2013 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Spears' performance of the single at the [[2001 MTV Video Music Awards]] featured a caged tiger (wrangled by [[Bhagavan Antle]]) and a large [[Burmese python|albino python]] draped over her shoulders.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/tiger-king-britney-spears-vma-performance-1203548816/amp/ |last=Rubin |first=Rebecca |title='Tiger King's' Doc Antle and Britney Spears Shared Stage for 'I'm a Slave 4 U' VMAs Performance |date=March 30, 2020 |access-date=March 31, 2020 |work=Variety |archive-date=March 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331085626/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/tiger-king-britney-spears-vma-performance-1203548816/amp/ |url-status=live}}</ref> It was harshly received by animal rights organization [[PETA]], who claimed the animals were mistreated and scrapped plans for an anti-fur billboard that was to feature Spears.<ref name=vma /> Jocelyn Vena of MTV News summarized Spears' performance at the ceremony, saying, "draping herself in a white python and slithering around a steamy garden setting – surrounded by dancers in zebra and tiger outfits – Spears created one of the most striking visuals in the 27-year history of the show."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1669706/britney-spears-mtv-vma-history/ |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |title=Britney Spears' Iconic VMA History: Snakes, Stripteases And Smooches |date=August 25, 2011 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |publisher=MTV News |archive-date=January 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103183704/http://www.mtv.com/news/1669706/britney-spears-mtv-vma-history/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

To support the album, Spears embarked on the [[Dream Within a Dream Tour]]. The show was critically praised for its technical innovations, the ''[[pièce de résistance]]'' being a water screen that pumped two tons of water into the stage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://livedesignonline.com/mag/britneys_big_splash?smte=wr |title=Britney's Big Splash |date=July 1, 2002 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |last=McHugh |first=Catherine |work=Live Design |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014171928/http://livedesignonline.com/mag/britneys_big_splash?smte=wr |archive-date=October 14, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://livedesignonline.com/mag/lighting_singin_rain/index.html |title=Singin' in the Rain |date=August 1, 2002 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |last=Singlerland |first=Amy L. |work=Live Design |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404102222/http://livedesignonline.com/mag/lighting_singin_rain/index.html |archive-date=April 4, 2012}}</ref> The tour grossed $53.3 million, becoming the second highest-grossing tour of 2002 by a female artist, behind [[Cher]]'s [[Living Proof: The Farewell Tour|Farewell Tour]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3828698163831505&id=199428123425212&set=a.288703224497701 |title=Her tour continued in 2002 before wrapping with $53.3 million in sales from 946,169 tickets at 66 shows. |website=[[Facebook]] |author=[[Pollstar]] |date=November 26, 2020 |access-date=September 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mccartney-notches-years-highest-grossing-tour-73086/ |title=McCartney Notches Year's Highest-Grossing Tour |year=2002 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428104851/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mccartney-notches-years-highest-grossing-tour-73086/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Her career success was highlighted by ''[[Forbes]]'' in 2002, as Spears was ranked the world's most powerful celebrity.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/home.jhtml?passListId=53&passYear=2002&passListType=Person |title=Forbes Celebrity 100 2002 |year=2002 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |work=Forbes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202174403/http://www.forbes.com/lists/home.jhtml?passListId=53&passYear=2002&passListType=Person |archive-date=December 2, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Spears also landed her first starring role in ''[[Crossroads (2002 film)|Crossroads]]'', released in February 2002. Although the film was largely panned, critics praised Spears' acting. The film was a box office success,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://rottentomatoes.com/m/1112549-crossroads/ |title=Crossroads Movie Reviews, Pictures |year=2002 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |publisher=[[Flixster]] |archive-date=June 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609000317/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1112549-crossroads/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/films/crossroads-film-review-2625.html |title=Crossroads Film Review&nbsp;– Crossroads Film Pictures, Crossroads Film Trailer |date=April 2, 2002 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |work=View London |publisher=2 View Group Ltd. |archive-date=June 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617103040/http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/films/crossroads-film-review-2625.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=cross>{{harvnb|Hughes|2005|p=152}}</ref> grossing over $61.1 million worldwide on a $12 million budget.<ref name=cross />

In June 2002, Spears opened her first restaurant, Nyla, in New York City, but terminated her relationship in November due to mismanagement and "management's failure to keep her fully apprised".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1458900/britney-spears-bails-on-her-new-york-restaurant-nyla/ |title=Britney Spears Bails on Her New York Restaurant, Nyla |date=November 26, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907004204/https://www.mtv.com/news/1458900/britney-spears-bails-on-her-new-york-restaurant-nyla/ |archive-date=September 7, 2014 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |last=Moss |first=Corey |publisher=MTV |url-status=dead}}</ref> In July 2002, Spears announced she would take a six-month break from her career; however, she went back into the studio in November to record her new album.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1458526/britney-spears-hiatus-is-history/ |title=Britney Spears' Hiatus Is History |date=November 5, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831203245/https://www.mtv.com/news/1458526/britney-spears-hiatus-is-history/ |archive-date=August 31, 2014 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |last=Moss |first=Corey |publisher=MTV |url-status=dead}}</ref> Spears' relationship with Justin Timberlake ended after three years.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McIntosh |first=Steven |date=April 30, 2021 |title=Britney Spears: Does the latest documentary tell us anything new? |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-56801778 |access-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702194324/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-56801778 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2002, Timberlake released the song "[[Cry Me a River (Justin Timberlake song)|Cry Me a River]]" as the second single from his [[Justified (album)|solo debut album]]. The music video featured a Spears look-alike and fueled the rumors that she had been engaging in an affair,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/node/226195/thi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029075128/http://www.mb.com.ph/node/226195/thi |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 29, 2009 |title='This one's for you': Ex-music couples sing of their love woes |date=October 4, 2009 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |last=Sanchez |first=Rowena Joy A. |work=[[Manila Bulletin]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/stories/contributors/259121/britney-revealed |title=Britney revealed |date=November 23, 2003 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |last=Sawyer |first=Diane |work=[[ninemsn]] |publisher=[[PBL Media]] / [[Microsoft]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306031941/http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/stories/contributors/259121/britney-revealed |archive-date=March 6, 2012}}</ref> fueled by further rumors of possible relationships involving Timberlake's choreographer [[Wade Robson]] and [[Limp Bizkit]]'s frontman [[Fred Durst]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/celebrity/fred-durst-just-wont-drop-britney/ |title=Fred Durst Just Won't Drop Britney |access-date=September 19, 2023 |archive-date=September 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901230012/https://people.com/celebrity/fred-durst-just-wont-drop-britney/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Spears had initially denied the allegations of a possible affair involving Durst, despite the two being spotted together on multiple occasions; even claiming the two had a friendly connection.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/65un1s/new-limp-bizkit-song-disses-dursts-fizzled-flame |title=New Limp Bizkit Song Disses Durst's Fizzled Flame |publisher=[[MTV News]] |access-date=September 19, 2023 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009123831/https://www.mtv.com/news/65un1s/new-limp-bizkit-song-disses-dursts-fizzled-flame |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2023, she admitted to engaging in an affair with Robson.<ref name="eonline">{{cite news |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1388283/britney-spears-admits-to-cheating-on-justin-timberlake-with-wade-robson |title=Britney Spears Admits to Cheating on Justin Timberlake with Wade Robson |publisher=[[E!]] |date=October 19, 2023 |access-date=October 24, 2022 |archive-date=October 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020012056/https://www.eonline.com/news/1388283/britney-spears-admits-to-cheating-on-justin-timberlake-with-wade-robson |url-status=live}}</ref> As a response, Spears wrote the ballad "[[Everytime]]" with her backing vocalist and friend [[Annet Artani]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.muumuse.com/2010/02/annet-artani-from-everytime-to-alive.html#more-5249 |title=Annet Artani: From "Everytime" to "Alive" |date=February 2010 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |last=Stern |first=Bradley |publisher=MuuMuse.com |archive-date=February 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211215937/http://www.muumuse.com/2010/02/annet-artani-from-everytime-to-alive.html#more-5249 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2003/02/28/fred-tells-all-about-britney-affair/ |title=Fred tells all about Britney affair |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=September 19, 2023 |archive-date=September 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901230013/https://ew.com/article/2003/02/28/fred-tells-all-about-britney-affair/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/britney-not-that-innocent-says-limp-bizkit-front-man-20030302-gdgcy1.html |title=Britney not that innocent, says Limp Bizkit front man |date=March 2, 2003 |access-date=September 19, 2023 |archive-date=September 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901230014/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/britney-not-that-innocent-says-limp-bizkit-front-man-20030302-gdgcy1.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1607309/fred-durst-looks-back-at-his-relationship-with-britney-spears/ |title=Fred Durst Looks Back at His Relationship With Britney Spears |date=March 19, 2009 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |last=Jacks |first=Brian |publisher=MTV News |archive-date=September 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907004051/http://www.mtv.com/news/1607309/fred-durst-looks-back-at-his-relationship-with-britney-spears/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywood.com/celebrities/limp-bizkit-new-song-ready-to-go-55005398-60231363 |title=New Limp Bizkit Song with Lil Wayne Mocks Britney Spears, Hits On Jessica Biel |date=March 25, 2013 |access-date=September 19, 2023 |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026185907/https://www.hollywood.com/celebrities/limp-bizkit-new-song-ready-to-go-55005398-60231363 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2003–2005: ''In the Zone'' and first two marriages===
[[File:Britney Spears.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Spears performing at the NFL Kickoff Live in September 2003]]

In August 2003, Spears opened the [[2003 MTV Video Music Awards|MTV Video Music Awards]] with [[Christina Aguilera]], performing "[[Like a Virgin (song)|Like a Virgin]]". Halfway through they were joined by [[Madonna]], whom they both kissed. The incident was highly publicized. In 2008, MTV listed the performance as the number-one opening moment in the history of MTV Video Music Awards,<ref name=openingvma>{{cite news |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1593419/the-top-10-opening-moments-in-vma-history-from-madonna-to-the-present/ |title=The Top 10 Opening Moments in VMA History: From Madonna To The Present |last=Vera |first=Jocelyn |date=August 24, 2008 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221172611/https://www.mtv.com/news/1593419/the-top-10-opening-moments-in-vma-history-from-madonna-to-the-present/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> while ''[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]'' cited it as one of the 25 sexiest music moments on television history.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The 25 Sexiest Music Moments in TV History! |last1=Collis |first1=Jonah |last2=Weiner |date=February 15, 2004 |magazine=[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]] |issn=1534-0554}}</ref>

Spears released her fourth studio album, ''[[In the Zone]]'', in November 2003. She assumed more creative control by writing and co-producing most of the material.<ref name="foxnews" /> ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]'' called it "a supremely confident dance record that also illustrates Spears' development as a songwriter".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://metacritic.com/music/in-the-zone/britney-spears |title=In The Zone reviews at Metacritic.com |year=2003 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |archive-date=August 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830233837/http://www.metacritic.com/music/in-the-zone/britney-spears |url-status=live}}</ref> [[NPR]] named it one of the most important recordings of the decade, writing that "the decade's history of impeccably crafted pop is written on her body of work".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.npr.org/2009/11/16/120400577/the-50-most-important-recordings-s-z |title=The 50 Most Important Recordings: S-Z |publisher=NPR |date=November 16, 2009 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |archive-date=January 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122215720/http://www.npr.org/2009/11/16/120400577/the-50-most-important-recordings-s-z |url-status=live}}</ref> ''In the Zone'' sold over 609,000 copies during its first week of availability in the United States, debuting at the top of the charts, making Spears the first female artist in the SoundScan era to have her first four studio albums to debut at number one.<ref name=foxnews /> It also debuted at the top of the charts in France and the top ten in Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/en/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=In+The+Zone&cat=a |title=ultratop.be&nbsp;– Britney Spears&nbsp;– In the Zone |work=Ultratop |publisher=Hung Medien |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829011750/http://www.ultratop.be/en/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=In+The+Zone&cat=a |archive-date=August 29, 2011 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The album produced four singles: "[[Me Against the Music]]", a collaboration with Madonna; "[[Toxic (song)|Toxic]]"—which won Spears her first Grammy for [[Best Dance Recording]]; "[[Everytime]]", and "[[Outrageous (song)|Outrageous]]".<ref name=foxnews />

In January 2004, Spears married her childhood friend {{Visible anchor|Jason Allen Alexander}}<!-- NOTE: [[Jason Allen Alexander]] redirects to this article. --> at [[A Little White Wedding Chapel]] in [[Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]]. The marriage was [[annulled]] 55 hours later, following a petition to the court that stated that Spears "lacked understanding of her actions".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.today.com/id/wbna3869708 |title=Judge dissolves Britney's 'joke' wedding |date=April 6, 2004 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=[[NBCUniversal]] / [[Microsoft]] |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221172605/https://www.today.com/id/wbna3869708 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2004, Spears embarked on [[the Onyx Hotel Tour]] in support of ''In the Zone''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1485503/britney-checking-into-onyx-hotel-wearing-rubberlike-outfit/ |title=Britney Checking into Onyx Hotel Wearing Rubberlike Outfit |date=March 2, 2004 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |last=Vineyard |first=Jennifer |publisher=MTV |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221172606/https://www.mtv.com/news/1485503/britney-checking-into-onyx-hotel-wearing-rubberlike-outfit/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The tour was canceled in June 2004, when she fell and injured her left knee during the music video shoot for "Outrageous". She underwent [[arthroscopic surgery]] and wore a thigh brace for six weeks, followed by eight to twelve weeks of rehabilitation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/celebrity/britney-cancels-tour-due-to-bad-knee/ |title=Britney Cancels Tour Due to Bad Knee |date=June 16, 2004 |access-date=October 19, 2019 |last=Silverman |first=Stephen M. |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511105524/https://people.com/celebrity/britney-cancels-tour-due-to-bad-knee/ |url-status=live}}</ref> That year, Spears became involved in the [[Kabbalah Centre]] through her friendship with Madonna.<ref name="kabbalah">{{cite web |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/forget-kabbalah-britneys-baby-her-religion-wbna12920032 |title=Forget Kabbalah, Britney's baby is her religion |date=May 23, 2006 |access-date=June 10, 2010 |last=Walls |first=Jeannette |archive-date=July 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704175449/http://www.today.com/popculture/forget-kabbalah-britneys-baby-her-religion-wbna12920032 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2004, Spears became engaged to dancer [[Kevin Federline]], whom she had met three months earlier. The romance was the subject of intense media attention, since Federline had recently broken up with actress [[Shar Jackson]], who was still pregnant with their second child at the time.<ref name=foxnews /> The stages of their relationship were chronicled in Spears' first reality show ''[[Britney and Kevin: Chaotic]]'', which premiered on May 17, 2005, on [[UPN]]. Spears later referred to the show in a 2013 interview as "probably the worst thing I've done in my career".<ref name="Source1">{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/10491588/Britney-Spears-More-expectations-of-me-now.html |title=Britney Spears: 'More expectations of me now' |last=Robinson |first=Peter |date=December 8, 2013 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005002611/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/10491588/Britney-Spears-More-expectations-of-me-now.html |archive-date=October 5, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> They held a wedding ceremony on September 18, 2004, but were not legally married until three weeks later on October 6 due to a delay finalizing the couple's prenuptial agreement.<ref>{{harvnb|Heller|2007|p=80}}</ref>

Shortly after, she released her first perfume, [[Curious (fragrance)|Curious]], with [[Elizabeth Arden, Inc.|Elizabeth Arden]], which broke the company's first-week gross for a perfume.<ref name=foxnews /> In October 2004, Spears took a career break to start a family.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1492692/britney-spears-announces-shes-taking-a-break-from-her-career/ |title=Britney Spears Announces She's Taking A Break From Her Career |date=October 16, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907003335/https://www.mtv.com/news/1492692/britney-spears-announces-shes-taking-a-break-from-her-career/ |archive-date=September 7, 2014 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |last=Vineyard |first=Jennifer |publisher=MTV |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Greatest Hits: My Prerogative]]'', her first greatest hits [[compilation album]], was released in November 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1490190/britney-covers-bobby-browns-my-prerogative-for-forthcoming-lp/ |title=Britney Covers Bobby Brown's 'My Prerogative' For Forthcoming LP |date=August 13, 2004 |access-date=October 6, 2010 |last=Vineyard |first=Jennifer |publisher=MTV |archive-date=September 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907004121/http://www.mtv.com/news/1490190/britney-covers-bobby-browns-my-prerogative-for-forthcoming-lp/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Spears' [[cover version]] of [[Bobby Brown]]'s "[[My Prerogative]]" was released as the lead single from the album, reaching the top of the charts in Finland, Ireland, Italy, and Norway.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ultratop.be/fr/song/18ca/Britney-Spears-My-Prerogative |title=Britney Spears&nbsp;– My Prerogative (song) |year=2004 |work=Ultratop |publisher=Hung Medien |access-date=October 6, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907003528/http://www.ultratop.be/fr/song/18ca/Britney-Spears-My-Prerogative |url-status=live}}</ref> The second single, "[[Do Somethin']]", was a top ten hit in Australia, the United Kingdom, and other countries of mainland Europe.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://acharts.us/uk_singles_top_75/2005/10 |title=UK Singles Chart |date=March 7, 2005 |access-date=October 6, 2010 |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]. aCharts |archive-date=September 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924084938/http://acharts.us/uk_singles_top_75/2005/10 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/en/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=Do+Somethin%27&cat=s |title=Britney Spears&nbsp;– Do Somethin' (song) |year=2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825171613/http://www.ultratop.be/en/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=Do+Somethin%27&cat=s |archive-date=August 25, 2011 |access-date=October 6, 2010 |url-status=dead |publisher=UltratopHung Medien}}</ref> In August 2005, Spears released "[[Someday (I Will Understand)]]", which was dedicated to her first child, a son named Sean Preston, who was born the following month.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/celebrity/britney-welcomes-home-sean-preston/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070116030617/http://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C%2C1039012_1107631%2C00.html |archive-date=January 16, 2007 |title=Britney Welcomes Home Sean Preston |date=September 21, 2005 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |work=People}}</ref> In November 2005, she released her first remix compilation, ''[[B in the Mix: The Remixes]]'', which consists of 11 remixes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1512630/surprise-britneys-releasing-an-album-in-just-two-weeks/ |title=Surprise: Britney's Releasing An Album In Just Two Weeks |last=Vineyard |first=Jennifer |publisher=MTV |access-date=December 21, 2021 |date=October 31, 2005 |archive-date=January 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121162216/http://www.mtv.com/news/1512630/surprise-britneys-releasing-an-album-in-just-two-weeks/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2006–2007: Personal struggles and ''Blackout''===

In February 2006, pictures surfaced of Spears driving with her son, Sean, on her lap instead of in a car seat. Child advocates were horrified by the photos of her holding the wheel with one hand and Sean with the other. Spears claimed that the situation happened because of a frightening encounter with paparazzi, and that it was a mistake on her part.<ref name=foxnews /> The following month, she guest-starred on the ''[[Will & Grace]]'' episode "[[Buy, Buy Baby]]" as closeted lesbian Amber-Louise.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-03-29-britney-sidebar_x.htm |title=USATODAY.com&nbsp;– Britney maybe one more time |last=Thomas |first=Karen |work=USA Today |access-date=October 6, 2010 |date=March 29, 2006 |archive-date=October 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010000946/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-03-29-britney-sidebar_x.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> She announced she no longer studied Kabbalah in May 2006, explaining, "my baby is my religion".<ref name=kabbalah /> Spears posed nude for the August 2006 cover of ''[[Harper's Bazaar]]''; the photograph was compared to [[Demi Moore]]'s [[More Demi Moore|August 1991 ''Vanity Fair'' cover]].<ref name=foxnews/> In September 2006, she gave birth to her second son, Jayden James.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/celebrity/britneys-baby-name-jayden-james-federline/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070716214922/http://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C26334%2C1550177%2C00.html |archive-date=July 16, 2007 |title=Britney's Baby Name: Jayden James Federline |date=October 24, 2006 |access-date=October 19, 2019 |work=People}}</ref> In November 2006, Spears filed for divorce from Federline, citing irreconcilable differences.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/celebrity/britney-spears-files-for-divorce/ |title=Britney Spears Files for Divorce |date=November 7, 2006 |access-date=October 19, 2019 |work=People |archive-date=October 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019131406/https://people.com/celebrity/britney-spears-files-for-divorce/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Their divorce was finalized in July 2007, when the two reached a global settlement and agreed to share joint custody of their sons.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/55767/britney-kevin-back-to-being-single |title=Britney, Kevin Back to Being Single |date=July 30, 2007 |access-date=October 6, 2010 |last=Hall |first=Sarah |publisher=E! |archive-date=October 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026054031/http://www.eonline.com/news/55767/britney-kevin-back-to-being-single |url-status=live}}</ref>

Spears' maternal aunt Sandra Bridges Covington, with whom she had been very close, died of [[ovarian cancer]] in January 2007.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://people.com/celebrity/lynne-spears-visits-sisters-grave-amid-crisis/ |title=Lynne Spears Visits Sister's Grave Amid Crisis |date=January 5, 2008 |access-date=October 19, 2019 |work=People |archive-date=October 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014093443/https://people.com/celebrity/lynne-spears-visits-sisters-grave-amid-crisis/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In February, Spears stayed in a [[drug rehabilitation]] facility in [[Antigua]] for less than a day. The following night, she shaved her head with electric clippers at a hair salon in [[Tarzana, Los Angeles]]. She admitted herself to other treatment facilities during the following weeks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/Health/story?id=2885048&page=1 |title=Bald and Broken: Inside Britney's Shaved Head |date=February 19, 2007 |access-date=October 6, 2010 |last=Marikar |first=Sheila |publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070220070857/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/Health/story?id=2885048&page=1 |archive-date=February 20, 2007}}</ref> In May 2007, she produced a series of promotional concerts at [[House of Blues]] venues, titled [[The M+M's Tour]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1558527/britneys-back-spears-returns-to-the-stage-with-five-song-dirty-dance-party/ |title=Britney's Back! Spears Returns to the Stage With Five-Song Dirty Dance Party |date=May 2, 2007 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |last=Van Horn |first=Teri |publisher=MTV News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106232727/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1558527/20070502/spears_britney.jhtml |archive-date=January 6, 2010}}</ref> In October 2007, Spears lost physical custody of her sons to Federline. The reasons of the court ruling were not revealed to the public.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/10/01/spears.federline/index.html |title=Spears will lose custody of children |date=October 2, 2007 |access-date=June 11, 2010 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=September 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901195707/http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/10/01/spears.federline/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Spears was also sued by [[Louis Vuitton]] over her 2005 music video "Do Somethin'" for upholstering her [[Hummer]] interior in counterfeit Louis Vuitton cherry blossom fabric, which resulted in the video being banned on European TV stations.<ref>Hollyscope Team, "Louis Vuitton Sues Britney Spears", hollyscoop.com, November 19, 2007.</ref>

In October 2007, Spears released her fifth studio album, ''[[Blackout (Britney Spears album)|Blackout]]''. The album debuted atop the charts in Canada and Ireland, at number two in the U.S. ''Billboard'' 200, France, Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, and the top ten in Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, and many European nations. In the United States, it was Spears' first album not to debut at number one, although, she did become the only female artist to have her first five studio albums debut at the two top slots of the chart.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/britney-spears-debuts-1-on-european-albums-chart-and-debuts-1-on-us-digital-albums-chart-58819832.html |title=Britney Spears Debuts #1 on European Albums Chart and Debuts #1 on U.S. Digital Albums Chart |date=November 8, 2007 |access-date=June 11, 2010 |agency=[[PR Newswire]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620194537/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/britney-spears-debuts-1-on-european-albums-chart-and-debuts-1-on-us-digital-albums-chart-58819832.html |archive-date=June 20, 2012}}</ref> The album received positive reviews from critics and had sold 3.1 million copies worldwide by the end of 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/28/britney-spears-circus |title=CD review: Britney Spears: Circus |date=November 28, 2008 |access-date=June 11, 2010 |last=Petridis |first=Alexis |newspaper=The Guardian |archive-date=July 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722221443/http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/nov/28/britney-spears-circus |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2007/nov/11/shopping.popandrock1 |title=CDs: Britney Spears, Blackout and Kylie Minogue, X |date=November 11, 2007 |access-date=June 11, 2010 |last=Robinson |first=Peter |newspaper=The Observer |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222144611/http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2007/nov/11/shopping.popandrock1 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Blackout'' won Album of the Year at the [[2008 MTV Europe Music Awards]] and was listed as the fifth Best Pop Album of the Decade by ''[[The Times]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity/britney-spears-seals-comeback-with-two-996785 |title=Britney Spears seals comeback with two gongs at MTV Europe Music Awards |date=November 7, 2008 |access-date=June 11, 2010 |last1=Lyons |first1=Bev |last2=Sutherland |first2=Laura |work=Daily Record |location=Scotland |archive-date=October 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014224209/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity/britney-spears-seals-comeback-with-two-996785 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-100-best-pop-albums-of-the-noughties-s7bmg6sr90g |title=The 100 best pop albums of the Noughties |date=November 21, 2009 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |work=[[The Times]] |location=UK |first=Anushka |last=Asthana |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210432/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-100-best-pop-albums-of-the-noughties-s7bmg6sr90g |url-status=live}}</ref>

Spears performed the lead single "[[Gimme More]]" at the [[2007 MTV Video Music Awards]]. The performance was widely panned by critics.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6986539.stm |title=Britney's MTV comeback falls flat |date=September 10, 2007 |access-date=February 24, 2010 |last=Willis |first=David |publisher=BBC |archive-date=October 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016112110/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6986539.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the criticism, the single enjoyed worldwide success, peaking at number one in Canada and within the top ten in almost every country it charted.<ref name=can>{{cite magazine |url=http://acharts.us/canada_singles_top_100/2007/41 |title=Canada Singles Top 100 |date=October 13, 2007 |access-date=February 23, 2010 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=acharts.us |archive-date=August 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814084658/http://acharts.us/canada_singles_top_100/2007/41 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ultratop2007">{{cite web |url=https://www.ultratop.be/fr/song/5789f/Britney-Spears-Gimme-More |title=Britney Spears&nbsp;– Gimme More (song) |year=2007 |access-date=February 23, 2010 |work=Ultratop |publisher=Hung Medien |archive-date=October 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013130721/https://www.ultratop.be/fr/song/5789f/Britney-Spears-Gimme-More |url-status=live}}</ref> The second single "[[Piece of Me]]" reached the top of the charts in Ireland and reached the top five in Australia, Canada, Denmark, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The third single "[[Break the Ice (Britney Spears song)|Break the Ice]]" was released the following year,<ref name=britney.com>{{cite news |url=http://www.britney.com/us/blog/third-single-inside-scoop |title=Third Single: Inside Scoop! |date=February 11, 2008 |access-date=February 6, 2010 |author=<!--Not stated--> |work=Britney.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725081634/http://www.britney.com/us/blog/third-single-inside-scoop |archive-date=July 25, 2011}}</ref> and respectively reached numbers seven and nine in Ireland and Canada.<ref name="IRE">{{cite web |title=Discography Britney Spears |url=http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears |publisher=irish-charts.com |access-date=June 29, 2012 |archive-date=March 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314123612/http://www.irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Britney Spears Chart History (Canadian Hot 100) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/britney-spears/chart-history/can/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-date=September 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915130356/https://www.billboard.com/music/Britney-Spears/chart-history/CAN |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2007, Spears began a relationship with paparazzo Adnan Ghalib.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/celebrity/britney-pap-happy-with-her-new-guy/ |title=Britney Pap-Happy with Her New Guy |date=January 3, 2008 |access-date=October 19, 2019 |work=People |archive-date=October 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019131407/https://people.com/celebrity/britney-pap-happy-with-her-new-guy/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2008–2010: Conservatorship and ''Circus''===
In January 2008, Spears refused to relinquish custody of her sons to Federline's representatives. She was hospitalized at [[Cedars-Sinai Medical Center]] after police that had arrived at her house noted she appeared to be under the influence of an unidentified substance. The following day, Spears' [[visitation rights]] were suspended at an emergency court hearing, and Federline was given sole physical and legal custody of their sons. She was committed to the psychiatric ward of [[Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center]] and put on [[5150 (involuntary psychiatric hold)|5150 involuntary psychiatric hold]] under California state law. The court placed her under a [[conservatorship]] led by her father, [[Jamie Spears]], and attorney Andrew Wallet, giving them complete control of her assets.<ref name=foxnews /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/britney-spears-under-permanent-conservatorship |title=Britney Spears Under Permanent Conservatorship |date=October 28, 2008 |access-date=July 16, 2014 |last=McKay |first=Holly |publisher=Fox News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808185100/http://www.foxnews.com/story/2008/10/28/britney-spears-under-permanent-conservatorship/ |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> She was released five days later.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-feb-07-me-britney7-story.html |title=Spears is released from UCLA hospital psychiatric ward |date=February 7, 2008 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |last1=Blankstein |first1=Andrew |last2=Winton |first2=Richard |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |archive-date=June 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605055605/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/feb/07/local/me-britney7 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Day |first=Nate |date=April 30, 2021 |title=Britney Spears' father Jamie claims singer has dementia in court docs: report |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/britney-spears-father-jamie-singer-dementia-court-docs-report |access-date=May 6, 2021 |publisher=Fox News |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506104012/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/britney-spears-father-jamie-singer-dementia-court-docs-report |url-status=live}}</ref>

The following month, Spears guest-starred on the ''[[How I Met Your Mother]]'' episode "[[Ten Sessions]]" as receptionist Abby. She received positive reviews for her performance, as well as bringing the series its highest ratings ever.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/britney-spears-begins-rehab-image-wacky-cameo-cbs-sitcom-article-1.287170 |title=Britney Spears begins rehab of image with wacky cameo on CBS sitcom |date=March 25, 2008 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |last=Hinckley |first=D. |work=Daily News |location=New York |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021092914/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/britney-spears-begins-rehab-image-wacky-cameo-cbs-sitcom-article-1.287170 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3ia2cce804ce40901d82b7a82b3af831e3?imw=Y |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080606035305/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3ia2cce804ce40901d82b7a82b3af831e3?imw=Y |archive-date=June 6, 2008 |title=Spears delivers 'Mother's' highest ratings |date=March 25, 2008 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |last=Hibberd |first=James |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |url-status=dead}}</ref> In July 2008, Spears regained some visitation rights after coming to an agreement with Federline and his counsel.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/celebrity/its-over-britney-kevin-reach-a-custody-settlement/ |title=It's Over: Britney & Kevin Reach a Custody Settlement |date=July 18, 2008 |access-date=February 12, 2010 |last=Lee |first=Ken |work=People |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929141859/https://people.com/celebrity/its-over-britney-kevin-reach-a-custody-settlement/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2008, Spears opened the [[2008 MTV Video Music Awards|MTV Video Music Awards]] with a pre-taped comedy sketch with [[Jonah Hill]] and an introduction speech. She won [[Best Female Video]], [[Best Pop Video]], and [[MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year|Video of the Year]] for "Piece of Me".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2008/ |title=Highlights, Winners, Performers and Photos from the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards |year=2008 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |publisher=MTV |archive-date=December 14, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091214094318/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2008/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> A 60-minute introspective documentary, ''[[Britney: For the Record]]'', was produced to chronicle Spears' return to the recording industry. Directed by Phil Griffin, ''For the Record'' was shot in [[Beverly Hills]], Hollywood, and New York City during the third quarter of 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1596736/britney-spears-sets-the-record-straight-in-documentary-airing-november-30-on-mtv-check-out-a-preview-here/ |title=Britney Spears 'Sets The Record Straight' In Documentary Airing November 30 on MTV |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |date=October 9, 2008 |publisher=MTV |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924222016/http://www.mtv.com/news/1596736/britney-spears-sets-the-record-straight-in-documentary-airing-november-30-on-mtv-check-out-a-preview-here/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The documentary was broadcast on MTV to 5.6 million viewers for the two airings on the premiere night. It was the highest rating in its Sunday night timeslot and in the network's history.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mtvpress.com/music/release/britney_for_the_record_scores_staggering_3_54_p12_34_rating/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103165224/http://mtvpress.com/music/release/britney_for_the_record_scores_staggering_3_54_p12_34_rating/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 3, 2010 |title="Britney: For the Record" scores staggering 3.54 P12–34 rating in Sunday debut on MTVh |date=December 2, 2008 |publisher=MTV |access-date=January 2, 2011}}</ref> [[File:Womanizer In Boston.jpg|thumb|upright|Spears performing on [[The Circus Starring Britney Spears]] tour, March 2009]]
In December 2008, Spears' sixth studio album ''[[Circus (Britney Spears album)|Circus]]'' was released. It received positive reviews from critics<ref>{{cite web |url=https://metacritic.com/music/circus/britney-spears |title=Circus reviews at Metacritic.com |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 12, 2010 |archive-date=August 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830233825/http://www.metacritic.com/music/circus/britney-spears |url-status=live}}</ref> and debuted at number one in Canada, Czech Republic, and the United States, and within the top ten in many European nations.<ref name="ultratop2007" /><ref name="circus">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britneys-circus-debuts-atop-album-chart-266126/ |title=Britney's 'Circus' Debuts Atop Album Chart |date=December 10, 2008 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |last=Hasty |first=Katie |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=April 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413192130/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britneys-circus-debuts-atop-album-chart-266126/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In the United States, Spears became the youngest female artist to have five albums debut at number one, earning a place in ''[[Guinness World Records]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britney.com/us/blog/britney-earns-another-guinness-world-record |title=Britney Earns (Another) Guinness World Record |date=September 27, 2009 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |publisher=Britney.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224215633/http://www.britney.com/us/blog/britney-earns-another-guinness-world-record |archive-date=December 24, 2010}}</ref> She also became the only act in the SoundScan era to have four albums debut with 500,000 or more copies sold.<ref name="circus" /> The album was one of the fastest-selling albums of the year,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/53/celebrity-09_Britney-Spears_PREW.html |title=#13 Britney Spears&nbsp;– The 2009 Celebrity 100 |date=March 6, 2009 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |work=Forbes |archive-date=July 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100730234947/http://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/53/celebrity-09_Britney-Spears_PREW.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and has sold 4 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hmv.co.jp/news/article/909250129/ |title=Britney Spears' Singles Collection |publisher=HMV Store Japan |date=June 1, 2010 |access-date=June 1, 2010 |archive-date=April 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403064149/http://www.hmv.co.jp/news/article/909250129/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Its lead single, "[[Womanizer (song)|Womanizer]]", became Spears' first chart-topper on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 since "...Baby One More Time". The single also topped the charts in Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, and Sweden.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/spears-scores-record-setting-hot-100-jump-1043782/ |title=Spears Scores Record-Setting Hot 100 Jump |date=October 15, 2008 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221214121/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/spears-scores-record-setting-hot-100-jump-1043782/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/en/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=Womanizer&cat=s |title=Britney Spears&nbsp;– Womanizer (song) |year=2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319025619/http://www.ultratop.be/en/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=Womanizer&cat=s |archive-date=March 19, 2013 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |work=Ultratop |publisher=Hung Medien |url-status=dead}}</ref> It was also nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www2.grammy.com/grammy_awards/52nd_show/list.aspx |title=Nominees list for the 52nd Grammy Awards |date=December 2, 2009 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=December 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100927173921/http://www2.grammy.com/GRAMMY_AWARDS/52ND_SHOW/list.aspx |archive-date=September 27, 2010}}</ref>

In January 2009, Spears and her father obtained a restraining order against her former manager Sam Lutfi, ex-boyfriend Adnan Ghalib, and attorney Jon Eardley, all of whom had been accused of conspiring to gain control of Spears' affairs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/amp/news/britney-restraining-order-1002335/ |title=Britney Gets Restraining Order Against Former Manager, Ex-Beau and Attorney |date=January 31, 2009 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |last=Mitovich |first=Matt |work=[[TV Guide]] |publisher=OpenGate Capital |archive-date=January 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129011559/https://www.tvguide.com/amp/news/britney-restraining-order-1002335/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Spears embarked on [[The Circus Starring Britney Spears]] tour in March 2009. With a gross of U.S. $131.8 million, it became the fifth highest-grossing tour of the year.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.pollstarpro.com/SpecialFeatures2009/2009YearEndTop50WorldwideConcertTours.pdf |title=2009 Year End Top 50 Worldwide Concert Tours |year=2010 |access-date=February 8, 2010 |magazine=[[Pollstar]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215025847/http://www.pollstarpro.com/SpecialFeatures2009/2009YearEndTop50WorldwideConcertTours.pdf |archive-date=February 15, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In November 2009, Spears released her second greatest hits album, ''[[The Singles Collection (Britney Spears album)|The Singles Collection]]''. The album's lead and only single, "[[3 (Britney Spears song)|3]]", became her third number-one single in the U.S.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/3-to-1-britney-beats-odds-to-debut-atop-hot-100-1264189/ |title='3' To 1: Britney Beats Odds To Debut Atop Hot 100 |date=October 14, 2009 |access-date=January 4, 2010 |last=Pietroluongo |first=Silvio |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=November 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122142716/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/3-to-1-britney-beats-odds-to-debut-atop-hot-100-1264189/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2010, Spears' representatives confirmed she was dating her agent, Jason Trawick, and that they had decided to end their professional relationship to focus on their personal relationship.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/celebrity/britney-spears-and-jason-trawick-split-professionally/ |title=Britney Spears and Jason Trawick Split&nbsp;– Professionally |date=May 11, 2010 |access-date=October 19, 2019 |last=Jordan |first=Julie |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |archive-date=October 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019131405/https://people.com/celebrity/britney-spears-and-jason-trawick-split-professionally/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Spears designed a limited edition clothing line for [[Candie's]], which was released in stores in July 2010.<ref name="Vena">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1642722/britney-spears-to-design-clothing-for-candies/ |title=Britney Spears To Design Clothing For Candie's |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |date=June 30, 2010 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |publisher=MTV |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221174022/http://www.mtv.com/news/1642722/britney-spears-to-design-clothing-for-candies/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> In September 2010, she made a [[cameo appearance]] on a Spears-themed tribute episode of the television series ''[[Glee (TV series)|Glee]]'', titled "[[Britney/Brittany]]"; the episode drew the highest [[Nielsen ratings#Ratings/share and total viewers|Nielsen rating]]{{snd}}up to that point in the series's run<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/02/08/sunday-final-ratings-super-bowl-demos-galore-plus-glee-15-minute-detail/81892 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210044917/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/02/08/sunday-final-ratings-super-bowl-demos-galore-plus-glee-15-minute-detail/81892 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 10, 2011 |title=Sunday Final Ratings: Super Bowl Demos Galore, Plus 'Glee' 15 Minute Detail |work=TV by the Numbers |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=February 8, 2011 |access-date=May 12, 2021 |quote=''(data for season 2 episode 11 "[[The Sue Sylvester Shuffle]]")'' 26.796 million viewers&nbsp;... 11.1/29 A18-49}}</ref>{{snd}}in the [[Nielsen ratings#Demographics|18–49 demographic]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2010/09/glee-ratings-britney-is-bigger-than-madonna.html |title='Glee' ratings: Britney is bigger than Madonna |first=Rick |last=Porter |work=[[Zap2it]] |publisher=[[Tribune Media Services]] |date=September 29, 2010 |access-date=September 29, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101002070944/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2010/09/glee-ratings-britney-is-bigger-than-madonna.html |archive-date=October 2, 2010 |quote=''(data for season 2 episode 2 "[[Britney/Brittany]]")'' it scored a 5.9 rating among adults 18–49 (the latter figure is an all-time high for the series)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/09/29/tuesday-finals-glee-no-ordinary-family-ncis-dancing-up-raising-hope-detroit-1-8-7-running-wilde-down/65835/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117060620/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/09/29/tuesday-finals-glee-no-ordinary-family-ncis-dancing-up-raising-hope-detroit-1-8-7-running-wilde-down/65835 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 17, 2010 |title=Tuesday Finals: Glee, No Ordinary Family, NCIS, Dancing Up; Raising Hope, Detroit 1–8–7, Running Wilde Down |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=September 29, 2010 |work=TV by the Numbers |access-date=September 29, 2010 |quote=''(data for season 2 episode 2 "[[Britney/Brittany]]")'' 13.508 million viewers&nbsp;... 5.9/17 A18-49}}</ref>

===2011–2012: ''Femme Fatale'' and ''The X Factor''===
In March 2011, Spears released her seventh studio album, ''[[Femme Fatale (Britney Spears album)|Femme Fatale]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rcarecords.com/news/7th-britney-spears-album-femme-fatale-set-for-march-29th-release |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516150410/http://www.rcarecords.com/news/7th-britney-spears-album-femme-fatale-set-for-march-29th-release |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 16, 2012 |title=7th Britney Spears Album 'Femme Fatale' Set for March 29th Release |publisher=Jive Records |date=August 2, 2011 |access-date=March 6, 2011}}</ref> The album peaked at number one in the United States, Canada, and Australia, and within the top ten on nearly every other chart. Its peak in the United States tied Spears with [[Mariah Carey]] and [[Janet Jackson]] for the third-most number ones among women.<ref name="billboard_472190"/> ''Femme Fatale'' has been certified platinum by the [[RIAA]] and as of February 2014, it had sold 2.4 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite certification |region=United States |artist=Britney Spears |type=album}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a551856/britney-spears-song-unbroken-surfaces-online-listen/ |title=Britney Spears song 'Unbroken' surfaces online |work=[[Digital Spy]] |date=February 17, 2014 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221201637/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a551856/britney-spears-song-unbroken-surfaces-online-listen/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Britney_HIAM_Cleveland.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Spears performing on her [[Femme Fatale Tour]], July 2011|alt=Image of a blonde female performer wearing a white leotard and black fishnets.]]

The album's lead single, "[[Hold It Against Me]]" debuted atop the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, becoming Spears' fourth number-one single on the chart and making her the second artist in history to have two consecutive singles debut at number one, after [[Mariah Carey]].<ref name=hiamrecord>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-hold-it-against-me-single-premieres-473718/ |title=Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Single Premieres |magazine=Billboard |date=January 10, 2011 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210448/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-hold-it-against-me-single-premieres-473718/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The second single "[[Till the World Ends]]" peaked at number three on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 in May,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/listen-britney-spears-nicki-minaj-and-kehas-till-the-world-ends-remix-471903/ |title=Listen: Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha's 'Till the World Ends' Remix. |magazine=Billboard |date=April 23, 2011 |access-date=August 20, 2011 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210439/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/listen-britney-spears-nicki-minaj-and-kehas-till-the-world-ends-remix-471903/ |url-status=live}}</ref> while the third single "[[I Wanna Go]]" reached number seven in August. ''Femme Fatale'' became Spears' first album in which three of its songs reached the top ten of the chart. The fourth and final single "[[Criminal (Britney Spears song)|Criminal]]" was released in September 2011. The music video sparked controversy when British politicians criticized Spears for using replica guns while filming the video in a London area that had been badly affected by the [[2011 England riots]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a341976/britney-spears-angers-mps-over-criminal-video-shoot/ |title=Britney Spears angers MPs over 'Criminal' video shoot |last=Copsey |first=Robert |work=Digital Spy |date=October 31, 2011 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210442/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a341976/britney-spears-angers-mps-over-criminal-video-shoot/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Spears' management briefly responded, stating, "The video is a fantasy story featuring Britney's boyfriend, Jason Trawick, which literally plays out the lyrics of a song written three years before the riots ever happened."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1671542/britney-spears-criminal-video-gun-criticism-response/ |title=Britney Spears Responds To 'Criminal' Video Controversy |last=Montgomery |first=James |date=September 26, 2011 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |publisher=MTV |archive-date=December 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222044037/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1671542/britney-spears-criminal-video-gun-criticism-response.jhtml |url-status=dead}}</ref> In April 2011, Spears appeared in a remix of [[Rihanna]]'s song "[[S&M (song)|S&M]]".<ref>{{cite web |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1661717/britney-spears-rihanna/ |title=Rihanna Says Britney Spears' 'S&M' Remix 'Had To Be Major' |publisher=MTV |date=April 11, 2011 |access-date=April 24, 2011 |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511105523/http://www.mtv.com/news/1661717/britney-spears-rihanna/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> It reached number one in the US later that month, giving Spears her fifth number one on the chart.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/rihannas-sm-reigns-on-hot-100-lady-gagas-judas-debuts-471954/ |title=Rihanna's 'S&M' Reigns on Hot 100, Lady Gaga's 'Judas' Debuts |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=April 20, 2011 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=September 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912152102/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/rihannas-sm-reigns-on-hot-100-lady-gagas-judas-debuts-471954/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On ''Billboard''{{'}}s 2011 Year-End list, Spears was ranked number fourteen on the Artists of the Year,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/top-artists?begin=11&order=position |title=Best of 2011: The Artists |access-date=December 19, 2011 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=May 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508100020/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/top-artists?begin=11&order=position |url-status=live}}</ref> thirty-two on ''Billboard'' 200 artists, and ten on ''Billboard'' Hot 100 artists.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/the-billboard-200-artists?begin=21&order=position |title=Best of 2011: Billboard 200 Artists |access-date=December 19, 2011 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=November 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110074820/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/the-billboard-200-artists?begin=21&order=position}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/hot-100-artists |title=Best of 2011: Hot 100 Artists |access-date=December 19, 2011 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=May 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508073650/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/hot-100-artists |url-status=live}}</ref> Spears co-wrote "Whiplash", a song from the album ''[[When the Sun Goes Down (Selena Gomez & the Scene album)|When the Sun Goes Down]]'' (2011) by [[Selena Gomez & the Scene]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://popcrush.com/britney-spears-whiplash-selena-gomez/ |title=Britney Spears Pens New Song 'Whiplash' for Selena Gomez |website=PopCrush |date=April 14, 2011 |access-date=October 23, 2018 |archive-date=October 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023120354/http://popcrush.com/britney-spears-whiplash-selena-gomez/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2011, Spears embarked on her [[Femme Fatale Tour]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pop-superstar-britney-spears-announces-special-guest-nicki-minaj-to-join-the-highly-anticipated-all-female-femme-fatale-tour-119685009.html |title=Pop Superstar Britney Spears Announces Special Guest Nicki Minaj to Join the Highly Anticipated All Female Femme Fatale Tour |agency=[[PR Newswire]] |publisher=[[Live Nation]] |date=April 12, 2011 |access-date=April 12, 2011 |archive-date=April 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415083634/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pop-superstar-britney-spears-announces-special-guest-nicki-minaj-to-join-the-highly-anticipated-all-female-femme-fatale-tour-119685009.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The first ten dates of the tour grossed $6.2 million, landing the fifty-fifth spot on ''[[Pollstar]]''{{'}}s Top 100 North American Tours list for the half-way point of the year.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.pollstarpro.com/files/Charts2011/07181Ttop100NorthAmericanTours.pdf |title=Top 100 North American Tours |magazine=Pollstar |date=June 30, 2011 |access-date=July 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815160637/http://www.pollstarpro.com/files/Charts2011/07181Ttop100NorthAmericanTours.pdf |archive-date=August 15, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The tour ended on December 10, 2011, in Puerto Rico, after 79 performances.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1675774/britney-spears-tour-wrap/ |title=Britney Spears Wraps Femme Fatale Tour |publisher=MTV |date=December 12, 2011 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210432/http://www.mtv.com/news/1675774/britney-spears-tour-wrap/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> A DVD of the tour was released in November 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TQAI6G |title=Britney Spears Live: The Femme Fatale Tour (2011) |publisher=Amazon |date=October 25, 2011 |access-date=October 25, 2011 |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032901/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TQAI6G |url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2011, Spears received the [[Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award]] at the [[2011 MTV Video Music Awards]].<ref name="vanguard" /> The next month, she released her second remix album, ''[[B in the Mix: The Remixes Vol. 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://idolator.com/6006322/britney-b-in-the-mix-remixes-vol-2-track-listing |title=Britney Spears Reveals 'B in the Mix: The Remixes Vol. 2' Track Listing |date=September 9, 2011 |access-date=September 9, 2011 |last=Bain |first=Becky |publisher=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]. [[Buzz Media]] |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026190359/https://www.idolator.com/6006322/britney-b-in-the-mix-remixes-vol-2-track-listing |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2011, Spears became engaged to her long-time boyfriend Jason Trawick, who had formerly been her agent.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1676248/britney-spears-engagement-ring/ |title=Britney Spears' Engagement Ring: How Does It Stack Up? |date=December 19, 2011 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |publisher=MTV News |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210433/http://www.mtv.com/news/1676248/britney-spears-engagement-ring/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Trawick was legally granted a role as co-conservator, alongside her father, in April 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/britney-spears-fiance-jason-trawick-approved-as-co-conservator-2012254 |title=Britney Spears' Fiance Jason Trawick Approved as Co-Conservator |date=April 25, 2012 |access-date=January 12, 2013 |work=Us Weekly |last=Eggenberger |first=Nicole |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426235849/http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/britney-spears-fiance-jason-trawick-approved-as-co-conservator-2012254 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2012, Spears was hired to replace [[Paula Abdul]] as a judge for the [[The X Factor (American season 2)|second season]] of the [[The X Factor (American TV series)|USA show]] of ''[[The X Factor]]'', joining [[Simon Cowell]], [[L.A. Reid]], and fellow new judge [[Demi Lovato]], who replaced [[Nicole Scherzinger]]. With a reported salary of $15 million, she became the highest-paid judge on a singing competition series in television history.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/307137/britney-spears-will-get-record-15-million-payday-to-be-x-factor-judge |title=Britney Spears Will Get Record $15 Million Payday to Be X Factor Judge |last=Bromley |first=Melanie |date=April 12, 2012 |access-date=April 12, 2012 |publisher=[[E!]] |archive-date=July 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712210217/http://www.eonline.com/news/307137/britney-spears-will-get-record-15-million-payday-to-be-x-factor-judge |url-status=live}}</ref> However, [[Katy Perry]] broke her record in 2018 after Perry was signed for a $25-million salary to serve as a judge on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s revival of ''[[American Idol]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=O'Connell |first=Michael |title='American Idol' Producer Talks Revival Salaries, New ABC Home |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |date=August 3, 2017 |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/news/american-idol-producer-defends-revival-salaries-new-abc-home-1025604 |access-date=August 23, 2017 |archive-date=August 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810045359/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/american-idol-producer-defends-revival-salaries-new-abc-home-1025604? |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Vlada |last=Gelman |url=https://www.yahoo.com/music/american-idol-taps-lionel-richie-193208918.html |title=American Idol Taps Lionel Richie as Third Judge for ABC Revival |publisher=Yahoo! Music |date=September 29, 2017 |access-date=October 25, 2017 |archive-date=October 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026001909/https://www.yahoo.com/music/american-idol-taps-lionel-richie-193208918.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Spears mentored the Teens category; her final act, [[Carly Rose Sonenclar]], was named the runner-up of the season. Spears did not return for the show's [[The X Factor (American season 3)|third season]] and was replaced by [[Paulina Rubio]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2013/01/britney-spears-officially-leaving-the-x-factor/ |title=Britney Spears Officially Leaving 'The X Factor' |work=ABC News |date=January 11, 2013 |access-date=May 25, 2013 |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518153713/http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2013/01/britney-spears-officially-leaving-the-x-factor/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Spears appeared on the song "[[Scream & Shout]]" with [[will.i.am]], which was released as the third single from his fourth studio album, ''[[Willpower (will.i.am album)|#willpower]]'' (2013). The song later became Spears' sixth number-one single on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number three on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. "Scream & Shout" was among the best-selling songs of 2012 and 2013 with denoting sales of over 8.1 million worldwide,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ipo.gov.tt/downloads/Relevant_Studies/Digital-Music-Report-2014.pdf |title=Top 10 Digital Songs of 2013 |publisher=[[IFPI]] |access-date=October 3, 2020 |archive-date=June 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617065145/https://ipo.gov.tt/downloads/Relevant_Studies/Digital-Music-Report-2014.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> the accompanying music video was the third most-viewed video in 2013 on [[Vevo]] despite the video being released in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/68479/william-Teases-Britney-Spears-Shakira-Alicia-Keys-Collaborations |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204000835/http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/68479/william-Teases-Britney-Spears-Shakira-Alicia-Keys-Collaborations |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 4, 2012 |title=will.i.am Teases Britney Spears, Shakira, Alicia Keys Collaborations |last=Kitchener |first=Shaun |date=January 30, 2012 |access-date=September 11, 2011 |publisher=Entertainment Wise}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=January 2015}} In December 2012, ''[[Forbes]]'' named her music's top-earning woman of 2012, with estimated earnings of $58 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2012/12/britney-spears-is-musics-top-earning-woman-of-2012/ |title=Britney Spears Is Music's Top Earning Woman of 2012 |work=ABC News |date=December 12, 2012 |access-date=January 4, 2013 |archive-date=January 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101230804/http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2012/12/britney-spears-is-musics-top-earning-woman-of-2012/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2013–2015: ''Britney Jean'' and Britney: Piece of Me===
[[File:Britney Spears Piece of Me, January 2014.jpg|thumb|upright|Spears performing in 2014 during [[Britney: Piece of Me]], a four-year concert residency in Las Vegas]]

Spears began work on her eighth studio album, ''[[Britney Jean]]'', in December 2012,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a444888/britney-spears-begins-work-on-eighth-studio-album.html |title=Britney Spears begins work on eighth studio album |work=Digital Spy |date=December 12, 2012 |access-date=January 4, 2013 |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116144936/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a444888/britney-spears-begins-work-on-eighth-studio-album.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and enlisted [[will.i.am]] as its executive producer in May 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/william-executive-producing-new-britney-spears-album/ |title=Will.i.am Executive Producing New Britney Spears Album |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |magazine=Billboard |date=May 1, 2013 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210437/https://www.billboard.com/pro/william-executive-producing-new-britney-spears-album/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2013, Spears and Jason Trawick ended their engagement. Trawick was also removed as Spears' co-conservator, restoring her father as the sole conservator.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/celebrity/britney-spears-jason-trawick-split/ |title=Britney Spears and Jason Trawick Split |work=People |last=Laudadio |first=Marisa |date=January 11, 2013 |access-date=October 19, 2019 |archive-date=October 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019131408/https://people.com/celebrity/britney-spears-jason-trawick-split/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tmz.com/2013/01/11/britney-spears-jason-trawick-break-up-split-divorce/ |title=Britney Spears and Jason Trawick – SPLIT |work=TMZ |date=January 11, 2013 |access-date=January 12, 2013 |archive-date=January 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112212026/http://www.tmz.com/2013/01/11/britney-spears-jason-trawick-break-up-split-divorce |url-status=live}}</ref> Following the breakup, she began dating David Lucado in March; the couple split in August 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/celebrity/britney-spears-david-lucado-split/ |title=Britney Spears Splits with Boyfriend David Lucado |last=Gomez |first=Patrick |work=People |date=August 28, 2014 |access-date=October 16, 2020 |archive-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226065502/https://people.com/celebrity/britney-spears-david-lucado-split/ |url-status=live}}</ref> During the production of ''Britney Jean'', Spears recorded the song "[[Ooh La La (Britney Spears song)|Ooh La La]]" for the soundtrack of ''[[The Smurfs 2]]'', which was released in June 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-records-new-song-for-smurfs-2-soundtrack-1558421/ |title=Britney Spears Records New Song For 'Smurfs 2' Soundtrack |magazine=Billboard |date=April 17, 2013 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210444/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-records-new-song-for-smurfs-2-soundtrack-1558421/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 17, 2013, she appeared on ''[[Good Morning America]]'' to announce her two-year concert residency at [[Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino]] in Las Vegas, titled [[Britney: Piece of Me]]. It began on December 27, 2013, and included a total of 100 shows throughout 2014 and 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://idolator.com/7484654/britney-spears-vegas-piece-of-me-planet-hollywood |title=Britney Spears Announces 2-Year 'Piece of Me' Vegas Residency, December 3 Album Release |last=Williott |first=Carl |publisher=Idolator. Buzz Media |date=September 17, 2013 |access-date=September 17, 2013 |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026190405/https://www.idolator.com/7484654/britney-spears-vegas-piece-of-me-planet-hollywood |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-las-vegas-shows-will-be-a-massive-party-from-start-1560824/ |title=Britney Spears: Las Vegas Show Will Be 'A Massive Party From Start To Finish' |magazine=Billboard |date=May 8, 2013 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210435/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-las-vegas-shows-will-be-a-massive-party-from-start-1560824/ |url-status=live}}</ref> During the same appearance, Spears announced that ''Britney Jean'' would be released on December 3, 2013, in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |last=Joannou |first=Andy |title=Britney Spears names new album 'Britney Jean' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a523597/britney-spears-names-new-album-britney-jean/ |work=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=December 21, 2021 |date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210432/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a523597/britney-spears-names-new-album-britney-jean/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Britney Spears' Album Release Date Announced As Dec. 3 On 'Good Morning America' |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/britney-spears-album-release-date-announced_n_3940428 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |newspaper=[[HuffPost]] |date=September 17, 2013 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210432/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/britney-spears-album-release-date-announced_n_3940428 |url-status=live}}</ref> It was released through [[RCA Records]] due to the disbandment of [[Jive Records]] in 2011, which had formed the joint [[RCA/Jive Label Group]] (initially known as [[RCA/Jive Label Group|BMG Label Group]]) between 2007 and 2011.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1173532/rcas-new-executive-team-named-under-ceo-peter-edge-amid-layoffs-update |title=RCA's New Executive Team Named Under CEO Peter Edge Amid Layoffs |date=August 23, 2011 |access-date=October 19, 2011 |magazine=Billboard |last=Christman |first=Ed |archive-date=June 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629162503/https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1173532/rcas-new-executive-team-named-under-ceo-peter-edge-amid-layoffs-update |url-status=dead}}</ref>

''[[Britney Jean]]'' became Spears' final project under her original recording contract with Jive, which had guaranteed the release of eight studio albums.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.muumuse.com/2012/08/daily-b-britneys-record-contract-is-ready-to-be-renewed-and-everyone-wants-a-piece-of-b.html/ |title=Daily B: Britney's Record Deal is Ready to Be Renewed And Everyone Wants A Piece of B |date=August 8, 2012 |publisher=MuuMuse |access-date=November 30, 2013 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203014833/http://www.muumuse.com/2012/08/daily-b-britneys-record-contract-is-ready-to-be-renewed-and-everyone-wants-a-piece-of-b.html/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The record received a low amount of promotion and had little commercial impact, reportedly due to time conflicts involving preparations for Britney: Piece of Me.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2013/11/25/britney-jean-stream/ |title=Britney Spears' new album 'Britney Jean' now streaming on iTunes |last=Pearlman |first=Jake |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=November 25, 2013 |access-date=October 19, 2019 |archive-date=October 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019131408/https://ew.com/article/2013/11/25/britney-jean-stream/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Upon its release, the record debuted at number four on the [[Billboard 200|U.S. ''Billboard'' 200]] with first-week sales of 107,000 copies, becoming her lowest-peaking and lowest-selling album in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1718871/britney-spears-has-lowest-chart-debut-with-britney-jean/ |title=Britney Spears Has Lowest Chart Debut With Britney Jean |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |publisher=MTV News |date=December 11, 2013 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210434/http://www.mtv.com/news/1718871/britney-spears-has-lowest-chart-debut-with-britney-jean/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Britney Jean'' debuted at number 34 on the [[UK Albums Chart]], selling 12,959 copies in its first week. In doing so, it became Spears' lowest-charting and lowest-selling album in the country.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thehonestyhour.com/2013/12/better-work-britney-britney-jean-debuts-34-uk/ |title=You Better Work, Britney: 'Britney Jean' Debuts at No. 34 in UK |work=The Honesty Hour |date=December 8, 2013 |access-date=December 8, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214134554/http://thehonestyhour.com/2013/12/better-work-britney-britney-jean-debuts-34-uk/ |archive-date=December 14, 2013}}</ref>

"[[Work Bitch]]" was released as the lead single from ''Britney Jean'' in September 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/britney-spears-work-bitch-leaks-online-listen-5695450/ |title=Britney Spears Debuts 'Work Bitch' Following Leak By 'One Bad Apple': Listen |magazine=Billboard |date=September 15, 2013 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210439/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/britney-spears-work-bitch-leaks-online-listen-5695450/ |url-status=live}}</ref> It debuted and peaked at number 12 on the U.S. [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] marking Spears' 31st entry on the chart and the fifth highest debut of her career on the chart, and her seventh in the top 20. It also marked Spears' 19th top 20 entry and overall her 23rd top 40 single. The song marked Spears' highest sales debut since her 2011 number-one single "[[Hold It Against Me]]". "Work Bitch" debuted and peaked at number seven on the [[UK Singles Chart]]. The song also peaked within the top ten of the charts in Brazil, Canada, France, Italy, Mexico, and Spain.<ref>{{cite web |last=Grein |first=Paul |url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-sept-22-2013-songs-brit-back-204122521.html |title=Week Ending Sept. 22, 2013. Songs: The Brit Is Back |publisher=Yahoo! Music |date=September 25, 2013 |access-date=September 27, 2013 |archive-date=September 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926204609/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-sept-22-2013-songs-brit-back-204122521.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The second single "[[Perfume (Britney Spears song)|Perfume]]" premiered in November 2013.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sam |last=Lansky |url=http://www.idolator.com/7490455/britney-spears-unveils-britney-jean-album-cover-pens-emotional-letter-to-fans |title=Britney Spears Unveils 'Britney Jean' Album Cover, Pens Emotional Letter To Fans |publisher=Idolator.com |date=October 25, 2013 |access-date=November 20, 2013 |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223100837/https://www.idolator.com/7490455/britney-spears-unveils-britney-jean-album-cover-pens-emotional-letter-to-fans |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Busis |first=Hillary |url=https://ew.com/article/2013/11/03/britney-spears-perfume-listen/ |title=Britney Spears spritzes fans with new single 'Perfume' – Listen |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=November 3, 2013 |access-date=October 19, 2019 |archive-date=May 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515132107/https://ew.com/article/2013/11/03/britney-spears-perfume-listen/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> It debuted and peaked at number 76 on the U.S. [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title="Britney Spears Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Hot 100 for Britney Spears. |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/297529/Britney+Spears/chart?f=379 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 16, 2013 |archive-date=July 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710031347/http://www.billboard.com/artist/297529/Britney+Spears/chart?f=379 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In October 2013, she was featured as a guest vocalist on the song "SMS (Bangerz)" by [[Miley Cyrus]], from the latter's fourth studio album ''[[Bangerz]]'' (2013).<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/miley-cyrus-reveals-bangerz-tracklist-after-breaking-vevo-record-5687337/ |title=Miley Cyrus Reveals 'Bangerz' Tracklist as 'Wrecking Ball' Breaks VEVO Record |magazine=Billboard |date=September 10, 2013 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210439/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/miley-cyrus-reveals-bangerz-tracklist-after-breaking-vevo-record-5687337/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On January 8, 2014, Spears won Favorite Pop Artist at the [[40th People's Choice Awards]] at the [[Microsoft Theater]] in Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/ |title=People's Choice Awards 2014 Nominees |publisher=PeoplesChoice.com |access-date=April 3, 2014 |archive-date=April 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426072808/http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2014, Spears confirmed she had renewed her contract with RCA and that she was writing and recording new music for her next album.<ref>{{cite web |last=Barker |first=Andrew |title=Britney Spears: Popstar Directs Clear Vision of Her Billion-Dollar Empire |url=https://variety.com/2014/music/news/britney-spears-interview-las-vegas-residency-1201293159/ |work=Variety |date=August 28, 2014 |access-date=August 29, 2014 |archive-date=August 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809095546/http://variety.com/2014/music/news/britney-spears-interview-las-vegas-residency-1201293159/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Spears announced via Twitter in August 2014 that she would be releasing an intimate apparel line called "The Intimate Britney Spears". It was available to be purchased beginning on September 9, 2014, in the United States and Canada through Spears' Intimate Collection website. It was later available on September 25 for purchase in Europe. The company now ships to over 200 countries including Australia and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Intimate Britney Spears |url=http://www.intimatebritneyspears.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330071932/http://www.intimatebritneyspears.com/ |archive-date=March 30, 2015}}</ref> On September 25, 2014, Spears confirmed on ''[[Good Morning Britain (2014 TV programme)|Good Morning Britain]]'' that she extended her contract to perform her Britney: Piece of Me [[concert residency]] at [[Planet Hollywood Las Vegas]] for two additional years.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a599029/britney-spears-confirms-2-year-las-vegas-residency-extension/ |title=Britney Spears confirms 2-year Las Vegas residency extension | last=Rigby |first=Sam | work=[[Digital Spy]] |date=September 25, 2014 |archive-date=September 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927111030/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a599029/britney-spears-confirms-2-year-las-vegas-residency-extension.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Spears began dating television producer [[Charlie Ebersol]] in October 2014. The pair were split in June 2015.<ref>{{cite web |last=Nelson |first=Jeff |title=Britney Spears and Charlie Ebersol Split |url=https://people.com/celebrity/britney-spears-charlie-ebersol-break-up/ |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |access-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108111901/https://people.com/celebrity/britney-spears-charlie-ebersol-break-up/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 14, 2015, Spears released a single, "[[Pretty Girls (Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea song)|Pretty Girls]]", with [[Iggy Azalea]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Corner |first=Lewis |title=Britney Spears dates new single 'Pretty Girls' for May |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a637874/britney-spears-dates-new-single-pretty-girls-for-may.html |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=March 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405043725/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a637874/britney-spears-dates-new-single-pretty-girls-for-may.html |archive-date=April 5, 2015 |location=United Kingdom |date=March 25, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It reached number 29 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and charted moderately in international territories. Spears and Azalea performed the track live at the [[2015 Billboard Music Awards|2015 ''Billboard'' Music Awards]] from The AXIS, the home of Spears' residency, to positive critical response. ''Entertainment Weekly'' praised the performance, noting "Spears gave one of her most energetic televised performances in years."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2015/05/17/britney-spears-iggy-azalea-pretty-girls-billboard-music-awards |title=Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea perform 'Pretty Girls' live for the first time at Billboard Music Awards |date=May 17, 2015 |access-date=May 18, 2015 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |last=O'Donnell |first=Kevin |archive-date=May 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520215934/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/05/17/britney-spears-iggy-azalea-pretty-girls-billboard-music-awards |url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 16, 2015, [[Giorgio Moroder]] released the album ''[[Déjà Vu (Giorgio Moroder album)|Déjà Vu]]'', which featured Spears on "[[Tom's Diner#Giorgio Moroder version|Tom's Diner]]".<ref>{{cite web |title=Disco Godfather Giorgio Moroder Goes Back to the Future on Déjà Vu |url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/06/album-review-giorgio-moroder-deja-vu.html |website=Vulture |date=June 15, 2015 |access-date=June 16, 2015 |archive-date=June 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615203819/http://www.vulture.com/2015/06/album-review-giorgio-moroder-deja-vu.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The song was released as the fourth single from the album on October 9, 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shuffle: Britney Spears and Giorgio Moroder drone on in Tom's Diner |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/shuffle-britney-spears-and-giorgio-moroder-drone-on-in-tom-s-diner-1.2392976 |access-date=October 16, 2015 |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016140158/http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/shuffle-britney-spears-and-giorgio-moroder-drone-on-in-tom-s-diner-1.2392976 |url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview, Moroder praised Spears' vocals and said she "sounds so good that you would hardly recognize her".<ref>{{cite web |title=Giorgio Moroder: Britney Spears "did a good job" with collab |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/britney-spears-did-a-good-job-with-collaboration-giorgio-moroder-reveals__7868/ |access-date=June 16, 2015 |archive-date=June 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627161017/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/britney-spears-did-a-good-job-with-collaboration-giorgio-moroder-reveals__7868/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=EDM Godfather Giorgio Moroder Raves About Recording With Britney Spears: 'She Sounds So Good' |magazine=Billboard |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/features/giorgio-moroder-deja-vu-album-interview-britney-spears-donna-summer-blondie-6560889/ |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210446/https://www.billboard.com/music/features/giorgio-moroder-deja-vu-album-interview-britney-spears-donna-summer-blondie-6560889/ |url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[2015 Teen Choice Awards]], Spears received the Candie's Style Icon Award, her ninth [[Teen Choice Awards|Teen Choice Award]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Britney Spears wins Teen Choice Award 2015 choice style icon, shows off cleavage in plunging dress |website=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]] |date=August 17, 2015 |location=New York |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/britney-spears-wins-teen-choice-award-2015-choice-style-icon-article-1.2328048 |access-date=August 17, 2015 |archive-date=August 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150818065641/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/britney-spears-wins-teen-choice-award-2015-choice-style-icon-article-1.2328048 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2015, Spears guest-starred as a fictionalized version of herself on [[the CW]] series ''[[Jane the Virgin]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Britney Spears Is Ruffling Feathers in This 'Jane The Virgin' Promo |date=November 3, 2015 |url=http://popcrush.com/britney-spears-jane-the-virgin-promo/ |access-date=November 4, 2015 |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106035715/http://popcrush.com/britney-spears-jane-the-virgin-promo/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On the show, she danced to "Toxic" with [[Gina Rodriguez]]'s character.<ref name=VultureJane>{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/11/jane-the-virgin-recap-season-2-episode-5.html |title=Jane the Virgin Recap: The Writing on the Wall |date=November 10, 2015 |first=Kathryn |last=VanArendonk |access-date=March 12, 2017 |archive-date=March 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313181153/http://www.vulture.com/2015/11/jane-the-virgin-recap-season-2-episode-5.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2016–2018: ''Glory'', continued residency, and the Piece of Me Tour===
[[File:Britney Spears, Roundhouse, London (Apple Music Festival 2016) (30072929931) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|Spears performing during the [[Apple Music Festival]] at the [[Roundhouse (venue)|Roundhouse]] in London in September 2016]]
In November 2015, Spears confirmed via social media that she had begun recording her ninth studio album.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Britney Spears Confirms She's 'Working Hard' on a New Album |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/britney-spears-new-album-6752949/ |magazine=Billboard |date=November 4, 2015 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210442/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/britney-spears-new-album-6752949/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On March 1, 2016, ''[[V (American magazine)|V]]'' announced that Spears would appear on the cover of its 100th issue, dated March 8, 2016, in addition to revealing three different covers shot by photographer [[Mario Testino]] for the milestone publication.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/03/02/britney-spears-on-3-covers-for-v-magazines-100th-issue/81199372/ |title=Britney Spears sizzles on 3 covers for the 100th issue of 'V Magazine' |website=USA Today |access-date=October 11, 2019 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117051145/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/03/02/britney-spears-on-3-covers-for-v-magazines-100th-issue/81199372/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The ''V'' editor-in-chief, Stephen Gan, said Spears was selected because of her status as an icon in the industry, and asked: "Who in our world did not grow up listening to her music?"<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vmagazine.com/site/content/5587/v100-starring-britney-spears |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507023817/http://www.vmagazine.com/site/content/5587/v100-starring-britney-spears |url-status=dead |title=V100 Starring Britney Spears {{pipe}} V Magazine |archive-date=May 7, 2016 |access-date=October 11, 2019}}</ref> In May 2016, Spears launched a [[Casual game|casual]] [[Role-playing video game|role-play]] gaming application, ''[[Britney Spears: American Dream]]''. The app, created by [[Glu Mobile]], was made available through both [[iOS]] and [[Google Play]].<ref name="billboard.com">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/britney-spears-american-dream-mobile-video-game/ |title=Britney Spears Helps You Chase the 'American Dream' in New Mobile Game |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210443/https://www.billboard.com/pro/britney-spears-american-dream-mobile-video-game/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 22, 2016, Spears performed a medley of her past singles at the [[2016 Billboard Music Awards|2016 ''Billboard'' Music Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/765157/adele-to-debut-send-my-love-to-your-new-lover-music-video-at-2016-billboard-music-awards |title=Find Out When and Where Adele's New Video Will Debut |date=May 16, 2016 |publisher=E! |access-date=May 16, 2016 |archive-date=June 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629165717/http://www.eonline.com/news/765157/adele-to-debut-send-my-love-to-your-new-lover-music-video-at-2016-billboard-music-awards |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.maxim.com/entertainment/daily-heat-index-britney-spears-billboard-music-awards-2016-5 |title=Britney Spears Opened The Billboard Music Awards With a Sexy Performance of Her Biggest Hits |access-date=November 4, 2017 |archive-date=October 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030161846/http://www.maxim.com/entertainment/daily-heat-index-britney-spears-billboard-music-awards-2016-5 |url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to opening the show, Spears was honored with the [[Billboard Millennium Award|''Billboard'' Millennium Award]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2016/05/02/britney-spears-receive-billboard-millennium-award/83719576/ |title=Britney Spears to receive Billboard Millennium Award |website=USA Today |access-date=May 18, 2016 |archive-date=May 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513193755/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2016/05/02/britney-spears-receive-billboard-millennium-award/83719576/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On July 15, 2016, Spears released the lead single, "[[Make Me (Britney Spears song)|Make Me]]", from her ninth studio album, featuring guest vocals from American rapper [[G-Eazy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://headlineplanet.com/home/2016/07/14/britney-spears-make-me-receiving-hourly-airplay-on-july-15-officially-impacts-july-19/ |title=Britney Spears' "Make Me" Receiving Hourly Airplay on July 15; Officially Impacts July 19 |date=July 14, 2016 |access-date=July 15, 2016 |archive-date=July 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716132202/http://headlineplanet.com/home/2016/07/14/britney-spears-make-me-receiving-hourly-airplay-on-july-15-officially-impacts-july-19/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The album, ''[[Glory (Britney Spears album)|Glory]]'', was formally released on August 26, 2016. On August 16, 2016, [[MTV]] and Spears announced that she would perform at the [[2016 MTV Video Music Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/16/entertainment/britney-spears-vma-performance/ |title=Britney Spears to perform at MTV VMAs |last=Pallotta |first=Frank |publisher=CNN |date=August 16, 2016 |access-date=September 13, 2019 |archive-date=July 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723182056/https://www.cnn.com/2016/08/16/entertainment/britney-spears-vma-performance/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The performance marked Spears' first time returning to the VMA stage after her widely panned performance of "Gimme More" at the 2007 show nine years earlier.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/britney-spears-is-ready-to-make-history-at-the-vmas-9-years-after-disastrous-performance_n_57b33b2ae4b0863b0284f09a |title=Britney Spears Is Ready To Make History at the VMAs 9 Years After Disastrous Performance |first=Stephanie |last=Marcus |date=August 16, 2016 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |via=Huff Post |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210434/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/britney-spears-is-ready-to-make-history-at-the-vmas-9-years-after-disastrous-performance_n_57b33b2ae4b0863b0284f09a |url-status=live}}</ref> Along with "Make Me", Spears and G-Eazy also performed the latter's hit song "[[Me, Myself & I (G-Eazy and Bebe Rexha song)|Me, Myself & I]]".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/790585/britney-spears-slays-2016-vmas-performance-with-a-surprise-from-g-eazy |title=Britney Spears Absolutely Slays VMAs Performance |date=August 28, 2016 |publisher=E! |access-date=October 11, 2019 |archive-date=October 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011095449/https://www.eonline.com/news/790585/britney-spears-slays-2016-vmas-performance-with-a-surprise-from-g-eazy |url-status=live}}</ref>

Spears appeared on the cover of ''[[Marie Claire]]'' UK for the October 2016 issue. In the publication, Spears revealed that she had suffered from crippling anxiety in the past, and that motherhood played a major role in helping her overcome it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity/554339/britney-spears-is-marie-claire-s-october-cover-star.html |title=Britney Spears is Marie Claire's October cover star |date=September 13, 2016 |access-date=September 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915002226/http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity/554339/britney-spears-is-marie-claire-s-october-cover-star.html |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> "My boys don't care if everything isn't perfect. They don't judge me", Spears said in the issue.<ref name=ETCanadaMC>{{cite web |url=http://etcanada.com/news/163237/britney-spears-on-having-a-bad-date-being-famous-doesnt-make-you-different/ |title=Britney Spears on Having A Bad Date: 'Being Famous Doesn't Make You Different' |date=August 31, 2016 |first=Cat |last=Williams |access-date=March 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116074249/https://etcanada.com/news/163237/britney-spears-on-having-a-bad-date-being-famous-doesnt-make-you-different/ |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In November 2016, during an interview with Las Vegas Blog, Spears confirmed she had already begun work on her next album, stating: "I'm not sure what I want the next album to sound like.&nbsp;... I just know that I'm excited to get into the studio again and actually have already been back recording."<ref>{{cite web |last=Slattery |first=Ryan |title=''Glory'': With A New Album and a Record-Breaking Hit Show in Las Vegas, Britney Spears Finds Her Energy And Her Peace |url=http://blog.caesars.com/las-vegas/vegas-player-magazine/glory-with-a-new-album-and-a-record-breaking-hit-show-in-las-vegas-britney-spears-finds-her-energy-and-her-peace/ |website=Las Vegas Blog |publisher=[[Caesar Palace]] |access-date=November 29, 2016 |location=United States |date=November 17, 2016 |archive-date=November 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130113738/http://blog.caesars.com/las-vegas/vegas-player-magazine/glory-with-a-new-album-and-a-record-breaking-hit-show-in-las-vegas-britney-spears-finds-her-energy-and-her-peace/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In the same month, she released a remix version of "[[Slumber Party (song)|Slumber Party]]" as the second single from ''Glory'', featuring [[Tinashe]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Britton |first=Luke |title=Watch Britney Spears and Tinashe's raunchy 'Slumber Party' video |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/britney-spears-tinashe-slumber-party-video-1862363 |website=[[NME]] |publisher=[[Caesar Palace]] |access-date=October 16, 2020 |location=United States |date=November 16, 2016 |archive-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002044915/https://www.nme.com/news/music/britney-spears-tinashe-slumber-party-video-1862363 |url-status=live}}</ref>

She began dating "Slumber Party"'s music video co-star [[Sam Asghari]] after the two met on set.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a35462171/sam-asghari-britney-spears-boyfriend-facts/ |title=Who Is Britney Spears' Boyfriend, Sam Asghari? |date=February 9, 2021 |access-date=April 28, 2021 |magazine=[[Harper's Bazaar]] |last=Sanchez |first=Chelsey |archive-date=September 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915125118/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a35462171/sam-asghari-britney-spears-boyfriend-facts/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2017, Spears received four wins out of four nominations at the [[43rd People's Choice Awards]], including Favorite Pop Artist, Female Artist, Social Media Celebrity, as well as Comedic Collaboration for a skit with [[Ellen DeGeneres]] for ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/peoples-choice-awards-2017-winners-list-7661621/ |title=People's Choice Awards 2017: See the Full List of Winners |magazine=Billboard |date=January 19, 2017 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120170659/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/7661621/peoples-choice-awards-2017-winners-list |url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2017, Spears announced that her residency concert would be performed abroad as a world tour, [[Britney: Live in Concert]], with dates in select Asian cities.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/robin-leach/red-carpet-report-britney-spears-announces-shows-israel-the-philippines-diplo-s-raider |title=Red Carpet Report: Britney Spears announces shows in Israel, The Philippines; Diplo's Raider Nation at XS |date=March 28, 2017 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |access-date=March 29, 2017 |archive-date=March 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329093945/http://www.reviewjournal.com/robin-leach/red-carpet-report-britney-spears-announces-shows-israel-the-philippines-diplo-s-raider |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/britney-spears-to-make-first-tour-of-japan-since-2002 |title=Britney Spears to make first tour of Japan since 2002 |work=Japan Today |date=April 2, 2017 |access-date=April 30, 2017 |archive-date=October 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014034113/https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/britney-spears-to-make-first-tour-of-japan-since-2002 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/03/28/17/britney-spears-announces-manila-concert |title=Britney Spears announces Manila concert |work=ABS-CBN News |access-date=April 6, 2017 |archive-date=April 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406215140/http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/03/28/17/britney-spears-announces-manila-concert |url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2017, the [[Israeli Labor Party]] announced that it would reschedule its July primary election to avoid conflict with Spears' sold-out Tel Aviv concert, citing traffic, and security concerns.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/06/world/britney-spears-israel-trnd/index.html |title=Israel postpones vote due to Britney Spears concert |first=Delaney |last=Strunk |date=April 6, 2017 |publisher=CNN |access-date=April 6, 2017 |archive-date=April 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406210123/http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/06/world/britney-spears-israel-trnd/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Spears' manager Larry Rudolph also announced the residency would not be extended following her contract expiration with Caesars Entertainment at the end of 2017. On April 29, 2017, Spears became the first recipient of the Icon Award at the [[2017 Radio Disney Music Awards]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/britney-spears-medley-radio-disney-music-awards-hailee-steinfeld-kelsea-ballerini-sofia-carson-7775298/ |title=Hailee Steinfeld, Sofia Carson & Kelsea Ballerini to Perform Britney Spears Medley at Radio Disney Music Awards |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210437/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/britney-spears-medley-radio-disney-music-awards-hailee-steinfeld-kelsea-ballerini-sofia-carson-7775298/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On November 4, 2017, Spears attended the grand opening of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Britney Spears Campus in [[Las Vegas]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://people.com/music/britney-spears-opens-childrens-cancer-foundation-campus-las-vegas/ |title=Britney Spears Opens Children's Cancer Foundation Campus in Vegas After Donating $1 Million |work=People |access-date=November 25, 2017 |archive-date=December 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203071917/http://people.com/music/britney-spears-opens-childrens-cancer-foundation-campus-las-vegas/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, ''[[Forbes]]'' announced that Spears was the 8th highest earning female musician, earning $34 million in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thefader.com/2017/11/21/beyonce-richest-woman-in-music |title=Beyoncé has replaced Taylor Swift as the richest woman in music |work=[[The Fader]] |access-date=November 25, 2017 |archive-date=November 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122020733/http://www.thefader.com/2017/11/21/beyonce-richest-woman-in-music |url-status=live}}</ref> On December 31, 2017, Spears performed the final show of Britney: Piece of Me.<ref name="iheart.com">{{Cite web |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2018-01-03-britney-spears-ends-piece-of-me-vegas-residency-with-box-office-record/ |title=Britney Spears Ends 'Piece Of Me' Vegas Residency With Box Office Record |website=iHeartRadio |access-date=January 9, 2018 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141430/https://www.iheart.com/content/2018-01-03-britney-spears-ends-piece-of-me-vegas-residency-with-box-office-record/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The final performance reportedly brought in $1.172 million, setting a new box office record for a single show in Las Vegas, and breaking the record previously held by [[Jennifer Lopez]].<ref name="iheart.com" /> Performances of "[[Toxic (song)|Toxic]]" and "[[Work Bitch]]" were recorded on earlier dates and aired on ABC's ''[[Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve]]'' to a record audience of 25.6 million.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/dick-clark-new-years-rockin-eve-ratings-year-top-music-special-8085895/ |title=Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest Bests Grammys as 2017's Top Music Special |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210432/https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/dick-clark-new-years-rockin-eve-ratings-year-top-music-special-8085895/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2018, Spears released her 24th perfume with Elizabeth Arden, [[Fantasy (fragrance)#Sunset Fantasy|Sunset Fantasy]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://celebmix.com/britney-spears-unveils-new-fragrance-sunset-fantasy/ |title=Britney Spears Unveils New Fragrance 'Sunset Fantasy' |date=January 8, 2018 |access-date=January 9, 2018 |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330054435/https://celebmix.com/britney-spears-unveils-new-fragrance-sunset-fantasy/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and announced the [[Piece of Me Tour]] which took place in July 2018 in North America and Europe.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.timeout.com/usa/news/pop-queen-britney-spears-announces-world-tour-dates-for-2018-012318 |title=Pop queen Britney Spears announces world tour dates for 2018 |work=[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]] |access-date=February 14, 2018 |archive-date=February 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217134148/https://www.timeout.com/usa/news/pop-queen-britney-spears-announces-world-tour-dates-for-2018-012318 |url-status=live}}</ref> Tickets were sold out within minutes for major cities, and additional dates were added to meet the demand.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/britney-spears-extra-dates-2018-11999582 |title=Britney Spears adds extra dates to UK 2018 tour due to overwhelming demand |last=Flook |first=Harriet |date=February 13, 2018 |work=mirror |access-date=February 14, 2018 |archive-date=February 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213143328/https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/britney-spears-extra-dates-2018-11999582 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Pitbull (rapper)|Pitbull]] was the [[supporting act]] for the European leg.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/britney-spears-bringing-las-vegas-residency-uk-2226422 |title=Britney Spears adds new dates to 'Piece of Me' UK tour and announces support act |date=February 9, 2018 |work=NME |access-date=February 14, 2018 |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330024240/https://www.nme.com/news/music/britney-spears-bringing-las-vegas-residency-uk-2226422 |url-status=live}}</ref> The tour ranked at 86 and 30 on ''[[Pollstar]]''{{'}}s 2018 Year-End Top 100 Tours chart both in North America and worldwide, respectively. In total, the tour grossed $54.3 million with 260,531 tickets sold and was the sixth highest-grossing female tour of 2018, and was the United Kingdom's second best-selling female tour of 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pollstar.com/Chart/2018/12/2018YearEndTop100WorldwideTours_697.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.pollstar.com/Chart/2018/12/2018YearEndTop100WorldwideTours_697.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |title=Year End Top 100 Worldwide Tours |work=[[Pollstar]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pollstar.com/Chart/2018/12/2018YearEndTop200NorthAmericanTours_698.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.pollstar.com/Chart/2018/12/2018YearEndTop200NorthAmericanTours_698.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |title=Year End Top 200 North American Tours |work=[[Pollstar]]}}</ref>

On March 20, 2018, Spears was announced as part of a campaign for French luxury fashion house [[Kenzo (brand)|Kenzo]].<ref name="harpersbazaar.com.au">{{cite magazine |last=Anastasiou |first=Zoe |title=Britney Spears Just Landed A Major Fashion Campaign With Kenzo |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com.au/fashion/britney-spears-kenzo-campaign-16041/ |magazine=[[Harper's Bazaar]] |access-date=March 20, 2018 |archive-date=March 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063222/https://www.harpersbazaar.com.au/fashion/britney-spears-kenzo-campaign-16041/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The company said it aimed to shake up the 'jungle' world of fashion with Spears' 'La Collection Memento No. 2' campaign.<ref name="lvmh.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.lvmh.com/the-group/lvmh-companies-and-brands/fashion-leather-goods/kenzo |title=Kenzo |work=LVMH |date=May 30, 2023 |access-date=March 21, 2018 |archive-date=February 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219202137/http://www.lvmh.com/the-group/lvmh-companies-and-brands/fashion-leather-goods/kenzo |url-status=live}}</ref> On April 12, 2018, Spears was honored with the 2018 [[GLAAD Vanguard Award]] at the [[GLAAD Media Award]]s for her role in "accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQ community".<ref name=spearsglaad>{{Cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/britney-spears-honored-29th-glaad-media-awards-8099461/ |title=Britney Spears to be Honored at 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 21, 2021 |date=February 13, 2018 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210433/https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/britney-spears-honored-29th-glaad-media-awards-8099461/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On April 27, 2018, Epic Rights announced a new partnership with Spears to debut her own fashion line in 2019, which would include clothing, fitness apparel, accessories, and electronics.<ref>Lieber, Chavie (April 27, 2018). [https://www.racked.com/2018/4/27/17287290/britney-spears-fashion-line "Now Is the Perfect Moment for a Britney Spears Fashion Line"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330024241/https://www.racked.com/2018/4/27/17287290/britney-spears-fashion-line |date=March 30, 2019 }}. ''[[Racked]]''. Retrieved June 24, 2018.</ref>

In July 2018, Spears released her first unisex fragrance, [[Britney Spears products#Fragrances|Prerogative]].<ref>Rosenstein, Jenna (July 18, 2018). [https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/a22166498/britney-spears-prerogative-perfume-review/ "Britney Spears Is Launching a A Unisex Fragrance Called Prerogative"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070758/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/a22166498/britney-spears-prerogative-perfume-review/ |date=November 9, 2018 }} ''HarpersBazaar.com''. Retrieved November 9, 2018.</ref> On October 18, 2018, Spears announced her second Las Vegas residency show, Britney: Domination, which was set to launch at [[Park MGM]]'s Park Theatre on February 13, 2019.<ref name=":0">Willman, Chris (October 19, 2018). [https://variety.com/2018/music/news/britney-spears-las-vegas-residency-paid-1202986621/ "Britney Spears' Strange Vegas Residency Rollout Belies a Big Raise"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330024240/https://variety.com/2018/music/news/britney-spears-las-vegas-residency-paid-1202986621/ |date=March 30, 2019 }} ''Variety''. Retrieved November 9, 2018.</ref> Spears was slated to make $507,000 per show, which would have made her the highest paid act on the [[Las Vegas Strip]].<ref name=":0"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2018-10-19-britney-spears-announces-domination-las-vegas-residency-see-the-dates/ |title=Britney Spears Announces 'Domination' Las Vegas Residency: See The Dates |website=iHeartRadio |access-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330024244/https://www.iheart.com/content/2018-10-19-britney-spears-announces-domination-las-vegas-residency-see-the-dates/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On October 21, 2018, Spears performed at the [[United States Grand Prix|Formula One Grand Prix]] in [[Austin, Texas|Austin]], the final performance of her Piece of Me Tour.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/23322118/britney-spears-bruno-mars-perform-formula-1-us-grand-prix-austin |title=Britney Spears and Bruno Mars 'Look to Boost the US Grand Prix in Austin' |date=April 26, 2018 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |access-date=June 24, 2018 |archive-date=May 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503052903/http://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/23322118/britney-spears-bruno-mars-perform-formula-1-us-grand-prix-austin |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2019–2021: Conservatorship dispute, #FreeBritney, and abuse allegations===
{{Main|Britney Spears conservatorship case}}
On January 4, 2019, Spears announced an indefinite hiatus and the cancellation of her Las Vegas residency after her father, [[Jamie Spears|Jamie]], suffered a near-fatal colon rupture.<ref>{{cite web |last=Coscarelli |first=Joe |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/04/arts/music/britney-spears-cancels-vegas-residency.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220101/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/04/arts/music/britney-spears-cancels-vegas-residency.html |archive-date=January 1, 2022 |url-access=limited |title=Britney Spears Announces 'Indefinite Work Hiatus,' Cancels Las Vegas Residency |work=The New York Times |date=January 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In March 2019, Andrew Wallet resigned as co-conservator of her estate after 11 years.<ref>{{cite web |last=Chung |first=Gabrielle |url=https://people.com/music/britney-spears-dad-calls-on-court-to-reappoint-co-conservator-who-resigned-in-2019/ |title=Britney Spears' Father Jamie Calls on Court to Reappoint Co-Conservator Who Resigned in 2019 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=August 20, 2020 |access-date=September 4, 2020 |archive-date=August 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822145116/https://people.com/music/britney-spears-dad-calls-on-court-to-reappoint-co-conservator-who-resigned-in-2019/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Spears entered a psychiatric facility amidst stress from her father's illness that same month.<ref name="varietyfansdemand">{{cite web |title=Britney Spears' Fans Demand Release of Pop Star from Psychiatric Facility |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/free-britney-spears-protest-west-hollywood-city-hall-1203194891/ |access-date=April 23, 2019 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=April 22, 2019 |archive-date=April 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423000702/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/free-britney-spears-protest-west-hollywood-city-hall-1203194891/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, a fan podcast, ''Britney's Gram'', released a voicemail message from a source who claimed to be a former member of Spears' legal team. They alleged that Jamie had canceled the residency due to Spears' refusal to take her medication, that he had been holding her in the facility against her will since January 2019 after she violated a no-driving rule, and that her conservatorship was supposed to have ended in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/04/whats-going-on-with-britney-spearss-mental-health-crisis.html |title=All Your Questions About Britney Spears' Latest Mental-Health Crisis, Answered |last=Gutowitz |first=Jill |date=April 24, 2019 |website=[[Vulture.com|Vulture]] |access-date=May 2, 2020 |archive-date=April 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425190542/https://www.vulture.com/2019/04/whats-going-on-with-britney-spearss-mental-health-crisis.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Marissa |url=https://slate.com/culture/2019/04/britney-spears-hostage-rumors-free-britney.html |title=Why Did Britney Spears Have to Confirm She's Not Being Held Hostage? |work=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]] |date=April 24, 2019 |access-date=September 5, 2020 |archive-date=August 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814192037/https://slate.com/culture/2019/04/britney-spears-hostage-rumors-free-britney.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The allegations gave rise to a movement to terminate the conservatorship, #FreeBritney,<ref name="whatisactually">{{cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Julia |title=What Is Actually Happening With Britney Spears? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/17/arts/music/britney-spears-conservatorship-mental-health.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220101/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/17/arts/music/britney-spears-conservatorship-mental-health.html |archive-date=January 1, 2022 |url-access=limited |access-date=May 18, 2019 |work=The New York Times |date=May 17, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> which received support from celebrities including singers [[Cher]], [[Paris Hilton]], and [[Miley Cyrus]], and the nonprofit organization [[American Civil Liberties Union]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Milton |first=Josh |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/09/01/cher-free-britney-spears-conservatorship-cash-cow-twitter/ |title=Cher sides with Britney Spears as she weighs in on conservatorship |work=[[PinkNews]] |date=September 1, 2020 |access-date=September 4, 2020 |archive-date=September 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903174715/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/09/01/cher-free-britney-spears-conservatorship-cash-cow-twitter/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=White |first=Adam |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/paris-hilton-britney-spears-conservatorship-freebritney-lindsay-lohan-jamie-a9686761.html |title=Paris Hilton 'heartbroken' over Britney Spears conservatorship battle: 'It's not fair to be treated like a child' |work=[[The Independent]] |date=August 25, 2020 |access-date=September 4, 2020 |archive-date=October 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010001357/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/paris-hilton-britney-spears-conservatorship-freebritney-lindsay-lohan-jamie-a9686761.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/miley-cyrus-free-britney-spears-memphis-concert-1203205780/ |title=Miley Cyrus Calls to 'Free Britney!' Spears at Memphis Concert |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=May 6, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2020 |archive-date=March 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329222610/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/miley-cyrus-free-britney-spears-memphis-concert-1203205780/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Kirkpatrick |first=Emily |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/08/britney-spears-conservatorship-aclu |title=The ACLU Is Ready to Help Free Britney |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |date=August 24, 2020 |access-date=September 4, 2020 |archive-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001052209/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/08/britney-spears-conservatorship-aclu |url-status=live}}</ref> On April 22, 2019, fans protested outside the [[West Hollywood City Hall]] and demanded Spears' release.<ref name="varietyfansdemand" /> Spears said "all [was] well" two days later and left the facility later that month.<ref name="bbcnewstellsfans">{{cite news |title=Britney Spears tells fans 'all is well' after #FreeBritney campaign |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-48036022 |access-date=April 25, 2019 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=April 24, 2019 |archive-date=April 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425022217/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-48036022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Sandra |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/25/entertainment/britney-spears-checks-out-of-facility/index.html |title=Britney Spears leaves treatment facility |publisher=[[CNN]] |date=April 26, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2020 |archive-date=September 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910221547/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/25/entertainment/britney-spears-checks-out-of-facility/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Free Britney Movement in Washington 1.jpg|thumb|The #FreeBritney movement in front of the [[Lincoln Memorial]], 2021]]

In a May 2019 hearing, Judge Brenda Penny ordered a professional evaluation of the conservatorship.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2019/05/10/britney-spears-goes-court-speak-judge-conservatorship/1171220001/ |title=Britney Spears appears in court over conservatorship, judge orders evaluation |work=[[USA Today]] |date=May 10, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2020 |archive-date=July 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728164445/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2019/05/10/britney-spears-goes-court-speak-judge-conservatorship/1171220001/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In September, Spears' ex-husband Federline obtained a restraining order against Britney's father, Jamie, following an alleged physical altercation between Jamie and one of her sons.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dasrath |first=Diana |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/celebrity/kevin-federline-files-complaint-alleging-altercation-between-his-son-britney-n1049846 |title=Kevin Federline files complaint alleging altercation between his son and Britney Spears' father |publisher=[[NBC News]] |date=September 5, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2020 |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030182338/https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/celebrity/kevin-federline-files-complaint-alleging-altercation-between-his-son-britney-n1049846 |url-status=live}}</ref> Spears' longtime care manager, Jodi Montgomery, temporarily replaced Jamie as her conservator that same month,<ref>{{cite web |last=D'Zurilla |first=Christie |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2019-09-10/britney-spears-jamie-spears-conservatorship |title=Britney Spears' dad, Jamie Spears, is out as her conservator—at least for now |work=Los Angeles Times |date=September 10, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2020 |archive-date=September 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904095515/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2019-09-10/britney-spears-jamie-spears-conservatorship |url-status=live}}</ref> which also saw a hearing where no decisions about the arrangement were reached.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/177adfc61f0a4676a288cae09e791da3 |title=The Latest: No rulings, no Britney Spears at court hearing |work=[[Associated Press]] |date=September 19, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2020 |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127031224/https://apnews.com/177adfc61f0a4676a288cae09e791da3 |url-status=live}}</ref> An interactive pop-up museum dedicated to Spears, dubbed "The Zone", opened in Los Angeles in February 2020, though it was later suspended in the wake of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="Shapiro 2020">{{cite web |last=Shapiro |first=Dan |title=You are now entering 'The Zone': An immersive Britney Spears experience brings early 2000s teen pop back to LA |website=Roadtrippers |date=March 31, 2020 |url=https://roadtrippers.com/magazine/britney-spears-zone-los-angeles/ |access-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-date=July 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705083930/https://roadtrippers.com/magazine/britney-spears-zone-los-angeles/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lambert |first=Molly |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-02-02/britney-spears-the-zone-pop-up-museum |title=At the Britney Spears pop-up museum (yes, museum), a vacant Kmart becomes a selfie shrine |work=Los Angeles Times |date=February 2, 2020 |access-date=September 4, 2020 |archive-date=June 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610010547/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-02-02/britney-spears-the-zone-pop-up-museum |url-status=live}}</ref> She released ''Glory''{{'}}s Japanese-exclusive bonus track, "[[Mood Ring (Britney Spears song)|Mood Ring]]" as a single, and debuted a new cover of the album to streaming and digital platforms worldwide in May 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=Chris |url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/05/britney-spears-releases-mood-ring-by-demand-new-music.html |title=Britney Spears Drops 'Mood Ring (By Demand),' Her First New Music in 4 Years |website=[[Vulture.com|Vulture]] |date=May 29, 2020 |access-date=September 4, 2020 |archive-date=March 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305081438/https://www.vulture.com/2020/05/britney-spears-releases-mood-ring-by-demand-new-music.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In August, Jamie called the #FreeBritney movement "a joke" and its organizers "conspiracy theorists".<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Amy |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-08-01/britney-jamie-spears-dad-freebritney-conservatorship |title=Britney Spears' father calls #FreeBritney followers 'conspiracy theorists' |work=Los Angeles Times |date=August 1, 2020 |access-date=September 4, 2020 |archive-date=September 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903224309/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-08-01/britney-jamie-spears-dad-freebritney-conservatorship |url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 17, 2020, Spears' court-appointed lawyer, Samuel D. Ingham III, submitted a court filing that documented Spears' desire to have her conservatorship altered to reflect her wishes as well as lifestyle, to instate Montgomery as her permanent conservator,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beresford |first=Trilby |date=July 6, 2021 |title=Britney Spears' Conservatorship Lawyers to Resign |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/britney-spears-lawyers-to-resign-1234978292/ |access-date=July 7, 2021 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=July 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706233523/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/britney-spears-lawyers-to-resign-1234978292/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and to replace Jamie with a [[fiduciary]] as conservator of her estate.<ref>{{cite web |last=Coscarelli |first=Joe |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/18/arts/music/britney-spears-conservatorship.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818212006/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/18/arts/music/britney-spears-conservatorship.html |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Britney Spears Seeking Substantial Changes to Conservatorship |newspaper=The New York Times |date=August 18, 2020 |access-date=August 24, 2020}}</ref> Four days later, Penny extended the established arrangement until February 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last=Coscarelli |first=Joe |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/21/arts/music/britney-spears-conservatorship.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821211006/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/21/arts/music/britney-spears-conservatorship.html |archive-date=August 21, 2020 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Britney Spears Conservatorship to Remain As Is Until 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=August 21, 2020 |access-date=September 4, 2020}}</ref> In November 2020, Penny approved [[Bessemer Trust]] as co-conservator of Spears' estate alongside Jamie.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dalton |first=Andrew |url=https://apnews.com/article/britney-spears-seeks-freedom-from-father-685c547c55bebd617bd637e3fb55d64c |title=Lawyer: Britney Spears fears father, wants him out of career |work=[[Associated Press]] |date=November 10, 2020 |access-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111003754/https://apnews.com/article/britney-spears-seeks-freedom-from-father-685c547c55bebd617bd637e3fb55d64c |url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, Spears released a new deluxe edition of ''Glory'', which includes "Mood Ring" and new songs "[[Swimming in the Stars]]" and "[[Matches (Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys song)|Matches]]".<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Blistein |first=Jon |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-backstreet-boys-matches-new-song-1102497/ |title=Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys Team Up for New Song 'Matches' |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=December 11, 2020 |access-date=February 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218014418/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-backstreet-boys-matches-new-song-1102497/ |archive-date=February 18, 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

A documentary about Spears' career and conservatorship, ''[[Framing Britney Spears]]'', premiered on [[FX (TV channel)|FX]] in February 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last=Grisafi |first=Patricia |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/framing-britney-spears-fx-shows-how-singer-gets-used-everyone-ncna1256889 |title='Framing Britney Spears' on FX shows how the singer gets used for everyone else's purposes |publisher=[[NBC News]] |date=February 5, 2021 |access-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206044237/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/framing-britney-spears-fx-shows-how-singer-gets-used-everyone-ncna1256889 |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Spears later revealed that she had seen parts of the documentary, stating that she felt humiliated by the perception of her that was presented and that she "cried for two weeks" following the initial broadcast.<ref>{{cite news |title=Britney Spears 'cried for two weeks' over Framing documentary |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-56587495 |access-date=March 31, 2021 |agency=[[BBC News]] |date=March 31, 2021 |archive-date=March 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331090208/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-56587495 |url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, Ingham filed a petition to permanently replace Jamie with Montgomery as the conservator of Spears' person,<ref>{{cite news |last=Snapes |first=Laura |title=Britney Spears asks for father to be removed from running personal affairs |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/mar/25/britney-spears-father-personal-affairs |access-date=March 25, 2021 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=March 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325113420/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/mar/25/britney-spears-father-personal-affairs |archive-date=March 25, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> citing a 2014 order that determined that Spears did not have the capacity to consent to medical treatment of any form.<ref name=2021conservatorship>{{cite news |last=Melas |first=Chloe |title=Britney Spears' attorney files petition to remove her father from overseeing her medical decisions |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/24/entertainment/britney-spears-conservatorship-medical-decisions/index.html |access-date=March 25, 2021 |publisher=[[CNN]] |date=March 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325024120/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/24/entertainment/britney-spears-conservatorship-medical-decisions/index.html |archive-date=March 25, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 22, 2021, shortly before Spears was set to speak to the court, ''[[The New York Times]]'' obtained confidential court documents stating that Spears had pushed for years to end her conservatorship.<ref name=":3">{{cite news |last1=Day |first1=Liz |last2=Stark |first2=Samantha |last3=Coscarelli |first3=Joe |date=June 22, 2021 |title=Britney Spears Quietly Pushed for Years to End Her Conservatorship |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/22/arts/music/britney-spears-conservatorship.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623000153/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/22/arts/music/britney-spears-conservatorship.html |archive-date=June 23, 2021 |access-date=June 23, 2021 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Spears spoke to the court on June 23, calling the conservatorship "abusive". She said she had lied by "telling the whole world I'm OK and I'm happy", and that she was traumatized and angry.<ref name="courtaddress">{{cite news |last=Serjeant |first=Jill |date=April 27, 2021 |title=Britney Spears to speak directly to LA court on her conservatorship |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-britney-spears/britney-spears-to-address-la-court-in-june-about-her-conservatorship-idUSKBN2CE2SJ |access-date=April 28, 2021 |archive-date=April 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427230326/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-britney-spears/britney-spears-to-address-la-court-in-june-about-her-conservatorship-idUSKBN2CE2SJ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first1=Chloe |last1=Melas |first2=Veronica |last2=Rocha |first3=Meg |last3=Wagner |first4=Fernando |last4=Alfonso III |first5=Mike |last5=Hayes |date=June 23, 2021 |title=Live updates: Britney Spears addresses court over conservatorship |url=https://www.cnn.com/entertainment/live-news/britney-spears-court-hearing-conservatorship-june-2021/index.html |access-date=June 23, 2021 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624024233/https://www.cnn.com/entertainment/live-news/britney-spears-court-hearing-conservatorship-june-2021/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Britney Spears Asked A Judge To End The Conservatorship That Sparked The #FreeBritney Movement |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/skbaer/britney-spears-conservatorship-hearing |first=Stephanie K. |last=Baer |date=June 23, 2021 |access-date=June 23, 2021 |website=BuzzFeed News |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624024240/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/skbaer/britney-spears-conservatorship-hearing |url-status=live}}</ref> The court statement received widespread media coverage and generated over 1 million shares on Twitter, over 500,000 messages using the tag #FreeBritney, and more than 150,000 messages with a new hashtag referencing the court appearance, #BritneySpeaks.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-million-tweets-9591692/ |title=Britney Spears' Explosive Court Hearing Generated 1M Tweets |magazine=Billboard |date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=January 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129053144/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-million-tweets-9591692/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/britney-spears-full-statement-conservatorship-1235003940/ |title=Read Britney Spears' Full Statement Against Conservatorship: 'I Am Traumatized' |first=Jem |last=Aswad |date=June 23, 2021 |magazine=Variety |access-date=June 26, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624143852/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/britney-spears-full-statement-conservatorship-1235003940/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 1, Bessemer Trust asked the judge to allow them to withdraw from the conservatorship, saying that they had been misled and had entered into the arrangement on the understanding that the conservatorship was voluntary.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/01/arts/music/britney-spears-bessemer-trust-conservatorship.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/01/arts/music/britney-spears-bessemer-trust-conservatorship.html |archive-date=December 28, 2021 |url-access=limited |title=Company Set to Manage Britney Spears' Estate Asks to Withdraw |date=July 1, 2021 |work=The New York Times}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The same day, senators [[Elizabeth Warren]] and [[Bob Casey Jr.]] called on federal agencies to increase oversight of the country's conservatorship systems.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/01/us/politics/britney-spears-warren-casey-conservatorship.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/01/us/politics/britney-spears-warren-casey-conservatorship.html |archive-date=December 28, 2021 |url-access=limited |title=Britney Spears' case leads 2 senators to question the country's conservatorship systems. |date=July 1, 2021 |work=The New York Times}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Spears' manager of 25 years, [[Larry Rudolph]], resigned on July 6 due to her "intention to officially retire"<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-57733118 |title=Britney Spears' manager resigns after 25 years. |date=July 6, 2021 |agency=[[BBC News]] |access-date=July 6, 2021 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711073631/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-57733118 |url-status=live}}</ref> and on that same day, it was reported that Ingham planned to file documents to the court asking to be dismissed.<ref>{{cite news |first=Andrew |last=Limbong |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/07/06/1013402294/britney-spears-lawyer-samuel-ingham-iii-requests-to-resign |title=Britney Spears' Lawyer, Samuel Ingham III, Requests To Resign |date=July 6, 2021 |agency=[[NPR]] |access-date=May 15, 2022 |archive-date=April 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412200625/https://www.npr.org/2021/07/06/1013402294/britney-spears-lawyer-samuel-ingham-iii-requests-to-resign |url-status=live}}</ref> In a July 14 hearing, Judge Penny approved the resignations of Bessemer Trust and Ingham. The court also approved of Spears' request to hire attorney [[Mathew Rosengart|Mathew S. Rosengart]] to represent her. Rosengart informed the court that he would be working to terminate the conservatorship.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lozano |first1=Alicia Victoria |last2=Madani |first2=Doha |title=Britney Spears granted right to hire own lawyer; accuses father of 'conservatorship abuse' |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/britney-spears-wants-choose-her-own-attorney-she-may-find-n1273876 |access-date=July 14, 2021 |publisher=NBC News |date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715025035/https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/britney-spears-wants-choose-her-own-attorney-she-may-find-n1273876 |url-status=live}}</ref> Later that day, Spears publicly endorsed the #FreeBritney movement for the first time, using the hashtag in a caption on an Instagram post. She mentioned feeling "blessed" after earning "real representation", referring to Judge Penny's decision to allow her to choose her own counsel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Day |first=Nate |date=July 14, 2021 |title=Britney Spears joins #FreeBritney chorus after new representation in conservatorship is approved: 'Blessed' |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/britney-spears-freebritney-new-representation-conservatorship-approved |access-date=July 15, 2021 |publisher=Fox News |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715050149/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/britney-spears-freebritney-new-representation-conservatorship-approved |url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 26, Rosengart filed a petition seeking to remove Jamie as conservator of Spears' estate and to replace him with Jason Rubin, a [[Certified Public Accountant]] (CPA) at Certified Strategies Inc. in Woodland Hills, California.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Melas |last2=Passantino |last3=Jones |first1=Chloe |first2=Jon |first3=Julia |date=July 26, 2021 |title=Britney Spears files to remove her father as conservator of her estate |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/26/entertainment/britney-spears-files-remove-father-conservator-of-her-estate/index.html |access-date=July 26, 2021 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727025711/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/26/entertainment/britney-spears-files-remove-father-conservator-of-her-estate/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On August 12, Jamie agreed to step down as conservator at some future date, with his lawyers stating that he wanted "an orderly transition to a new conservator".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Coscarelli |first1=Joe |last2=Day |first2=Liz |title=Britney Spears' Father Says He Will Step Aside in Conservatorship Battle |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/12/arts/music/britney-spears-dad-conservatorship.html |access-date=August 19, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=August 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812214221/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/12/arts/music/britney-spears-dad-conservatorship.html |url-status=live |archive-date=August 12, 2021}}</ref> On September 7, Jamie filed a petition to end the conservatorship.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dalton |first=Andrew |date=September 7, 2021 |title=Britney Spears' father files to end court conservatorship |url=https://apnews.com/article/britney-spears-entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-los-angeles-2a2ca49133e31af9c020a21cb29ef334 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=[[Associated Press]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908001024/https://apnews.com/article/britney-spears-entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-los-angeles-2a2ca49133e31af9c020a21cb29ef334 |archive-date=September 8, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Five days later, Spears announced her engagement to her longtime boyfriend, Sam Asghari, through an Instagram post.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Avila |first1=Daniela |last2=Chiu |first2=Melody |url=https://people.com/music/britney-spears-and-sam-asghari-are-engaged/ |title=Britney Spears and Sam Asghari Are Engaged: 'I Can't&nbsp;... Believe It!' |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=September 12, 2021 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913031402/https://people.com/music/britney-spears-and-sam-asghari-are-engaged/ |archive-date=September 13, 2021}}</ref> On September 29, Judge Penny suspended Jamie as conservator of Spears' estate, with accountant John Zabel replacing him on a temporary basis.<ref>{{cite news |last=Richwine |first=Lisa |title=Britney Spears 'on cloud nine' after father suspended from conservatorship |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/britney-spears-case-back-court-with-dads-role-line-2021-09-29/ |work=Reuters |date=September 30, 2021 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=January 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115000415/https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/britney-spears-case-back-court-with-dads-role-line-2021-09-29/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On November 12, Judge Penny terminated the conservatorship.<ref name=NYTNov21>{{cite news |last=Coscarelli |first=Joe |title=Britney Spears Conservatorship Has Been Terminated: Live Updates |newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 12, 2021 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/11/12/arts/britney-spears-hearing-conservatorship |access-date=November 12, 2021 |archive-date=November 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112193014/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/11/12/arts/britney-spears-hearing-conservatorship |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2022–present: Third marriage, ''The Woman in Me'', and retirement from singing===
In April 2022, she announced her pregnancy with Asghari's child,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Puckett-Pope |first=Lauren |date=April 11, 2022 |title=Britney Spears Is Pregnant With Her First Child With Fiancé Sam Asghari |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a38569133/britney-spears-pregnant-first-child-sam-asghari/ |magazine=Elle |access-date=April 11, 2022 |archive-date=April 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411225510/https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a38569133/britney-spears-pregnant-first-child-sam-asghari/ |url-status=live}}</ref> which ended in a miscarriage the following month.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Melas |first=Chloe |date=May 14, 2022 |title=Britney Spears says she has lost her baby early in her pregnancy |work=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/14/entertainment/britney-spears-loses-baby/index.html |access-date=July 28, 2022}}</ref> The couple married on June 9 at her home in [[Thousand Oaks, California|Thousand Oaks, Los Angeles]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Chris |date=June 9, 2022 |title=Britney Spears Marries Sam Asghari in Intimate Los Angeles Ceremony |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/britney-spears-wedding-married-sam-asghari-1235162294/ |access-date=June 9, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> None of Spears' immediate family (including her parents, sister, and brother) were invited; her two sons did not attend.<ref name="family not invited">{{Cite news |last=Soteriou |first=Stephanie |date=June 15, 2022 |title=Britney Spears Asked Why She'd Want Her Brother Bryan At Her Wedding As She Revealed She "Never Invited" Him Amid Claims He Didn't Attend Due To A Scheduling Conflict |work=[[BuzzFeed News]] |publisher= |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/stephaniesoteriou/britney-spears-dragged-brother-not-invited-wedding |access-date=June 16, 2022}}</ref><ref name="sons not at wedding">{{Cite news |last1=Slater |first1=Georgia |last2=DeSantis |first2=Rachel |date=June 9, 2022 |title=Britney Spears' Sons Preston and Jayden Won't Be at Wedding but Are 'Happy' for Her: Lawyer |work=People |publisher= |url=https://people.com/parents/britney-spears-sons-sean-preston-and-jayden-will-not-attend-wedding-to-sam-asghari/ |access-date=June 16, 2022}}</ref> Spears' first husband, Jason Alexander, attempted to crash the wedding by breaking into her home, armed with a knife, but was arrested.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Kane |first=Caitlin |date=June 10, 2022 |title=Britney Spears' ex-husband arrested after trying to crash her wedding |agency=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/britney-spears-wedding-sam-asghari-jason-alexander-ex-husband-arrested/}}</ref> Spears had a three-year restraining order against him.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Draughorne |first=Kenan |date=June 14, 2022 |title=After crashing Britney Spears' wedding, ex Jason Alexander hit with restraining order |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2022-06-14/britney-spears-jason-alexander-wedding-crash-restraining-order-stalker}}</ref> On August 26, Spears and English musician [[Elton John]] released the duet "[[Hold Me Closer (Elton John and Britney Spears song)|Hold Me Closer]]", a remake of John's 1972 single "[[Tiny Dancer]]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Erin |date=August 8, 2022 |title=Elton John, Britney Spears duet 'Hold Me Closer' confirmed |url=https://nypost.com/2022/08/08/elton-john-britney-spears-duet-hold-me-closer-confirmed/ |access-date=August 26, 2022 |website=[[New York Post]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Thania |date=August 26, 2022 |title=Britney Spears and Elton John Finally Drop 'Hold Me Closer' Duet |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/britney-spears-tiny-dancer-remix-elton-john-1235332743/ |access-date=August 26, 2022 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> It was Spears' first musical release since the termination of her conservatorship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Will |date=August 26, 2022 |title=Listen to Elton John and Britney Spears' new collaboration 'Hold Me Closer' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-to-a-snippet-of-elton-john-and-britney-spears-new-collaboration-hold-me-closer-3295262 |access-date=August 26, 2022 |website=[[NME]]}}</ref> "Hold Me Closer" debuted at number six on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], becoming her 14th top-ten single and her highest-charting song in the chart since "[[Scream & Shout]]" (2012).<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/harry-styles-tops-hot-100-elton-john-britney-spears-debut-top-10-1235134940/ |title=Harry Styles' 'As It Was' Holds Atop Hot 100, Elton John & Britney Spears' 'Hold Me Closer' Launches in Top 10 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906144358/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/harry-styles-tops-hot-100-elton-john-britney-spears-debut-top-10-1235134940/ |url-status=live}}</ref> It debuted at number three on the [[UK Singles Chart]], earning Spears her 24th top-ten.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Damshenas |first=Sam |title=Britney lands highest-charting single in the UK in 10 years with Elton John duet |url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/britney-lands-highest-charting-single-in-the-uk-in-10-years-with-elton-john-duet/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2022 |website=Gay Times |date=September 5, 2022 |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905105406/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/britney-lands-highest-charting-single-in-the-uk-in-10-years-with-elton-john-duet/}}</ref>

Since the termination of her conservatorship, Spears' personal life, social media presence, and overall well-being have been subject to renewed media interest and fan speculation, giving rise to conspiracy theories.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pullar |first=Jess |title=Everything You Need To Know About Those Wild Britney Spears Conspiracy Theories |url=https://www.elle.com.au/amp/culture/britney-spears-conspiracy-theories-28096/ |access-date=January 28, 2023 |website=Elle |date=January 9, 2023}}</ref> On January 24, 2023, deputies from the [[Ventura County Sheriff's Office]] performed a welfare check at Spears' residence after receiving several calls from fans who were concerned after she deleted her [[Instagram]] account. A spokesperson for the Sheriff's Department stated that Spears "was safe and in no danger". Spears addressed the incident on her [[Twitter]] account, asking fans to respect her privacy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeSantis |first=Rachel |date=January 26, 2023 |title=Britney Spears Asks Fans to 'Respect' Her Privacy After Calls to Police Prompt Welfare Check |url=https://people.com/music/britney-spears-asks-fans-to-respect-privacy-after-police-welfare-check/ |access-date=January 28, 2023 |website=People}}</ref> Spears and the rapper [[will.i.am]] released their single, "[[Mind Your Business (song)|Mind Your Business]]", on July 21, 2023.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=July 18, 2023 |title=Britney Spears to Return With New Will.i.am Song |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-will-i-am-confirms-new-song-1234789924/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719083706/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-will-i-am-confirms-new-song-1234789924/924/ |archive-date=July 19, 2023 |access-date=July 19, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> On August 16, it was announced Spears and Asghari separated after 14 months of marriage.<ref>{{cite web |last=Avila |first=Daniela |title=Britney Spears and Husband Sam Asghari Separate After 14 Months of Marriage: Sources |url=https://people.com/britney-spears-sam-asghari-separate-14-months-marriage-sources-7560717 |website=[[People (magazine)|People]] |access-date=August 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817011910/https://people.com/britney-spears-sam-asghari-separate-14-months-marriage-sources-7560717 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |location=United States |issn=0093-7673 |oclc=794712888 |date=August 16, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> On May 1, 2024, they reached a divorce settlement.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/britney-spears-divorce-settlement-sam-asghari-1235671574/ |title=Britney Spears Settles Divorce From Sam Asghari |date=May 2, 2024 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |last=Donahue |first=Bill |access-date=May 2, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://people.com/britney-spears-sam-asghari-settle-divorce-7692748 |title=Britney Spears and Sam Asghari Settle Their Divorce 9 Months After Filing |date=May 2, 2024 |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |last=Avila |first=Daniela |access-date=May 2, 2024}}</ref> The following day, the judge signed off on the settlement and the couple were divorced on December 2, 2024.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1400705/britney-spears-and-sam-asgharis-spousal-support-decision-revealed |title=Britney Spears and Sam Asghari's Spousal Support Decision Revealed |date=May 2, 2024 |publisher=[[E!]] |access-date=May 3, 2024}}</ref> In September 2023, an additional welfare check was initiated when Spears posted an Instagram video of herself dancing with knives. Her security team assured the attending officer that there was no immediate threat to her safety, and the officer departed. Spears also clarified that the knives were not real.<ref>{{cite news |last=Campbell |first=Josh |date=September 28, 2023 |title=Authorities dispatched to Britney Spears' home over video showing singer dancing with knives |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/authorities-dispatched-to-britney-spears-home-over-video-showing-singer-dancing-with-knives-1.6582024 |access-date=September 29, 2023 |publisher=[[CTV News]]}}</ref>

In February 2022, Spears signed a $15 million book deal for a memoir in one of the [[List of largest book deals|biggest book deals of all time]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 21, 2022 |title=Britney Spears Lands Multimillion-Dollar Book Deal |url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/britney-spears-book-deal-simon-schuster-15-million-1234957592/ |access-date=February 22, 2022 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref><ref name="biggest book deal">{{Cite news |last=Voytko |first=Lisette |date=February 22, 2022 |title=Britney Spears' $15 Million Book Deal Shows Why Success Is The Best Revenge |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisettevoytko/2022/02/22/britney-spears-15-million-book-deal-shows-why-success-is-the-best-revenge/ |access-date=June 16, 2022}}</ref> The memoir, ''[[The Woman in Me (memoir)|The Woman in Me]],'' was released on October 24, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/britney-spears-memoir-the-woman-in-me-release-date-book-cover-reveal-exclusive-7558964 |title=Britney Spears Sets Fall Date for 'Brave' Memoir 'The Woman in Me' — See the Book Cover Reveal (Exclusive) |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |first=Elizabeth |last=Leonard |date=July 12, 2023 |access-date=July 15, 2023}}</ref> It details her rise to fame, public media events, her conservatorship, and her newfound freedom.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Snapes |first=Laura |date=October 24, 2023 |title='I felt like I was being ritually tortured': the most shocking moments in Britney Spears' memoir |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/oct/24/britney-spears-memoir-most-shocking-woman-in-me |access-date=October 27, 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In the United States, it sold 1.1 million copies, while worldwide it sold 2.4 million copies in print sales during its first week of release.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 1, 2023 |first=Julia |last=Jacobs |title=Britney Spears's Memoir Sells 1.1 Million Copies in U.S. in First Week |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/01/arts/music/britney-spears-memoir-woman-in-me-sales.html |access-date=November 1, 2023 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=November 1, 2023 |first=Angel |last=Saunders |title=Britney Spears' Memoir Sells Over 1 Million Copies in First Week: 'I Am Grateful to My Fans and Readers' |url=https://people.com/britney-spears-grateful-memoir-sells-over-1-million-copies-first-week-8386032 |access-date=November 2, 2023 |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref>

In January 2024, reports circulated that [[Charli XCX]] and [[Julia Michaels]] had been asked to write songs for Spears, and ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' reported that "management and A&R are trying to get her excited for the music". Spears denied the reports, saying she would never return to the music industry. However, she also said that she had written more than 20 songs for other artists in the previous two years.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Snapes |first=Laura |date=January 4, 2024 |title=Britney Spears denies reports of a new album: 'I will never return to the music industry' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/jan/04/britney-spears-denies-reports-of-a-new-album-i-will-never-return-to-the-music-industry |access-date=January 4, 2024 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In May 2024, Charli XCX confirmed in an interview that she was indeed asked to write for Spears, for which she traveled to Malibu, but that she did not know if Spears was a part of the process explaining that "the team were present... But she didn't record it. She obviously didn't."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |date=May 7, 2024 |title=Charli XCX Confirms She Did Write Music for Britney Spears (But It Was Never Recorded) |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/charli-xcx-wrote-music-for-britney-spears-never-recorded-1235676497/ |access-date=May 8, 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>

==Artistry==
===Influences===
{{multiple image
| align             = left
| total_width       = 450
| image1            = Madonna Rebel Heart Tour 2015 - Stockholm (23051472299) (cropped 2).jpg
| alt1              = Madonna performing
| image2            = JanetJacksonUnbreakableTourSanFran2015 (cropped).jpg
| alt2              = Janet Jackson performing
| image3            = Whitney Houston (cropped3).JPEG
| alt3              = Whitney Houston performing
| footer            = Spears credits artists such as (left to right) [[Madonna]], [[Janet Jackson]], and [[Whitney Houston]] as major musical influences.
}}
Spears has cited [[Madonna]], [[Janet Jackson]], and [[Whitney Houston]] as major influences, her "three favorite artists" as a child, whom she would "sing along to&nbsp;... day and night in [her] living room"; Houston's "[[I Have Nothing]]" was the song she auditioned to that landed her record deal with Jive Records.<ref>{{cite AV media |people=Horvitz, Louis J. (Director) |date=November 16, 2012 |title=Britney Spears Wishes Mariah Carey a Happy Birthday With the Sweetest Message |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> Spears also named [[Mariah Carey]] as "one of the main reasons I started singing".<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Britney Spears Wishes Mariah Carey a Happy Birthday With the Sweetest Message |first=Rania |last=Aniftos |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/britney-spears-mariah-carey-happy-birthday-9345527/ |magazine=Billboard |date=March 27, 2020 |access-date=December 21, 2021}}</ref> Throughout her career, Spears has drawn frequent comparisons to Madonna and Jackson in particular, in terms of vocals, choreography, and stage presence. According to Spears: "I know when I was younger, I looked up to people&nbsp;... like, you know, Janet Jackson and Madonna. And they were major inspirations for me. But I also had my own identity and I knew who I was."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Masley |first=Ed |title=The State of Britneydom: Teen-pop Queen declares 'I'm on the verge of being a woman' |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |page=W.22 |url=https://old.post-gazette.com/ae/20011101britney1102fnp2.asp |date=November 2, 2001 |issn=1068-624X |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210433/https://old.post-gazette.com/ae/20011101britney1102fnp2.asp |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the 2002 book ''Madonnastyle'' by Carol Clerk, she is quoted saying: "I have been a huge fan of Madonna since I was a little girl. She's the person that I've really looked up to. I would really, really like to be a legend like Madonna."<ref>{{cite book |last=Clerk |first=Carol |title=Madonnastyle |publisher=Omnibus Press |year=2002 |page=56 |isbn=978-0-7119-8874-3}}</ref> Spears cited "[[That's the Way Love Goes (Janet Jackson song)|That's the Way Love Goes]]" as the inspiration for her song "Touch of My Hand" from her album ''In the Zone'', saying "I like to compare it to 'That's the Way Love Goes,' kind of a Janet Jackson thing."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1472181/britney-previews-lp-denies-rumors-of-cry-me-a-river-response/ |title=Britney Previews LP, Denies Rumors Of 'Cry Me A River' Response |publisher=MTV News |last=Vineyard |first=Jennifer |date=May 30, 2003 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221201535/http://m.mtv.com/news/article.rbml?id=1472181 |archive-date=February 21, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> She also said her song "Just Luv Me" from her ''Glory'' album also reminded her of "That's the Way Love Goes".<ref>{{cite web |title=Britney Gives Sirius XM Venus A Track By Track of "Glory" |url=https://www.ukbritney.tv/2016/09/03/britney-gives-sirius-xm-venus-a-track-by-track-of-glory/ |publisher=ukbritney.tv |date=September 3, 2016 |access-date=September 19, 2020}}</ref>

After meeting Spears face to face, Janet Jackson stated: "she said to me, 'I'm such a big fan; I really admire you.' That's so flattering. Everyone gets inspiration from some place. And it's awesome to see someone else coming up who's dancing and singing, and seeing how all these kids relate to her. A lot of people put it down, but what she does is a positive thing."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gardner |first=Elysa |title=Luscious Jackson |newspaper=USA Today |date=July 28, 2000 |page=1.E |issn=0734-7456}}</ref> Madonna said of Spears in the documentary ''[[Britney: For the Record]]'': "I admire her talent as an artist&nbsp;... There are aspects about her that I recognize in myself when I first started out in my career".<ref>{{cite AV media |people=Griffin, Phil (Director) |date=November 30, 2008 |title=Britney: For the Record |medium=Documentary |location=United States |publisher=MTV}}</ref> Spears has also named [[Michael Jackson]], [[Mariah Carey]], [[Sheryl Crow]], [[Otis Redding]], [[Shania Twain]], [[Brandy Norwood|Brandy]], [[Beyoncé]], [[Natalie Imbruglia]], [[Cher]], and [[Prince (musician)|Prince]] as inspirations,<ref name="shane">{{Cite news |last=Harrison |first=Shane |title='Britney' strengthens claim to pop tiara |newspaper=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]] |page=C.1 |date=November 6, 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://lasvegasblog.harrahs.com/las-vegas-entertainment/exclusive-interview-britney-spears-on-tabloid-fame-and-vegas-takeover#sthash.I4BASJ84.dpuf |title=Exclusive Interview: Britney Spears On Tabloid Fame and Vegas Takeover |date=November 12, 2013 |access-date=November 12, 2013 |work=Vegas Player |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112195236/http://lasvegasblog.harrahs.com/las-vegas-entertainment/exclusive-interview-britney-spears-on-tabloid-fame-and-vegas-takeover/#sthash.I4BASJ84.dpuf |archive-date=November 12, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2013/12/29/britney-spears-inspired-by-beyonce-bruno-justin-timberlake/4218939/ |title=Who inspires Britney? Beyonce, Bruno and her ex JT |work=USA Today |date=December 29, 2013 |access-date=June 3, 2014 |first=Marco |last=Cava}}</ref> and younger artists such as [[Selena Gomez]] and [[Ariana Grande]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.francais-express.com/news/entertainment/-73744-britney-spears-comeback-album-inspired-by-selena-gomez/ |title=Britney Spears 'comeback' album inspired by Selena Gomez |work=Francais Express |date=September 28, 2016 |access-date=October 18, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vagalume.com.br/news/2016/08/30/britney-spears-revela-que-selena-gomez-e-ariana-grande-sao-inspiracoes.html |title=Britney Spears revela que Selena Gomez e Ariana Grande são "inspirações" |work=Vagalume |language=pt |date=September 28, 2016 |access-date=October 18, 2016}}</ref>

===Musical style===
Spears is described as a [[Pop music|pop]] artist<ref name=bsbiography>{{cite web |url=https://www.biography.com/musician/britney-spears |access-date=June 17, 2019 |title=Britney Spears – Age, Songs, & Kids – Biography |series=[[Biography (TV program)|Biography]] |work=[[A&E Television Networks]]}}</ref> and generally explores the genre in the form of {{nowrap|[[dance-pop]].{{sfn|Shuker|2012|p=99}}{{sfn|Appell|Hemphill|2006|loc="Dance Pop"}}<ref name=wtimes2012/>}} Following her debut, she was credited with influencing the revival of [[teen pop]] in the late 1990s.<ref name=rsspears/> Rob Sheffield of ''Rolling Stone'' wrote: "Spears carries on the classic archetype of the rock & roll teen queen, the dungaree doll, the angel baby who just has to make a scene."<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Oops!...I Did It Again – Album Review |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/oops-i-did-it-again-255421/ |last=Sheffield |first=Rob |date=June 9, 2004 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> In a review of ''...Baby One More Time'', Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic described her music as a "blend of infectious, rap-inflected dance-pop and smooth balladry".<ref>{{cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen |title=...Baby One More Time |url={{AllMusic |class=album |id=r384763 |pure_url=yes}} |year=1999 |access-date=October 8, 2009}}</ref> ''Oops!... I Did It Again'' saw Spears working with several [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] producers to create "a combination of bubblegum, urban soul, and [[raga]]".<ref>{{cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen |title=Oops!...I Did It Again |url={{AllMusic |class=album |id=r478679 |pure_url=yes}} |year=2000 |access-date=October 8, 2009}}</ref> Her third studio album, ''Britney'' derived from the teen pop niche "[r]hythmically and melodically", but was described as "sharper, tougher than what came before", incorporating genres such as R&B, disco, and funk.<ref name="britney-2001"/><ref name="NMEbritney"/>

Spears has explored and heavily incorporated the genres of [[electropop]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vh1.com/news/5e5sg4/britney-spears-iggy-azalea-pretty-girls |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722132635/https://www.vh1.com/news/5e5sg4/britney-spears-iggy-azalea-pretty-girls |url-status=live |archive-date=July 22, 2022 |title=Twitter Reacts to Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea's "Pretty Girls" |publisher=[[VH1]] |date=May 4, 2015 |last=Rosa |first=Christopher |access-date=October 17, 2017}}</ref><ref name=ladailynews>{{cite web |url=https://latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-britney-spears-glory-strategy-20160907-snap-story.html |title=Why Britney Spears and her team opted for tradition with the release of 'Glory' |work=Los Angeles Times |last=Kennedy |first=Gerrick D. |date=September 7, 2016 |access-date=October 14, 2017}}</ref> and [[dance music]] in her records, as well as influences of [[urban contemporary|urban]] and [[hip hop]], which are most present on ''In the Zone'' and ''Blackout''. ''In the Zone'' also experiments with [[trance music|Euro trance]], [[reggae]], and [[Middle Eastern music]].<ref name=ladailynews/><ref name=allmusicitz/><ref name=allmusicblackout/> ''Femme Fatale'' and ''Britney Jean'' were also heavily influenced by [[electronic music]] genres.<ref name="Allmusicff"/><ref name=guardianbj/> Spears' ninth studio album ''Glory'' is more eclectic and experimental than her previous released work. She commented that it "took a lot of time&nbsp;... it's really different&nbsp;... there are like two or three songs that go in the direction of more urban that I've wanted to do for a long time now, and I just haven't really done that."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://onairwithryan.iheart.com/articles/latest-show-495940/interview-britney-spears-says-glory-album-14979097/ |title=Interview: Britney Spears Says 'Glory' Album Is 'Different,' Will Have Some Hip-Hop |website=On Air with Ryan Seacrest |access-date=August 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808162100/http://onairwithryan.iheart.com/articles/latest-show-495940/interview-britney-spears-says-glory-album-14979097/ |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

''...Baby One More Time'' and ''Oops!... I Did It Again'' address themes such as love and relationships from a teenager's point of view.<ref name=ewney2001/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://travel.canoe.ca/AllPop-SpearsBritney/cd_ooops1.html |title=Britney hits us one more time |first=David |last=Veitch |date=May 13, 2000 |work=[[Calgary Sun]] |publisher=Mike Power |access-date=December 19, 2010 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719102417/http://travel.canoe.ca/AllPop-SpearsBritney/cd_ooops1.html |archive-date=July 19, 2012}}</ref> Following the massive commercial success of her first two studio albums, Spears' team and producers wanted to maintain the formula that took her to the top of the charts.<ref name=ewney2001/> Spears, however, was no longer satisfied with the sound and themes covered on her records. She co-wrote five songs and choose each track's producer on her third studio album, ''Britney'', which lyrics address the subjects of reaching adulthood, sexuality, and self-discovery.<ref name="britney-2001"/><ref name=ewney2001/><ref name="NMEbritney">{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-nme-5783-338289 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011121082531/http://www.nme.com/NME/External/Reviews/Reviews_Story/0%2C1069%2C8931%2C00.html |title=Britney Spears : Britney |first=Ted |last=Kessler |work=[[NME]] |archive-date=November 21, 2001 |access-date=December 21, 2021}}</ref> Sex, dancing, freedom, and love continued to be Spears' music main subjects on her subsequent albums.<ref name=allmusicitz/><ref name=allmusicblackout/><ref name=guardianbj>{{cite news |last=Harley |first=Kevin |title=Britney Spears, 'Britney Jean' (RCA) – album review |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/britney-spears-britney-jean-rca--album-review-8973349.html |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |access-date=December 2, 2013 |location=London |date=December 1, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Allmusicff">{{cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |date=March 28, 2011 |url={{AllMusic |class=album |id=femme-fatale-r2137181 |tab=review |pure_url=yes}} |title=Femme Fatale – Britney Spears |publisher=[[AllMusic]]. [[Rovi Corporation]] |access-date=March 28, 2011}}</ref> Her fifth studio effort, ''Blackout'', also addresses issues such as fame and media scrutiny, including on the song "Piece of Me".<ref name=allmusicblackout/><ref name=guardian>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/oct/26/popandrock.shopping |title=Britney Spears, Blackout |last=Petridis |first=Alexis |date=October 26, 2007 |access-date=August 8, 2011 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>

Spears' music has also been noted for some catchphrases. The opening in her debut single "...Baby One More Time", "Oh, baby baby" is considered to be one of her signature lines and has been parodied in the media by various artists such as [[Nicole Scherzinger]] and Ariana Grande.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/celebrity/nicole-scherzinger-impersonates-britney-spears-in-new-x-factor-preview/ |date=August 27, 2016 |access-date=July 27, 2020 |title=Oh Baby Baby! Nicole Scherzinger Does a Near-Flawless Impersonation of Britney Spears |work=People |first=Blake |last=Bakkila}}</ref> It has been used in variating forms throughout her music, such as simply, "baby" and "oh baby", as well as the ''Blackout'' track, "Ooh Ooh Baby". On the initial development of "...Baby One More Time", [[Barry Weiss]] noted Spears' inception of the catchphrase from her strange [[ad-libbing]] during the recording of the song. He commented further, "We thought it was really weird at first. It was strange. It was not the way [[Max Martin|Max]] wrote it. But it worked! We thought it could be a really good opening salvo for her."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/music/2018/10/23/baby-one-more-time-britney-spears-oral-history/ |date=October 23, 2018 |access-date=July 27, 2020 |title='Britney Spears wanted to be a star': An oral history of '...Baby One More Time' |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=Jessica M. |last=Goldstein}}</ref> The opening line in "Gimme More", "It's Britney, bitch" has become another signature phrase.<ref name=bustle17>{{cite web |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/the-history-of-its-britney-btch-shows-that-britney-spears-gave-us-so-much-more-than-a-fun-catchphrase-2742647/ |date=October 5, 2017 |access-date=July 27, 2020 |title=Yep, 'It's Britney, B*tch,' Is Still The Most Inspirational Catchphrase Ever |publisher=Bustle |first=Amy |last=Roberts}}</ref> An early review of ''Blackout'' suggested the phrase was "simply laughable".<ref name=bustle17/> Amy Roberts of ''[[Bustle (magazine)|Bustle]]'' called it "an indelible cultural turning point, transforming a frenetic, floundering moment in the superstar's career to one of strength and empowerment".<ref name=bustle17/>

===Voice===
{{Listen
| type        = music
| filename    = Britney Spears - You Got It All.ogg
| title       = "You Got It All"
| description = The cover of [[The Jets (Minnesota band)|the Jets]]'s song was Spears's first recording for her then-label Jive in 1997.<ref>{{harvnb|Knopper|2009|p=92}}</ref> The prominent use of [[melisma]] and [[vibrato]] as she continuously raises key into a high range was viewed as a [[Mariah Carey]] influence.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1004945/a/...Baby+One+More+Time.htm |title=...Baby One More Time – Album Review |work=[[CD Universe]] |access-date=March 4, 2011}}</ref>|format1=[[Ogg]]|filename2=Britney Spears - Freakshow.ogg|title2="Freakshow"|description2=The track is built around the 'wobbler' effect of [[dubstep]], and her vocals are pitched down low, making her sound masculine.<ref name=guardian/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/poptimist/6734-poptimist-10/ |title=Poptimist #10: Britney in the Black Lodge (Damn Fine Album) |last=Ewing |first=Tom |date=November 20, 2007 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]. Ryan Schreiber}}</ref> She has been credited as one of the artists who prompted the genre within a pop mainstream audience.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2011/jan/10/britney-spears-hold-it-against-me |title=New music: Britney Spears – Hold It Against Me |first=Michael |last=Cragg |date=January 10, 2011 |work=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref>
| pos         = right
}}

Spears is a [[soprano]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://uk.music.ign.com/articles/829/829550p1.html |title=Britney Spears – Blackout Review |work=IGN |date=October 23, 2007 |access-date=January 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712171542/http://uk.music.ign.com/articles/829/829550p1.html |archive-date=July 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="SopranoToBass">{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zxhnyrd#zxpsvcw |title=Soprano to bass: Can you find your voice? |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=November 29, 2017 |first=Tim |last=Rhys-Evans |archive-date=December 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222191126/http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zxhnyrd#zxpsvcw |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="billboardvmas">{{cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-vmas-performance-make-me-7488019/ |title=Britney Spears' 2016 VMAs Performance: An Effective, But Not Entirely Glorious, Bid to Regain Pop Superstardom |magazine=Billboard |date=August 26, 2016 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |first=Jennifer Keishin |last=Armstrong}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.idolator.com/7644147/britney-spears-glory-album-review |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160828022713/http://www.idolator.com/7644147/britney-spears-glory-album-review |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 28, 2016 |title=Britney Spears' 'Glory': Album Review |work=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]] |date=August 29, 2016 |access-date=December 22, 2017 |first=Jonathan |last=Riggs}}</ref> Other sources state that she possesses a [[contralto]] [[Voice type|vocal range]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Fisher |first1=Jeremy |last2=Kayes |first2=Gillyanne |date=May 27, 2014 |title=Successful Singing Auditions |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LU6JAwAAQBAJ |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]] |isbn=978-1-4725-3849-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Thakur |first=Pradeep |date=2010 |title=Britney Spears Is Coming-back! |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M1RwDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA20 |publisher=Pradeep Thakur & Sons |page=20 |isbn=978-1-257-08704-4}}</ref> Prior to her breakthrough success, she is described as having sung "much deeper than her highly recognizable trademark voice of today", with Eric Foster White, who worked with Spears on her debut album ''[[...Baby One More Time (album)|...Baby One More Time]]'', being cited as "[shaping] her voice over the course of a month" upon being signed to [[Jive Records]] "to where it is today—distinctively, unmistakably Britney".<ref name="hughes145">{{harvnb|Hughes|2005|p=145}}</ref> Rami Yacoub, who co-produced Spears' debut album with lyricist Max Martin, commented, "I know from [[Denniz Pop]] and Max's previous productions, when we do songs, there's kind of a nasal thing. With N' Sync and the Backstreet Boys, we had to push for that mid-nasal voice. When Britney did that, she got this kind of raspy, sexy voice."{{sfn|Bronson|2003|p=377}}

Guy Blackman of ''[[The Age]]'' wrote that "[t]he thing about Spears, though, is that her biggest songs, no matter how committee-created or impossibly polished, have always been convincing because of her delivery, her commitment and her presence.&nbsp;... Spears expresses perfectly the conflicting urges of adolescence, the tension between chastity and sexual experience, between hedonism and responsibility, between confidence and vulnerability."<ref name="The Age">{{Cite news |last=Blackman |first=Guy |title=Musical Spears |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/music/2009/10/24/1256147928875.html |newspaper=[[The Age]] |date=August 25, 2009 |access-date=November 21, 2009}}</ref> Producer [[William Orbit]], who worked with Spears on her album ''[[Britney Jean]]'', stated regarding her vocals: "[Britney] didn't get so big just because [she] put on great shows; [she] got to be that way because [her voice is] unique: you hear two words and you know who is singing".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hungertv.com/feature/interview-william-orbit/ |title=The Interview: William Orbit |publisher=Hunger TV |date=June 20, 2014 |access-date=January 2, 2015 |archive-date=January 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102030318/http://www.hungertv.com/feature/interview-william-orbit/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Spears has also been criticized for her reliance on [[Auto-Tune]]<ref>{{cite web |first=Aly |last=Weisman |title=Unedited Britney Spears Song Without Auto-Tune Leaks And It's Painful |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/what-britney-spears-sounds-like-without-auto-tune-2014-7 |website=Business Insider |access-date=April 8, 2018 |date=July 1, 2014}}</ref> and her vocals being "over-processed" on records.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://guardianlv.com/2014/07/britney-spears-the-outworldly-confusion-of-alien-video/ |date=July 9, 2014 |access-date=June 13, 2019 |title=Britney Spears: The Outworldly Confusion of 'Alien' [Video] |work=Guardian Liberty Voice |last=Brown |first=Jonathan}}</ref> Erlewine criticized Spears' singing abilities in a review of her ''Blackout'' album, stating: "Never the greatest vocalist, her thin squawk could be dismissed early in her career as an adolescent learning the ropes, but nearly a decade later her singing hasn't gotten any better, even if the studio tools to masquerade her weaknesses have."<ref name=allmusicblackout>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/blackout-mw0000487827 |title=Blackout – Britney Spears |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |access-date=December 18, 2016 |publisher=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> Joan Anderman of ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' remarked that "Spears sounds robotic, nearly inhuman, on her records, so processed is her voice by digital pitch-shifters and synthesizers."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Anderman |first=Joan |title=Beneath Her Sexy Growls, a Girlhood Interrupted |newspaper=The Boston Globe |page=D.1 |date=December 7, 2001 |issn=0743-1791}}</ref>

Kayla Upadhyaya of ''[[The Michigan Daily]]'' has provided a different point of view, stating: "Auto-tuned and over-processed vocals define [Spears]'s voice as an artist, and in her music, auto-tune isn't so much a gimmick as it is an instrument used to highlight, contort and make a statement."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.michigandaily.com/arts/12-britney-jean-review-10 |date=December 10, 2013 |access-date=June 13, 2019 |title=Pop queen loses voice on 'Britney Jean' |work=The Michigan Daily |last=Upadhyaya |first=Kayla}}</ref> Adam Markovitz of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' opines that "Spears is no technical singer, that's for sure. But backed by Martin and Dr. Luke's wall of sound, her vocals melt into a mix of babytalk coo and coital panting that is, in its own overprocessed way, just as iconic and propulsive as [[Michael Jackson]]'s yips or [[Eminem]]'s snarls."<ref name=ew2011/>

===Stage performances and videos===
[[File:IUSA Circus Tour.jpg|thumb|upright|Spears performing on [[The Circus Starring Britney Spears]] tour in 2009]]

Spears is known for her stage performances, particularly the elaborate dance routines which incorporate "belly-dancing and tempered erotic moves" that are credited with influencing "dance-heavy acts" such as [[Danity Kane]] and [[the Pussycat Dolls]].<ref name=abad1/><ref name=vogueus>{{cite web |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/britney-spears-best-live-performances-mtv-vmas |date=December 2, 2018 |access-date=June 12, 2019 |title=These Were Britney Spears' Best Performances of All Time |work=[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]] |last=Allaire |first=Christian}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' readers voted Spears their second-favorite dancing musician.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/rolling-stone-readers-pick-their-10-favorite-dancing-musicians-18885/2-britney-spears-177928/ |date=July 14, 2011 |access-date=June 13, 2019 |title=Rolling Stone Readers Pick Their 10 Favorite Dancing Musicians |magazine=Rolling Stone |last=Perpetua |first=Matthew}}</ref> Spears is described as being much more shy than her stage persona suggests.<ref name="Source1"/><ref name=vicemb/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/aug/11/britney-spears-making-baby-one-more-time |date=August 11, 2018 |access-date=June 17, 2019 |title='It was a bit of a blur': Britney Spears on the making of ...Baby One More Time |work=The Guardian |last=Cragg |first=Michael}}</ref> She said that performing is "a boost to [her] confidence. It's like an alter-ego type thing. Something clicks and I go and turn into this different person. I think it's kind of a gift to be able to do that."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/britney-spears-says-stage-persona-healthy-way-to-combat-shyness-8455376/ |date=May 10, 2018 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |title=Britney Spears Says Her Stage Persona is 'Healthy' Way to Combat Shyness |magazine=Billboard |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Her 2000, 2001, and 2003 MTV Video Music Awards performances were lauded,<ref name=timevmas>{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/4468932/vmas-2016-mtv-britney-spears-video/ |date=August 26, 2016 |access-date=June 13, 2019 |title=VMAs 2016: A Brief History of Britney Spears At The MTV VMAS |magazine=Time |last=Lang |first=Cady}}</ref> while her 2007 presentation was widely panned by critics, as she "teetered through her dance steps and mouthed only occasional words".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/13/arts/music/13brit.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070913091620/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/13/arts/music/13brit.html |archive-date=September 13, 2007 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |date=September 13, 2007 |access-date=June 14, 2019 |title=Spears' Awards Fiasco Stirs Speculation About Her Future |work=The New York Times |last=Leeds |first=Jeff}}</ref> ''Billboard'' called her 2016 "comeback" performance at the show "an effective, but not entirely glorious, bid to regain pop superstardom".<ref name="billboardvmas"/>

After her knee injuries and personal problems, Spears' "showmanship" and dance abilities came under criticism.<ref name=abad1>{{cite web |url=https://www.vox.com/2014/8/19/5998353/ariana-grande-female-pop-stars-dancing |date=August 19, 2014 |access-date=June 13, 2019 |title=It's not just Ariana Grande; female pop stars are becoming terrible dancers |work=[[Vox (website)|Vox]] |last=Abad-Santos |first=Alex}}</ref><ref name=lasvegas2017/> Serge F. Kovaleski of ''The New York Times'' watched her [[Britney: Piece of Me|Las Vegas concert residency]] in 2016 and stated: "Once a fluid, natural dancer, Ms. Spears can appear stiff, even robotic, today, relying on flailing arms and flashy sets."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/08/arts/music/is-britney-spears-ready-to-stand-on-her-own.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220101/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/08/arts/music/is-britney-spears-ready-to-stand-on-her-own.html |archive-date=January 1, 2022 |url-access=limited |date=May 4, 2016 |access-date=June 13, 2019 |title=Is Britney Spears ready to Stand On Her Own? |work=The New York Times |first1=Serge F. |last1=Kovaleski |first2=Joe |last2=Coscarelli}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ''[[Las Vegas Sun]]''{{'}}s [[Robin Leach]] seemed more impressed over Spears' efforts on the concert by saying that she delivered a "flawless performance" on the residency's opening night.<ref name=leach>{{cite web |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2013/dec/28/photos-britney-spears-reigns-pop-royalty-piece-me-/ |title=Photos: Britney Spears reigns supreme as pop royalty with 'Piece of Me' at Planet Hollywood |last=Leach |first=Robin |author-link=Robin Leach |date=December 28, 2013 |access-date=December 28, 2013 |work=[[Las Vegas Sun]] |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101075317/https://lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2013/dec/28/photos-britney-spears-reigns-pop-royalty-piece-me-/}}</ref>

It has been widely reported that Spears lip-syncs during live performances,<ref name=vogueus/><ref name=nmelevine>{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/britney-spears-responds-to-claims-she-lip-syncs-at-her-live-shows-2095501 |date=June 28, 2017 |access-date=June 13, 2019 |title=Britney Spears responds to claims she lip-syncs at her live shows |work=NME |last=Levine |first=Nick}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/most-infamous-lip-sync-incidents-videos-mariah-carey-7640807/ |date=January 4, 2017 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |title=The Ten Most Infamous Lip Sync Incidents in Pop History: Where Does Mariah Rank? |magazine=Billboard |last=Unterberger |first=Andrew}}</ref> which often prompts criticism from music critics and concert goers.<ref name=lasvegas2017>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NY4WDgAAQBAJ&q=britney+spears+overprocessed+vocals&pg=PA208 |year=2017 |access-date=June 13, 2019 |title=The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas 2017 |last=Sehlinger |first=Bob |publisher=Unofficial Guides |isbn=978-1-62809-060-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/live-music-reviews/8855751/Britney-Spears-O2-Arena-London-review.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/live-music-reviews/8855751/Britney-Spears-O2-Arena-London-review.html |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Britney Spears, O2 Arena, London, review |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |last=McCormick |first=Neil |date=October 28, 2011 |access-date=November 12, 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://jezebel.com/in-sync-we-trust-pop-musics-history-of-lip-syncing-an-1791634821 |date=June 29, 2017 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |title=In Sync We Trust: Pop Music's History of Lip-Syncing (and Lying About It) |work=[[Jezebel (website)|Jezebel]] |last=Juzwiak |first=Rich |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221210433/https://jezebel.com/in-sync-we-trust-pop-musics-history-of-lip-syncing-an-1791634821 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Some, however, claimed that, although she "got plenty of digital support", she "doesn't merely lip-sync" during her live shows.<ref name=spin>{{cite web |url=https://www.spin.com/2011/06/haters-go-home-britney-dominates-la-show/ |title=Haters Go Home: Britney Dominates L.A. Show |work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |last=McDonnell |first=Evelyn |date=June 20, 2011 |access-date=June 21, 2011}}</ref> In 2016, Sabrina Weiss of [[Refinery29]] referred to her lip-syncing as a "well-known fact that's not even taboo anymore."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2016/11/129024/britney-spears-singing-live-voice-videos |date=November 9, 2016 |access-date=June 13, 2019 |title=12 Times Britney Spears Actually Sang Live |publisher=Refinery29 |last=Weiss |first=Sabrina}}</ref> Noting on the prevalence of lip-syncing, the ''[[Los Angeles Daily News]]'' opined: "In the context of a Britney Spears concert, does it really matter?&nbsp;... you [just] go for the somewhat-ridiculous spectacle of it all".<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Hype; Navel Maneuvers; Britney Spears, Fronting Her Own Career Now, Gives The Pond A Bellyful |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-80254256.html |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Daily News]] |pages=L.5 |date=November 22, 2001 |access-date=December 17, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812035028/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-80254256.html |archive-date=August 12, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Spears herself has commented on the topic, arguing: "Because I'm dancing so much, I do have a little bit of playback, but there's a mixture of my voice and the playback.&nbsp;... It really pisses me off because I'm busting my ass out there and singing at the same time and nobody ever gives me credit for it".<ref name=nmelevine/>

In 2012, VH1 ranked Spears as the fourth Greatest Woman of the Video Era,<ref name=vh1mv/> while ''Billboard'' ranked her as the eight Greatest Music Video Artist of All Time in 2020, explaining: "The storylines, the dancing, the ''outfits''. Right from the start, the pop princess established the lengths of her creativity with some of the most memorable videos of the last three decades."<ref name=bbmva/> She has been retroactively noted as the pioneer for her early career videography.<ref name=voxfreebritney>{{cite web |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/21328341/britney-spears-conservatorship-explained-free-britney |date=July 24, 2020 |access-date=July 27, 2020 |title=Why Britney Spears' fans are convinced she's being held captive |publisher=Vox |last=Grady |first=Constance}}</ref> She conceptualized the "iconic Catholic schoolgirl and cheerleader motif" in the "...Baby One More Time" video, rejecting the animation video idea. She also made the "Oops!... I Did It Again" video "dance-centric rather than space-centric as her producers suggested". She also used her dancer's intuition to help select the beats for each track.<ref name=voxfreebritney/>

==Public image==
[[File:Britney Spears (8514687036).jpg|upright|thumb|Wax figure of Spears on display at [[Madame Tussauds]] in London<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.madametussauds.com/london/whats-inside/zones/music/britney-spears/ |title=Britney Spears |website=madametussauds.com}}</ref>]]

Upon launching her music career with ''...Baby One More Time'', Spears was labeled a [[teen idol]],<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/the-top-25-teen-idol-breakout-moments-158080/britney-spears-2000-161347/ |date=May 11, 2012 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=June 11, 2019 |last=Greene |first=Andy |title=25 Teen Idol Breakout Moments}}</ref> and ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' described her as "the latest model of a classic product: the unneurotic pop star who performs her duties with [[vaudevillian]] pluck and spokesmodel charm."<ref name="stone99">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-teen-queen-rolling-stones-1999-cover-story-254871/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726051137/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-teen-queen-rolling-stones-1999-cover-story-254871/ |url-status=live |archive-date=July 26, 2018 |magazine=Rolling Stone |title=Britney Spears, Teen Queen: Rolling Stone's 1999 Cover Story |access-date=June 11, 2019 |date=April 1999 |last=Daly |first=Steven}}</ref> The April 1999 cover of ''Rolling Stone'' pictured a 17-year-old Spears reclining on a bed, wearing an exposed bra and [[hot pants]] while cradling a [[Teletubby]] in one arm.<ref name="Bennett 2021">{{cite news |last1=Bennett |first1=Jessica |title=Speaking of Britney ... What About All Those Other Women? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/27/style/britney-spears-documentary-jackson-celebrity-reappraisal.html |access-date=4 November 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=27 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009010655/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/27/style/britney-spears-documentary-jackson-celebrity-reappraisal.html |archive-date=9 October 2024 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref><ref name="Lambe 2013">{{cite news |last1=Lambe |first1=Stacy |title=From A To Z: A Guide To All Things Britney Spears |url=https://www.vh1.com/news/3d5agr/britney-spears-a-to-z |access-date=4 November 2024 |publisher=VH1 |date=3 December 2013}}</ref><ref name="McAlpine 2017">{{cite news |last1=McAlpine |first1=Fraser |title=7 bizarre times Teletubbies collided with pop |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/articles/716c9225-f0ef-42c3-ba6f-cb4dedecf0eb |access-date=4 November 2024 |publisher=BBC |date=31 March 2017}}</ref><ref name="Rolling Stone 2011">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-lists/first-time-on-the-cover-14868/britney-spears-1999-2-23442/ |date=November 1, 2011 |access-date=4 November 2024 |title=First Time on the Cover of Rolling Stone |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> The [[American Family Association]] (AFA) decried the image as "a disturbing mix of childhood innocence and adult sexuality"{{r|Lambe 2013}}<ref name="Weiss 2020">{{cite news |last1=Weiss |first1=Jeff |title=The Age of (Not That) Innocence |url=https://www.theringer.com/platform/amp/music/2020/5/14/21258289/britney-spears-oops-i-did-it-again-20-year-anniversary-retrospective |access-date=4 November 2024 |work=The Ringer |date=14 May 2020}}</ref> and called on "God-loving Americans to boycott stores selling Britney's albums".<ref name="Ortiz 2011">{{cite news |last1=Ortiz |first1=Jen |last2=Angelo |first2=Megan |title=19 Years In The Life Of Britney Spears |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/britney-spears-2011-12 |access-date=4 November 2024 |work=Business Insider |date=2 December 2011 |url-access=limited}}</ref> Spears addressed the outcry, commenting: "What's the big deal? I have strong morals.&nbsp;... I'd do it again. I thought the pictures were fine. And I was tired of being compared to [[Debbie Gibson]] and all of this bubblegum pop all the time."<ref>{{harvnb|Blandford|2002|p=36}}</ref> Shortly before this, Spears had announced publicly she would remain abstinent until marriage.<ref name=foxnews /><ref name=biographybillboard>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/bbcom/bio/index.jsp?pid=290150 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080806113351/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/bio/index.jsp?pid=290150 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 6, 2008 |year=2007 |access-date=June 12, 2019 |magazine=Billboard |title=Biography – Britney Spears |first=Steve |last=Huey}}</ref>

An early criticism of Spears dismissed her as a "manufactured pop star, the product of a Swedish songwriting factory that had no real hand in either her music or her persona", which ''Vox'' editor Constance Grady assesses as being perpetuated from the fact that Spears debuted in the late 1990s, when music was dominated by [[rockism]], that prizes "so-called authenticity and grittiness of rock above all else". Spears' "slick, breezy pop was an affront to rockist sensibilities, and claiming that Spears was fake was an easy way to dismiss her." Ron Levy for ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' noted that "I have to tell you, if the record company could have created more than one Britney Spears, they would have done it, and they tried!"<ref name=voxfreebritney/>

''Billboard'' opined that, by the time Spears released her sophomore album ''Oops!... I Did It Again'', "There was a shift occurring in both the music and her public image: She was sharper, sexier and singing about more grown-up fare, setting the stage for 2001's ''Britney'', which shed her innocent skin and ushered her into adulthood."<ref name=billboard2016>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/the-evolution-of-britney-spears-7534275/ |date=October 12, 2016 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |magazine=Billboard |title=The Evolution of Britney Spears |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014072641/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7534275/the-evolution-of-britney-spears |archive-date=October 14, 2016}}</ref> ''Britney''{{'}}s lead single "I'm a Slave 4 U" and its music video were also credited for distancing her from her previous "wholesome bubblegum star" image.<ref name=vh130>{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2011-12-02/the-30-greatest-britney-spears-songs/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205030100/http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2011-12-02/the-30-greatest-britney-spears-songs/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 5, 2011 |title=The 30 Greatest Britney Spears Songs (In Honor of Her 30th Birthday) |date=December 2, 2011 |access-date=March 6, 2012 |last1=Graham |first1=Mark |last2=George |first2=Kat |publisher=VH1}}</ref><ref name=nytimes2001>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/06/us/schoolyard-superstar-aims-for-a-second-act-as-an-adult.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527205238/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/06/us/schoolyard-superstar-aims-for-a-second-act-as-an-adult.html |archive-date=May 27, 2015 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Schoolyard Superstar Aims For a Second Act, as an Adult |date=October 6, 2002 |access-date=June 24, 2019 |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic remarked, "If 2001's ''Britney'' was a transitional album, capturing Spears at the point when she [[I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman|wasn't a girl and not yet a woman]], its 2003 follow-up, ''In the Zone'', is where she has finally completed that journey and turned into Britney, the Adult Woman." Erlewine likened Spears to fellow singer Christina Aguilera, explaining that both equated "maturity with transparent sexuality and the pounding sounds of nightclubs".<ref name=allmusicitz>{{cite web |url={{AllMusic |class=album |id=in-the-zone-r666680 |tab=review |pure_url=yes}} |title=In the Zone – Britney Spears {{pipe}} AllMusic |date=November 18, 2003 |access-date=November 15, 2010 |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |publisher=AllMusic. [[Rovi Corporation]]}}</ref> Brittany Spanos of ''[[LA Weekly]]'' stated that Spears "set the bar for the 'adulthood' transition teen pop stars often struggle with".<ref name=spanos>{{cite web |url=https://www.laweekly.com/is-britney-spears-a-next-level-gay-icon/ |date=September 30, 2013 |title=Is Britney Spears a Next Level Gay Icon? |last=Spanos |first=Brittany |work=LA Weekly}}</ref>

Spears' erratic behavior and personal problems during 2006–2008 were highly publicized<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/timeline-britneys-meltdown/ |date=February 20, 2007 |access-date=August 6, 2019 |title=Timeline: Britney's Meltdown |publisher=[[CBS News]] |last=Singer |first=Michelle}}</ref> and affected both her career and public image.<ref name=allmusicblackout /><ref name=tragedyrs>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-tragedy-of-britney-spears-rolling-stones-2008-cover-story-254735/ |date=February 21, 2008 |access-date=August 19, 2019 |title=The Tragedy of Britney Spears: Rolling Stone's 2008 Cover Story |magazine=Rolling Stone |last=Grigoriadis |first=Vanessa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713030906/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-tragedy-of-britney-spears-rolling-stones-2008-cover-story-254735/ |archive-date=July 13, 2018}}</ref> Erlewine writes that "each new disaster [was] stripping away any residual sexiness in her public image".<ref name=allmusicblackout /> In a 2008 article, ''Rolling Stone''{{'}}s Vanessa Grigoriadis described her much-publicized personal issues as "the most public downfall of any star in history".<ref name=tragedyrs /> Spears later received favorable media attention; ''Billboard'' wrote that her appearance at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards "was a picture of professionalism and poise" after her "disastrous" [[Gimme More#Live performances|performance the previous year]],<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britney-bounces-back-with-three-vma-wins-1044250/ |date=September 8, 2008 |title=Britney Bounces Back With Three VMA Wins |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 21, 2020}}</ref> while ''[[Business Insider]]'' ran an article on how she had "lost control of her life&nbsp;... and then made an incredible career comeback".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/britney-spears-comeback-career-collapse-2016-8 |date=August 25, 2016 |access-date=August 6, 2019 |title=How Britney Spears lost control of her life 8 years ago and then made an incredible career comeback |work=Business Insider}}</ref> In 2017, Spears said: "I think I had to give myself more breaks through my career and take responsibility for my mental health.&nbsp;... I wrote back then, that I was lost and didn't know what to do with myself. I was trying to please everyone around me because that's who I am deep inside. There are moments where I look back and think: 'What the hell was I thinking?'"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/a10221529/britney-spears-mental-health-struggles/ |date=June 26, 2017 |last=Gordon |first=Naomi |access-date=June 11, 2019 |title=Britney Spears opens up about taking "responsibility" for her mental health |work=[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]]}}</ref>

In September 2002, Spears was placed at number eight on [[VH1]]'s 100 Sexiest Artists list.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/madonna-tops-the-list-as-vh1-counts-down-musics-100-sexiest-artists-in-five-hour-five-night-special-premiering-september-23-27-at-1000-pm-etpt-75840192.html |title=Madonna Tops the List as VH1 Counts Down Music's '100 Sexiest Artists' |agency=PR Newswire |date=September 18, 2002 |access-date=June 11, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606015929/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/madonna-tops-the-list-as-vh1-counts-down-musics-100-sexiest-artists-in-five-hour-five-night-special-premiering-september-23-27-at-1000-pm-etpt-75840192.html |archive-date=June 6, 2011}}</ref> She was placed at number one on ''[[FHM]]''{{'}}s [[FHM's 100 Sexiest Women (UK)|100 Sexiest Women in the World]] list in 2004,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/entertainment/gallery/every-fhm-100-sexiest-women-in-the-world-number-one-then-and-now/ss-BBKNAeY#image=18 |title=Every FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the world number one: Then and now |publisher=MSN |access-date=March 25, 2021}}</ref> and, in December 2012, ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' ranked her 12th on its 100 Hottest Female Singers of All Time list.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2012/12/the-100-hottest-female-singers-of-all-time/britney-spears |date=December 10, 2012 |work=Complex |title=The 100 Hottest Female Singers of All Time |access-date=June 11, 2019 |first1=Lauren |last1=Nostro |first2=Julian |last2=Patterson |archive-date=October 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009123411/https://www.complex.com/music/2012/12/the-100-hottest-female-singers-of-all-time/britney-spears |url-status=dead}}</ref> Remarking upon her perceived image as a sex symbol, Spears stated: "When I'm on stage, that's my time to do my thing and go there and be that {{mdash}} and it's fun. It's exhilarating just to be something that you're not. And people tend to believe it."<ref name=ewney2001>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/music/2001/11/09/sex-singles-girl/ |date=November 9, 2001 |access-date=June 11, 2019 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |last=Nashawaty |first=Chris |title=Britney Spears: Sex & The Singles Girl}}</ref> In 2003, ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' cited her as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/archive/cover-story-50-most-beautiful-people-vol-59-no-18/ |date=May 12, 2003 |last=Tauber |first=Michelle |work=People |title=50 Most Beautiful People |access-date=June 11, 2019}}</ref>

Spears is recognized as a [[gay icon]] and received the 2018 [[GLAAD Vanguard Award]] at the [[GLAAD Media Awards]] for her role in "accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQ community".<ref name=spearsglaad /> She addressed the "unwavering loyalty" and "lack of judgment" of her LGBTQ fans in ''Billboard''{{'}}s Love Letters to the LGBTQ Community. She said: "Your stories are what inspire me, bring me joy, and make me and my sons strive to be better people."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/britney-spears-gay-icon-best-moments-8099507/ |date=February 13, 2018 |title=7 Times Britney Spears Earned Her Gay Icon Status |access-date=December 21, 2021 |magazine=Billboard |last=Crowley |first=Patrick}}</ref> Manuel Betancourt of ''[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]'' wrote about the "queer adoration", especially of gay men, on Spears, and said that "Where other gay icons exude self-possession, Spears' fragile resilience has made her an even more fascinating role model, closer to [[Judy Garland]] than to Lady Gaga&nbsp;... she's a glittering mirror ball, a fractured reflection of those men on the dance floor back onto themselves."<ref name=vicemb>{{cite web |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/8qkqnk/why-do-gay-men-love-britney-spears |date=February 21, 2017 |title=Why Do Gay Men Love Britney Spears? |access-date=December 21, 2021 |work=Vice Media |publisher=Vice |last=Betancourt |first=Manuel}}</ref> ''[[HuffPost]]''{{'}}s Ben Appel attributed Spears' status as a gay icon to her "oh-so-innocent/not that innocent" [[Marilyn Monroe|Monroe]]-like sensuality, her sweet, almost saccharine nature, her beyond basic but addictive pop songs, her dance moves, her phoenix-out-of-the-fire comeback from a series of mental health crises, and her unmistakable tenderness. "Britney is [[Camp (style)|camp]]. She is a fashion plate. A doll. Britney is a [[drag queen]]."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lest-we-forget-why-gay-men-love-britney-and-madonna_b_59beedfee4b02c642e4a17e8 |date=October 16, 2017 |access-date=May 10, 2020 |title=Lest We Forget Why Gay Men Love Britney And Madonna |work=HuffPost |last=Appel |first=Ben}}</ref>

Since her early years in the public eye, Spears has been a [[Tabloid journalism|tabloid]] fixture and a [[paparazzi]] target.<ref name=billboard2016 /><ref name=biographybillboard /><ref name=riseandfall>{{cite web |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/829944/the-fall-and-rise-of-britney-spears-the-real-story-behind-the-day-the-biggest-celebrity-in-the-world-lost-everything |date=February 16, 2017 |last=Bromley |first=Melanie |access-date=June 11, 2019 |title=The Fall and Rise of Britney Spears: The Real Story Behind the Day the Biggest Celebrity in the World Lost Everything |publisher=[[E!#E! Online|E!]]}}</ref> According to ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'', photos of Spears sold for a combined value of $100 million in 2007.<ref name="Lasky p55">{{cite book |last1=Lasky |first1=Natasha |title=Britney Spears's Blackout |series=33 1/3 |date=2022 |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |location=New York |isbn=978-1-5013-7761-7 |page=55}}</ref> [[Harvey Levin]], the founder of ''[[TMZ]]'', said in an interview, "Britney is gold. She is crack to our readers. Her life is a complete train-wreck, and I thank God for her every day."<ref name="Schneider 2016">{{cite book |last1=Schneider |first1=Christopher J. |editor1-last=Aguiar |editor1-first=Luis L.M. |editor2-last=Schneider |editor2-first=Christopher J. |title=Researching Amongst Elites: Challenges and Opportunities in Studying Up |date=2016 |publisher=Routledge |location=London |isbn=978-1-317-06559-3 |page=112 |chapter=Examining Elites Using Qualitative Media Analysis: Celebrity News Coverage and TMZ}}</ref>{{r|Lasky p55|Bennett 2021}} Steve Huey of AllMusic remarked that "among female singers of [Spears'] era&nbsp;... her celebrity star power was rivaled only by [[Jennifer Lopez]]."<ref name=biographybillboard /> 'Britney Spears' was [[Yahoo!]]'s most popular search term between 2005 and 2008, and has been in a total of seven different years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/entertainment/celebrity/Britney_Spears_Tops_Yahoo_Searches.html |title=Britney Spears Tops Yahoo Searches |date=December 1, 2008 |access-date=April 5, 2012 |publisher=[[NBC Washington]]}}</ref> Spears was named as Most Searched Person in the ''Guinness World Records'' book edition 2007 and 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/entertainment/celebrity/Angelina__Brad___Britney_Set_Guinness_World_Records.html |title=Angelina, Brad & Britney Set Guinness World Records |date=September 15, 2008 |access-date=March 6, 2012 |publisher=NBC Chicago}}</ref> She was later named as the most searched person of the decade 2000–2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.techdigest.tv/2009/12/britney_spears_1.html |title=Britney Spears is the most searched for celebrity of the decade |last=Lynch |first=Gerald |date=December 21, 2009 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |publisher=Tech Digest}}</ref>

As a public figure, Spears "has never been known to her fans as a politically active, committed&mdash;or even aware&mdash;entertainer."<ref name=wtimes2012>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/may/15/rights-celebrity-prayer-unanswered-in-spears/ |date=May 15, 2012 |access-date=May 13, 2020 |title=Credulous Republicans and the urban legend of a 'conservative' Britney Spears |newspaper=[[The Washington Times]] |last=Frazier |first=James |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516042420/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/may/15/rights-celebrity-prayer-unanswered-in-spears/ |archive-date=May 16, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> In a 2003 interview with [[Tucker Carlson]], she commented on President [[George W. Bush]] and the [[Iraq War]], saying that "we should just trust our president in every decision that he makes&nbsp;... and be faithful in what happens".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/09/03/cnna.spears/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731194335/http://edition.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/09/03/cnna.spears/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 31, 2012 |date=September 4, 2003 |access-date=October 31, 2019 |publisher=CNN |title=Britney Spears: 'Trust our president in every decision' |last=Carlson |first=Tucker |author-link=Tucker Carlson }}</ref> [[Michael Moore]] included the footage of Spears' answer in his "anti-Bush" documentary ''[[Fahrenheit 9/11]]'', which, according to ''[[The Washington Times]]''{{'}}s James Frazier, presented her "as an example of a naive American blindly trusting a dishonest commander in chief" and fueled the "urban legend" of a "conservative" Spears. Frazier also said that "the few positions she has taken can hardly be considered conservative", such as supporting [[same-sex marriage]].<ref name=wtimes2012/> In 2016, Spears posted pictures of a meeting with [[Hillary Clinton]] on social media. She described Clinton as "an inspiration and [a] beautiful voice for women around the world".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/02/hillary-clinton-britney-spears-las-vegas |title=Hillary Clinton Meets with Britney Spears for a Semi-Awkward Las Vegas Summit |date=February 19, 2016 |magazine=Vanity Fair |last=Duboff |first=Josh}}</ref>

In December 2017, Spears publicly showed support for the [[DREAM Act]] in the wake of the announcement that [[Donald Trump]] would end the DACA policy, which previously granted undocumented immigrants who came to the country as minors a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation. She posted a photo of herself on social media wearing a black T-shirt that reads "We Are All Dreamers" in white letters. The caption read, "Tell Congress to pass the #DreamAct".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/britney-spears-shows-support-for-dream-act-we-are-all-dreamers-8078639/ |title=Britney Spears Shows Support for Dream Act: 'We Are All Dreamers' |last=Peters |first=Mitchell |date=December 23, 2017 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>

In 2020, amidst the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Spears posted an image on [[Instagram]] and wrote: "During this time of isolation&nbsp;... We will feed each other, redistribute wealth, strike. We will understand our own importance from the places we must stay", along with three [[emoji]] roses, "a symbol commonly used by the [[Democratic Socialists of America]]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lange |first=Jeva |url=https://theweek.com/speedreads/904391/britney-spears-calls-wealth-redistribution-general-strike-instagram |title=Britney Spears calls for wealth redistribution, general strike on Instagram |date=March 24, 2020 |work=[[The Week]] |access-date=March 25, 2020}}</ref>

On September 15, 2021, Spears was named one of the [[Time 100|100 most influential people]] of 2021 by ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]].'' A few days before the editors's list was released, Spears was put at the top of the readers voting list of which personalities should be included on the annual ''Time'' 100 list. Deemed an icon of 2021, editors highlighted the impact of her fight against her conservatorship as well as of the #FreeBritney movement.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://time.com/6096468/time-100-reader-poll-results-2021/ |title=Pop Icon Britney Spears Wins Time's 2021 Time100 Reader Poll |date=September 10, 2021 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |magazine=Time}}</ref> In October 2021, Spears thanked her fans and the #FreeBritney movement for "freeing me from my conservatorship".<ref>{{cite web |title=Britney Spears Thanks #FreeBritney Movement For "Freeing Me From My Conservatorship" |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/britney-spears-thanks-fans-conservatorship-father-suspension-1234849628/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |first=Dominic |last=Patten |date=October 4, 2021 |access-date=October 4, 2021}}</ref> Britney Spears was also named most famous celebrity from Louisiana according to a study done by Baton Rouge.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Eschette |first=Tyler |date=March 28, 2024 |title=Britney Spears named most famous celebrity from Louisiana, study shows |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/britney-spears-named-most-famous-010801793.html |access-date=March 29, 2024 |publisher=[[Yahoo! News]]}}</ref>

==Legacy==
{{Main|Cultural impact of Britney Spears}}
Referred to as the "[[Princess of Pop]]",<ref name=vibemag>{{cite web |url=https://www.vibe.com/2011/02/curious-case-britney-spears-5-reasons-why-princess-pop-rules |date=February 11, 2011 |access-date=June 12, 2019 |title=The Curious Case Of Britney Spears: 5 Reasons Why The Princess of Pop Rules |work=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]] |last=Murphy |first=Keith}}</ref><ref name=rsmillenial/> Spears was credited as one of the "driving force[s] behind the return of teen pop in the late 1990s".<ref name=biographybillboard/><ref name=rsspears>{{cite magazine |title=Britney Spears: Biography: Rolling Stone |magazine=Rolling Stone |year=2008 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/britney-spears/biography |access-date=August 9, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812101136/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/britney-spears/biography}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone''{{'}}s Stacy Lambe explained that she "help[ed] to usher in a new era for the genre that had gone dormant in the decade that followed [[New Kids on the Block]].&nbsp;... Spears would lead an army of pop stars&nbsp;... built on slick Max Martin productions, plenty of sexual innuendo and dance-heavy performances. [She became] one of the most successful artists of all time—and a cautionary tale for a generation, whether they paid attention or not."<ref name=rsmillenial>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-lists/the-millennial-100-737215/britney-spears-hits-and-misses-737216/ |date=October 17, 2018 |magazine=Rolling Stone |last=Spanos |first=Brittany |access-date=October 8, 2019 |title=The Millennial 100}}</ref> In a 2021 article for ''Time'', [[Maura Johnston]] opined that "Spears' legacy as a pop artist is complex, made up of dazzling musical heights and music-business-borne lows". Johnston also commented: "While Spears' catalog is part of the canon that defines the first 20 years of this millennium, one hopes that her public struggles, and the strength she's shown while enduring them, will lead to her cementing her true legacy: Reshaping the machine that turns those songs into cultural touchstones."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/6082333/britney-spears-legacy/ |last=Johnston |first=Maura |author-link=Maura Johnston |magazine=Time |date=July 21, 2021 |title=Britney Spears' Pop Legacy Goes Way Beyond Her Music}}</ref>

''[[Glamour (magazine)|Glamour]]'' contributor Christopher Rosa described her as "one of pop music's defining voices.&nbsp;... When she emerged onto the scene in 1998 with ''...Baby One More Time'', the world hadn't seen a performer like her. Not since Madonna had a female artist affected the genre so profoundly."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.glamour.com/story/the-10-best-and-worst-britney-spears-songs-of-all-time |date=November 27, 2019 |work=Glamour |title=Britney Spears' 10 Best (and Worst) Songs of All Time |last=Rosa |first=Christopher |access-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-date=February 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203043143/https://www.glamour.com/story/the-10-best-and-worst-britney-spears-songs-of-all-time |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Billboard''{{'}}s Robert Kelly observed that Spears' "sexy and coy" vocals on her debut single "...Baby One More Time" "kicked off a new era of pop vocal stylings that would influence countless artists to come".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/britney-spears-singing-voice-baby-one-more-time-vocals-8481607/ |date=October 25, 2018 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |title=Britney Spears' Singing Voice: How Her 'Baby One More Time' Vocals Influenced a Generation |magazine=Billboard |last=Kelly |first=Robert}}</ref> In 2020, ''Rolling Stone'' ranked the song at number one on a list of the 100 Greatest Debut Singles of All Time and [[Rob Sheffield]] described it as "One of those pop manifestos that announces a new sound, a new era, a new century. But most of all, a new star&nbsp;... With "...Baby One More Time", [Spears] changed the sound of pop forever: It's Britney, bitch. Nothing was ever the same."<ref>{{cite magazine |date=May 19, 2020 |title=The 100 Greatest Debut Singles of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/greatest-debut-songs-singles-990470/ |access-date=July 18, 2020 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref>

Spears was at the forefront of the female teen pop explosion starting in 1999 and extending through the 2000s, leading the pack of [[Christina Aguilera]], [[Jessica Simpson]], and [[Mandy Moore]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/954879/mandy-moore-reflects-on-her-early-days-in-pop-music-alongside-britney-spears |title=Mandy Moore Reflects on Her Early Days in Pop Music Alongside Britney Spears |last=Cohen |first=Jess |date=July 25, 2018 |publisher=[[E!]] |access-date=July 15, 2021}}</ref> All of these performers had been developing material in 1998, but the market changed dramatically in December 1998 when Spears' single and video were charting highly. [[RCA Records]] quickly signed Aguilera and released her debut single to capitalize on Spears' success, producing her debut hit single "[[Genie in a Bottle]]".<ref>{{cite book |last=Dominguez |first=Pier |title=Christina Aguilera: A Star is Made: The Unauthorized Biography |publisher=Amber Communications Group, Inc |year=2003 |isbn=978-0-970-222-459 |page=45}}</ref> Simpson consciously modeled her persona as more mature than Spears; her "[[I Wanna Love You Forever]]" charted in September 1999, and her album ''[[Sweet Kisses]]'' followed shortly after.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/sweet-kisses-mw0000247597 |title=Jessica Simpson – Sweet Kisses |author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |last=Erlewine |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=July 15, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Dougherty |first=Terri |date=2005 |title=Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey |publisher=Lucent |page=52 |isbn=978-1-59018-721-0}}</ref> Moore's first single, "[[Candy (Mandy Moore song)|Candy]]", hit the airwaves a month before Simpson's single, but it did not perform as well on the charts; Moore was often seen as less accomplished than Spears and the others, coming in fourth of the "pop princesses".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/142358-who-was-really-the-best-pop-princess-britney-christina-jessica-or-mandy |title=Rankings The '00s Pop Princesses |first=Caitlyn |last=Callegari |date=February 19, 2016 |website=[[Bustle (magazine)|Bustle]] |access-date=July 14, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/03/06/mandy-moore-britney-spears-christina-aguilera-comparison-interview/ |title=Mandy Moore on Being Compared to Britney Spears & Christina Aguilera: I Never Had Their 'Success' |last=Brow |first=Jason |date=March 6, 2020 |website=Hollywood Life |access-date=July 15, 2021}}</ref> Fueling media stories about their competition for first place, Spears and Aguilera traded barbs but also compliments through the 2000s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/933841/the-complete-history-of-christina-aguilera-and-britney-spears-long-running-rivalry-including-everything-you-forgot |title=The Complete History of Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears' Long-Running Rivalry—Including Everything You Forgot |last=Grossbart |first=Sarah |date=May 9, 2018 |publisher=[[E!]] |access-date=July 15, 2021}}</ref>

Alim Kheraj of ''[[Dazed]]'' called Spears "one of pop's most important pioneers".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/37874/1/britney-spears-blackout-10th-anniversary-retrospective |title=Britney's Blackout ten years on – a mutant pop classic |work=Dazed |last=Kheraj |first=Alim |date=October 26, 2017}}</ref> After eighteen years as a performer, ''Billboard'' described her as having "earned her title as one of pop's reigning queens. Since her early days as a Mouseketeer, [Spears] has pushed the boundaries of 21st century sounds, paving the way for a generation of artists to shamelessly embrace glossy pop and redefine how one can accrue consistent success in the music industry."<ref name=billboard2016/> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''{{'}}s Adam Markovitz described Spears as "an American institution, as deeply sacred and messed up as pro wrestling or the filibuster."<ref name=ew2011>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2011/03/31/femme-fatale-6/ |title=Music Review: Femme Fatale |last=Markovitz |first=Adam |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=March 23, 2011 |access-date=March 24, 2011}}</ref> In 2012, she was ranked as the fourth [[VH1]]'s 50 Greatest Women of the Video Era show list.<ref name=vh1mv>{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/the_greatest/episode.jhtml?episodeID=66397#moreinfo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104173933/http://www.vh1.com/shows/the_greatest/episode.jhtml?episodeID=66397#moreinfo |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |title=The Greatest: 50 Greatest Women of the Video Era |access-date=June 13, 2019 |publisher=VH1. MTV Networks}}</ref> VH1 also cited her among its choices on the 100 Greatest Women in Music in 2012<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/news/1238/the-100-greatest-women-in-music/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418005547/http://www.vh1.com/news/1238/the-100-greatest-women-in-music/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 18, 2015 |date=February 2, 2012 |access-date=June 13, 2019 |title=The 100 Greatest Women In Music |work=VH1. MTV Networks}}</ref> and the 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-200-greatest-pop-culture-icons-complete-ranked-list-70807437.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511154709/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-200-greatest-pop-culture-icons-complete-ranked-list-70807437.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 11, 2016 |date=July 21, 2003 |access-date=June 13, 2019 |title=The 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons Complete Ranked List |agency=[[PR Newswire]]}}</ref> In 2020, ''Billboard'' ranked her eight on its 100 Greatest Music Video Artists of all-time list.<ref name=bbmva>{{Cite magazine |date=August 27, 2020 |title=The 100 Greatest Music Video Artists of All Time: Staff List |url=https://www.billboard.com/media/lists/100-best-music-video-artists-9440075/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827203952/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/9440075/100-best-music-video-artists |archive-date=August 27, 2020 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> In October 2024, ''Billboard'' placed Spears at number six on their [[Billboard's Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century|Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century]] list.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/britney-spears-greatest-pop-stars-21st-century-1235814099/ |access-date=October 29, 2024 |title=Billboard's Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century: No. 6 — Britney Spears |author=James Dinh |magazine=Billboard |date=October 29, 2024}}</ref>

Spears and her work have influenced various artists including [[Katy Perry]],<ref name=younginf>{{cite web |url=http://www.younghollywood.com/scene/she-did-it-again-britney-spears-lands-back-on-top.html |title=She Did It Again: Britney Spears Lands Back On Top |last=Boyce |first=Shannon |date=September 1, 2011 |access-date=January 7, 2012 |publisher=[[Young Hollywood]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020044704/https://www.younghollywood.com/scene/she-did-it-again-britney-spears-lands-back-on-top.html |archive-date=October 20, 2012}}</ref> [[Meghan Trainor]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/meghan-trainor-talks-new-album-thank-you-grammys-backlash-and-working-with-her-mum-interview__14633/ |title=Meghan Trainor talks new album Thank You, Grammys backlash and working with her mum – Interview |publisher=The Official UK Charts Company |date=April 19, 2016 |access-date=April 20, 2016 |last=Copsey |first=Rob}}</ref> [[Demi Lovato]],<ref name=younginf /> [[Kelly Key]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.universomusical.com.br/materia.asp?mt=sim&id=170&cod=po |title=Kelly Key busca o sucesso de Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Madonna e Janet Jackson |work=Universo Musical |access-date=January 7, 2012 |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307031750/http://universomusical.com.br/materia.asp?cod=po&id=170&mt=sim |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Kristinia DeBarge]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rhapsody.com/kristinia-debarge |title=Kristinia DeBarge&nbsp;– Rhapsody Music |publisher=Rhapsody.com |access-date=August 14, 2010}}</ref> [[Little Boots]],<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/artist-to-watch-2009-little-boots-75798/ |title=Artist to Watch 2009: Little Boots: Little Boots |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=August 7, 2009 |access-date=December 21, 2021}}</ref> [[Charli XCX]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Van Nguyen |first=Dean |url=https://www.nme.com/news/charli-xcx/79744 |title=Charli XCX reveals she would 'love' to write a song with Britney Spears |work=[[NME]] |date=September 12, 2014 |access-date=May 21, 2015}}</ref> [[Chappell Roan]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://eu.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/10/04/pop-artist-chappell-roan-on-queerness-growing-up-and-being-a-midwest-princess/71062124007/ |title=Who is Chappell Roan, the artist opening for Olivia Rodrigo in Milwaukee? Here's what the 'Midwest Princess' told us}}</ref> [[Marina Diamandis]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/london/hi/people_and_places/music/newsid_8083000/8083745.stm |title=Marina and The Diamonds in the BBC Introducing hotseat |date=June 9, 2009 |access-date=March 12, 2012 |publisher=[[BBC Music]] |last=Crowley |first=Gary}}</ref> [[the Weeknd]],<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/the-weeknd-britney-spears-songs-inspired-next-album-9613669/ |title=The Weeknd's Next Album Is Taking Inspiration From These 2 Britney Spears Songs |date=August 11, 2021 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |magazine=Billboard |last=Mamo |first=Heran}}</ref> [[Tegan and Sara]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Daniels |first=Colin |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/new-music/news/a451092/tegan-and-sara-unveil-new-song-i-was-a-fool-listen/ |title=Tegan and Sara unveil new song 'I Was a Fool' – listen |work=[[Digital Spy]] |date=January 15, 2013 |access-date=March 16, 2016}}</ref> [[Pixie Lott]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Lott |first=Pixie |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/aug/27/pixie-lott-diary |title=Pixie Lott's diary: 'After the single hit No 1, it went crazy' |work=[[The Guardian]] |location=UK |date=August 27, 2009 |access-date=August 14, 2010}}</ref> [[Grimes]],<ref name="grimes">{{cite magazine |title=Pop for Misfits |first=Kelefa |last=Sanneh |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |date=September 28, 2015 |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/09/28/pop-for-misfits |access-date=September 5, 2016}}</ref> [[Selena Gomez]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Gomez |first=Selena |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1706934/selena-gomez-britney-spears-inspiration/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121101027/http://www.mtv.com/news/1706934/selena-gomez-britney-spears-inspiration/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 21, 2014 |title=Selena Gomez's Evolution Mirrors Britney Spears' |publisher=MTV |location=USA |date=May 7, 2013 |access-date=October 25, 2014}}</ref> [[Hailee Steinfeld]],<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Madison |last=Vain |url=https://ew.com/article/2016/07/26/hailee-steinfeld-tour |title=How Justin Bieber and Britney Spears inspired Hailee Steinfeld's tour |date=July 26, 2016 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=September 15, 2016}}</ref> [[Pabllo Vittar]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vice.com/pt_br/article/bj45bz/a-noite-da-diva-na-balada-com-pabllo-vittar |date=December 2, 2015 |access-date=December 9, 2020 |work=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]] |last=Flores |first=Felipe |archive-date=December 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209124208/https://www.vice.com/pt_br/article/bj45bz/a-noite-da-diva-na-balada-com-pabllo-vittar |title=A noite da diva: na balada com Pabllo Vittar |url-status=live |language=pt}}</ref> [[Tinashe]],<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/tinashe-video-interview-aquarius-6386058/ |title=Tinashe Video Interview: On Bringing More Females Into the Mainstream & The Success of '2 On' |magazine=Billboard |date=December 8, 2014 |access-date=December 21, 2021}}</ref> [[Victoria Justice]],<ref>{{cite web |first=Justin |last=Harp |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a292968/victoria-justice-reveals-musical-influences.html |title=Victoria Justice 'reveals musical influences' |date=December 13, 2010 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=June 8, 2015}}</ref> [[Cassie Ventura|Cassie]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://celebritydays.com/cassie-ventura-profile-and-biography.html |title=Cassie Ventura Profile and biography |publisher=Celebrity Days |access-date=April 18, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014164829/http://celebritydays.com/cassie-ventura-profile-and-biography.html |archive-date=October 14, 2011}}</ref> Leah Wellbaum of [[Slothrust]],<ref>{{cite web |first=Ben |last=Kaye |url=https://consequence.net/2017/10/slothrust-turn-britney-spears-baby-one-more-time-into-a-slinky-blues-rock-song-stream/ |title=Slothrust turn Britney Spears' "...Baby One More Time" into a slinky blues rock song: Stream |date=October 12, 2017 |work=[[Consequence of Sound]] |access-date=December 21, 2019}}</ref> [[the Saturdays]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thesaturdays.co.uk/girls/mollie/ |location=London |work=The Saturdays official website |first=Mollie |last=King |title=The Saturdays influences |date=May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604171559/http://www.thesaturdays.co.uk/girls/mollie/ |archive-date=June 4, 2011}}</ref> [[Normani]],<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Grant |first=Sarah |title=Normani on 'Love Lies' Going Number One, Her Relationship Style, Writing for Women |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/normani-love-lies-number-one-nicki-minaj-fifth-harmony-khalid-725154/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=November 20, 2018}}</ref> [[Miley Cyrus]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1618447/miley-cyrus-on-britney-spears-im-proud-of-her/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901090445/http://www.mtv.com/news/1618447/miley-cyrus-on-britney-spears-im-proud-of-her/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 1, 2014 |title=Miley Cyrus on Britney Spears: 'I'm Proud Of Her' |publisher=MTV |date=August 11, 2009 |access-date=December 21, 2021}}</ref> [[Cheryl (singer)|Cheryl]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Watts |first=Beverley |title=Cheryl Cole: Britney Spears was my inspiration as a teen |url=https://www.celebsnow.co.uk/tv-news/cheryl-cole-britney-spears-was-my-inspiration-as-a-teen-153520 |publisher=CelebsNow |access-date=November 20, 2018}}</ref> [[Lana Del Rey]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Lana Del Rey: "Britney Spears inspires me" |date=February 2, 2012 |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a363464/lana-del-rey-britney-spears-inspires-me/ |work=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=February 2, 2012}}</ref> [[Ava Max]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Ava Max Explains the Meaning Behind her Hit 'Sweet but Psycho' |url=https://www.warnermusic.co.nz/news/ava-max-explains-the-meaning-behind-sweet-but-psycho |publisher=[[Warner Music New Zealand]] |access-date=January 27, 2019}}</ref> [[Sam Smith]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Sam Smith Talks How Britney Spears Inspired the New Album, Love for Normani, & More [Watch] |date=September 28, 2019 |url=https://thatgrapejuice.net/2019/09/sam-smith-talks-new-music-love-for-normani-britney-spears-inspired-their-new-album/ |publisher=thatgrapejuice |access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref> and [[Rina Sawayama]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Women Reclaiming Nu-Metal ft. Rina Sawayama |url=https://switchedonpop.com/episodes/the-women-reclaiming-nu-metal-rina-sawayama-grimes-poppy |publisher=switchedonpop |access-date=July 25, 2020}}</ref> During the [[2011 MTV Video Music Awards]], [[Lady Gaga]] said that Spears "taught us all how to be fearless, and the industry wouldn't be the same without her."<ref name="vanguard">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1669862/britney-spears-lady-gaga-kiss-vmas/ |title=Britney Spears Accepts Video Vanguard VMA – And A Kiss From Lady Gaga |date=August 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907003336/http://www.mtv.com/news/1669862/britney-spears-lady-gaga-kiss-vmas/ |archive-date=September 7, 2014 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |publisher=MTV |url-status=dead}}</ref> Gaga has also cited Spears as an influence, calling her "the most provocative performer of my time".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-news/300123/lady-gaga-i-don-t-have-time-for-dating/1 |title=Lady GaGa: I don't have time for dating |date=February 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922010925/http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-news/300123/lady-gaga-i-don-t-have-time-for-dating |archive-date=September 22, 2013 |access-date=May 22, 2015 |work=[[Now (1996–2019 magazine)|Now]] |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Before Spears joined ''The X Factor'', [[Simon Cowell]] explained that he is "fascinated by [Britney]. The fact that she's one of the most talked about – not just pop stars – but people in the world today, means that you've got this star power.&nbsp;... She's still hot, she's still having hit records and she's still controversial, there's a reason for that."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.okmagazine.com/news/simon-cowell-wants-britney-spears-%E2%80%98-x-factor%E2%80%99-%E2%80%9Ci%E2%80%99m-fascinated-her%E2%80%9D |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306080736/http://www.okmagazine.com/news/simon-cowell-wants-britney-spears-%E2%80%98-x-factor%E2%80%99-%E2%80%9Ci%E2%80%99m-fascinated-her%E2%80%9D |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 6, 2012 |title=Simon Cowell Wants Britney Spears on 'The X Factor': 'I'm Fascinated By Her' |last=Blickley |first=Leigh |date=February 28, 2012 |access-date=March 1, 2012 |work=[[OK!]]}}</ref> Marina Diamandis named Spears as the main influence behind her album ''[[Electra Heart]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.muumuse.com/2012/04/daily-b-marina-and-the-diamonds-talks-britney-to-q-magazine.html/ |title=Daily B: Marina and the Diamonds Talks Britney to Q Magazine |publisher=MuuMuse |last=Stern |first=Bradley |date=April 27, 2012 |access-date=October 2, 2012}}</ref> Lana Del Rey said that the music video for "Toxic" inspires her.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2012/01/11/lana-del-rey-mtv-britney-spears-bruce-springsteenphoto/ |title=Lana Del Rey Visits MTV, Talks Britney & Bruce, We All Collectively Fall in Love Even Harder (PHOTO) |date=January 11, 2012 |access-date=February 24, 2012 |publisher=MTV |last=Anitai |first=Tamar |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314132047/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2012/01/11/lana-del-rey-mtv-britney-spears-bruce-springsteenphoto/ |archive-date=March 14, 2012}}</ref> [[Porcelain Black]] describes her music as a "love child" of Spears and [[Marilyn Manson]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Gerrick |title=Porcelain Black knows she's rock and roll, and doesn't care who says otherwise |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/04/porcelain-black-knows-shes-rock-n-roll-doesnt-care-who-says-or-thinks-otherwise.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=September 16, 2011}}</ref> [[Rita Ora]]'s 2019 music video for "[[Only Want You (Rita Ora song)|Only Want You]]" was inspired by Spears' "[[Everytime]]" music video, and said in a stories from [[Instagram]], "Hey @britneyspears this was for you because I love you so. Pay homage to the ones who inspire! #icon."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://portalpopline.com.br/rita-ora-confirma-inspiracao-em-britney-spears-para-o-novo-clipe-only-want-you/ |date=July 3, 2019 |title=Rita Ora confirma inspiração em Britney Spears para o novo clipe "Only Want You" |access-date=July 27, 2020 |first=Caian |last=Nunes |work=Portal POPline |language=pt}}</ref>

Spears has been credited with redefining [[Las Vegas]] residencies as a retirement place for musicians. Her debut concert residency [[Britney: Piece of Me]] was described as "the natural evolution of [[Celine Dion]]'s powerhourse Vegas residency, a still-charting star of another generation redefining the role of Strip headliner." ''[[Forbes]]'' named Spears the sixth-highest-earning female musician of 2015." She is credited with influencing and paving the way for other artists's residencies such as [[Jennifer Lopez]]'s [[Jennifer Lopez: All I Have]], [[Bruno Mars]]'s [[Bruno Mars at Park MGM]], and [[Backstreet Boys]]' [[Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/nightlife/industry-weekly/2016/oct/20/supernova-britney-spears-vegas-strip-residency/ |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Britney Spears Continues to Define the Modern Strip Residency |access-date=August 6, 2020 |first=Brock |last=Radke |work=Las Vegas Weekly}}</ref> The arrival of Spears "saw the pop promoters finally tap into the younger crowd arriving in town for a good time".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/lady-gaga-las-vegas-residency-britney-spears-celine-dion-frank-sinatra-liberace-a8690996.html |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Lady Gaga in Las Vegas: A history of Sin City residencies, from Liberace and Frank Sinatra to Celine Dion |access-date=August 6, 2020 |first=Joe |last=Somerlad |work=The Independent}}</ref>

Spears' much-publicized personal problems and her subsequent career comeback have inspired some artists. [[Gwyneth Paltrow]]'s character in the 2010 film ''[[Country Strong]]'' was inspired by Spears' treatment by the media. According to film director Shana Fest, "that's where this movie came from. I mean, I was seeing what was happening in the media to Britney Spears. I think it's tragic how we treat people who give us so much, and we love to see them knocked down to build them back up again, to knock them down again."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1654456/britney-spears-inspired-country-strong-lead-director-says/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727071051/http://www.mtv.com/news/1654456/britney-spears-inspired-country-strong-lead-director-says/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 27, 2014 |title=Britney Spears Inspired 'Country Strong' Lead, Director Says |date=December 16, 2010 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |publisher=MTV |last=Ziegbe |first=Mawuse}}</ref> [[Nicki Minaj]] has cited Spears' comeback after her much-publicized personal issues as an inspiration.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.out.com/entertainment/interviews/2011/05/09/catching-nicki-minaj |last=Michelson |first=Noah |date=September 5, 2011 |access-date=March 6, 2012 |title=Catching Up With Nicki Minaj |work=[[Out (magazine)|Out]] |publisher=Joe Landry}}</ref> Spears' hounding by paparazzi and personal problems also inspired [[Barry Manilow]]'s album ''[[15 Minutes (Barry Manilow album)|15 Minutes]]''. Manilow said: "She couldn't have a life without them pulling up next to her car and following her and driving her crazy to the point where, that was around the time she shaved off her hair.&nbsp;... We all looked at it in horror&nbsp;... So it seemed like a thing to be writing an album about."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2011-jun-05-la-ca-conversation-20110605-story.html |title=The Sunday Conversation: Barry Manilow |work=Los Angeles Times |date=June 5, 2011 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |first=Irene |last=Lacher |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108001605/http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/05/entertainment/la-ca-conversation-20110605}}</ref> [[Bebo Norman]] wrote a song about Spears, called "[[Britney (Bebo Norman song)|Britney]]", which was inspired by "culture's make-or-break treatment of celebrities."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/bebo-norman-r1421934/review |title=Bebo Norman – Album Review |last=Farias |first=Andree |date=September 16, 2008 |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=February 13, 2011}}</ref>

In 2008, ''[[Salon.com|Salon]]'' published an article titled "The Britney Economy" describing how Spears is a driving force in music and fashion, stimulating consumer purchases and media coverage. Magazines, paparazzi, and record labels make millions of dollars, and Spears profits to a lesser degree.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Britney Spears Economy' Brings In Millions For Magazines, Label, Paparazzi |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/ne696o/britney-spears-economy-brings-in-millions-for-magazines-label-paparazzi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221233406/https://www.mtv.com/news/ne696o/britney-spears-economy-brings-in-millions-for-magazines-label-paparazzi |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |access-date=December 22, 2023 |website=MTV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Inman |first=Phillip |date=July 2, 2022 |title=Dashboard of decline: seven charts that explain Britain's economic crisis |work=The Observer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jul/02/dashboard-of-decline-seven-charts-that-explain-britains-economic-crisis |access-date=December 22, 2023 |issn=0029-7712}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2008 |title=The Britney Economy |url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/the-britney-economy/189432 |access-date=December 22, 2023 |website=Entrepreneur}}</ref> Along with [[Alicia Silverstone]], [[Christy Turlington]], and [[Naomi Campbell]], Spears has been credited with introducing the [[navel piercing]] to mainstream culture.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=August 19, 2021 |title=Navel-Gazing: Britney Spears, Belly Buttons, and Me |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/08/navel-gazing-britney-spears-belly-buttons-and-me |access-date=January 7, 2024 |magazine=Vanity Fair}}</ref><ref name="Kim 2024 c296">{{cite web |last=Kim |first=Irene |title=Pop Stars Are Bringing Back the Beloved '90s Belly Button Piercing in 2024 |website=Vogue |date=2024-03-11 |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/pop-stars-are-bringing-back-the-beloved-90s-belly-button-piercing-in-2024 |access-date=2024-03-16}}</ref><ref name="z542">{{cite web |last=Citrus |first=Dajve |title=Queen of the Ring: The Cultural History of Britney Spears' Belly Button Piercing |website=Belly, Inc. |date=2017-09-08 |url=https://www.bellyinc.com/2017/09/08/queen-of-the-ring-the-cultural-history-of-britney-spears-belly-button-piercing/ |access-date=2024-09-21}}</ref><ref name="o142">{{cite web |last=Carney |first=Jessica |title=Britney Spears Freed the Belly. Britney might not be free today, but… |website=Medium |date=2020-09-03 |url=https://medium.com/indelible-ink/britney-spears-freed-the-belly-b7eab04dd043 |access-date=2024-09-21}}</ref>

==Achievements==
{{see also|List of awards and nominations received by Britney Spears}}

Spears' awards and accolades include a [[Grammy Award]]; 15 [[Guinness World Records]]; six [[MTV Video Music Awards]], including the [[Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award]]; seven [[Billboard Music Awards|''Billboard'' Music Awards]], including the [[Billboard Millennium Award|Millennium Award]];<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-billboard-millenium-award-honoree-7350405/ |title=Britney Spears to Perform Hits Medley at Billboard Music Awards |magazine=Billboard |date=May 2, 2016 |access-date=December 21, 2021}}</ref> the inaugural Radio Disney Icon Award; the [[GLAAD Media Award]]'s [[GLAAD Vanguard Award|Vanguard Award]]; and a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].<ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=October 25, 2019 |title=Britney Spears |url=https://walkoffame.com/britney-spears/ |access-date=October 4, 2021 |website=Hollywood Walk of Fame}}</ref>

Spears is listed by the ''[[Guinness World Records]]'' as having the "Best-selling album by a teenage solo artist" for her debut studio album, ''...Baby One More Time'', which sold over 13 million copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite book |last=Folkard |first=Claire |title=Guinness World Records 2003 |publisher=Bantam Books |year=2003 |page=[https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec2003folk/page/288 288] |isbn=978-0-553-58636-7 |url=https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec2003folk/page/288}}</ref> Melissa Ruggieri of the ''[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]'' reported: "She's also marked for being the best-selling teenage artist. Before she turned 20 in 2001, Spears had sold over 37 million albums worldwide".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ruggieri |first=Melissa |title=Music Notes |newspaper=[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]] |pages=D.13 |date=December 19, 2000}}</ref>

{{As of|2023}}, according to the ''[[Evening Standard]]'', Spears has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making her one of the [[List of best-selling music artists|best-selling music artists of all time]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gregory |first=Elizabeth |date=October 19, 2023 |title=The Woman in Me: Britney Spears' best songs of all time, ranked, from Piece Of Me to Toxic |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/britney-spears-best-songs-ranked-list-b1114018.html |access-date=October 28, 2023 |website=[[Evening Standard]]}}</ref> She also sold more than 70 million records in United States, including 36.9 million digital singles and 33.6 million digital albums.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8493258/britney-spears-career-sales-baby-one-more-time-20th-anniversary-ask-billboard |title=Ask Billboard: Britney Spears' Career Album & Song Sales, on the 20th Anniversary of '...Baby One More Time' LIST |magazine=Billboard |access-date=February 27, 2019 |archive-date=January 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190115205624/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8493258/britney-spears-career-sales-baby-one-more-time-20th-anniversary-ask-billboard |url-status=live}}</ref> Spears is further recognized as the best-selling female albums artist of the 2000s in the United States, as well as the fifth overall.<ref name="21sells">{{cite web |url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-extra-the-top-20-album-sellers-of-the-2000s.html |title=Chart Watch Extra: The Top 20 Album Sellers Of The 2000s |date=May 29, 2009 |access-date=May 3, 2010 |last=Grein |first=Paul |publisher=[[Yahoo! Music]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115034358/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-extra-the-top-20-album-sellers-of-the-2000s.html |archive-date=January 15, 2012}}</ref> In December 2009, ''Billboard'' ranked Spears the 8th Artist of the 2000s decade in the United States.<ref name="bbad">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/artists-of-the-decade-266420/ |title=Artists of the Decade |date=December 9, 2009 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> She is one of the few artists in history to have had a number-one single and a number-one studio album in the US during each of the three decades of her career.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/ask-billboard-britney-spears-3-decades-of-no-1s/ |title=Britney Spears' '3' Decades of No. 1s |magazine=Billboard |date=February 11, 2011 |access-date=December 21, 2021}}</ref> With "[[3 (Britney Spears song)|3]]" in 2009 and "[[Hold It Against Me]]" in 2011, she became the second artist after Mariah Carey in the Hot 100's history to debut at number one with two or more songs.<ref name=hiamrecord/> In 2016, Spears ranked at number twenty on ''Billboard''{{'}}s Greatest Of All Time Top [[Dance Club Songs|Dance Club]] Artists list.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/greatest-top-dance-club-artists |access-date=June 15, 2019 |title=Greatest Of All Time Top Dance Club Artists |magazine=Billboard |date=December 2016}}</ref>

==Other ventures==
===Product and endorsements===
{{Main|Britney Spears products|Britney Spears doll}}
[[File:Curious.jpg|thumb|Bottle of one of Spears' several perfumes, Curious, released through [[Elizabeth Arden, Inc.]]]]

In 2000, Spears released a limited edition of sunglasses titled Shades of Britney.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://everything2.com/title/Britney+Brands%252C+Inc. |title=Britney Brands, Inc. |date=June 18, 2012 |access-date=May 14, 2012 |publisher=Everything2 Media, LLC}}</ref> In 2001, she signed a deal with shoe company [[Skechers]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=109838&page=1 |title=Britney Spears to Promote Pepsi |date=February 7, 2011 |access-date=May 14, 2012 |publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company]]}}</ref> and a $7–8 million promotional deal with [[Pepsi]], their biggest entertainment deal at the time.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1157766.stm |title=Britney joins the Pepsi generation |date=February 7, 2001 |access-date=May 14, 2012 |publisher=BBC}}</ref> Aside from numerous commercials with the latter during that year, she also appeared in a 2004 Pepsi television commercial in the theme of "Gladiators" with singers [[Beyoncé]], [[Pink (singer)|Pink]], and [[Enrique Iglesias]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Britney, Beyoncé, Pink star in Pepsi ad |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2004-01-27-pepsi-ad_x.htm |work=USA Today |date=January 27, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628124843/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2004-01-27-pepsi-ad_x.htm |archive-date=June 28, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> On June 19, 2002, she released her first multi-platform video game, ''[[Britney's Dance Beat]]'', which received positive reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/britneys-dance-beat/ |title=Britney's Dance Beat |publisher=Game Spot |date=June 19, 2002 |access-date=May 14, 2012}}</ref>

In March 2009, Spears was announced as the new face of clothing brand [[Candie's]].<ref name=candy>{{cite web |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2009-03-03/entertainment/17918560_1_bright-future-marder-britney-spears |title=Britney Spears, Candie's Girl?! Jr. brand banks on pop star's future – not her past |last=Miller |first=Korin |date=March 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025223358/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2009-03-03/entertainment/17918560_1_bright-future-marder-britney-spears |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=May 14, 2012 |work=Daily News |url-status=dead}}</ref> Dari Marder, chief marketing officer for the brand, said: "Everybody loves a comeback and nobody's doing it better than Britney. She's just poised for even greater success."<ref name=candy /> In 2010, Spears designed a limited edition line for the brand, which was released in stores in July 2010.<ref name="Vena" /> In 2011, she teamed up with [[Sony]], [[Make Up For Ever]], and [[Plenty of Fish]] to release her music video for "Hold It Against Me", earning her $500,000 for the product placement.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2011/02/22/2011-02-22_britney_spears_hold_it_against_me_video_earns_her_500000_katy_perry_slams_produc.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225105223/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2011/02/22/2011-02-22_britney_spears_hold_it_against_me_video_earns_her_500000_katy_perry_slams_produc.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 25, 2011 |title=Britney Spears 'Hold It Against Me' video earns her $500,000; Katy Perry slams product placement |date=January 22, 2011 |last=Roberts |first=Soraya |work=Daily News |access-date=January 28, 2011}}</ref>

Spears also teamed up with [[Hasbro]] in 2012 to release an exclusive version of ''[[Twister (game)|Twister Dance]]'', which includes a remix of "Till the World Ends". She was also featured on a commercial, which was directed by [[Ray Kay]], to promote the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://style.mtv.com/2012/04/12/britney-spears-twister-dance/ |title=Britney Spears Looks Amazing In $20,000 Bra |date=April 12, 2012 |access-date=April 12, 2012 |publisher=MTV |last=Catarinella |first=Alex |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414195009/http://style.mtv.com/2012/04/12/britney-spears-twister-dance |archive-date=April 14, 2012}}</ref> Spears was also featured on the commercial of ''Twister Dance Rave'', and the game included a Twister remix of "[[Circus (Britney Spears song)|Circus]]". In March 2018, it was revealed that Spears would be the face of [[Kenzo (brand)|Kenzo]], a contemporary French luxury clothing house.<ref name="harpersbazaar.com.au"/>

Spears' range of commercial deals and products also includes beauty care products and perfumes. She released her first perfume with [[Elizabeth Arden]], [[Curious (fragrance)|Curious]] in 2004, which broke the company's first-week gross for a perfume.<ref name=foxnews /> By 2009, she had released seven more perfumes including [[Fantasy (fragrance)|Fantasy]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Hinant |first=Cindy |title=Britney Spears Fantasy Fantasy Britney Spears |date=2012 |publisher=Cindy Hinant |location=New York |pages=2–33 |edition=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britneyspears.com/2009/05/britneys-perfume-line-on-top.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525095140/http://www.britneyspears.com/2009/05/britneys-perfume-line-on-top.php |title=Britney's Perfume Line On Top |archive-date=May 25, 2009 |date=May 21, 2009 |publisher=BritneySpears.com |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2010, Spears released her eighth fragrance, [[Radiance (fragrance)|Radiance]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.x17online.com/celebrities/britney_spears/britney_spears_fragrance_perfume_radiance_elizabeth_arden_brand_sense_033011.php |title=Britney Spears Facing $10 Million Lawsuit in Connection With Fragrance Deal |date=March 30, 2011 |access-date=August 21, 2011 |publisher=x17 Online}}</ref>

In 2011, Radiance was reissued as a new perfume titled Cosmic Radiance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Britney-Spears/Cosmic-Radiance-12288.html |title=Cosmic Radiance Britney Spears perfume – a new fragrance for women 2011 |access-date=August 20, 2011 |publisher=Fragantica}}</ref> Worldwide, Spears sold over one million bottles in the first five years, with gross receipts of $1.5 billion. In 2016, Spears contacted [[Glu Mobile]] to create her own role-playing game, ''[[Britney Spears: American Dream]]''. The app officially launched in May 2016 and is compatible with [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]].<ref name="billboard.com" /> On June 17, 2016, Spears announced the release of her twentieth fragrance, Private Show.<ref>{{cite news |last=Willis |first=Jackie |title=Britney Spears Unveils Her 20th Perfume 'Private Show,' Scent Inspired in Part by Singer's Love of Iced Coffee |url=http://www.etonline.com/news/191305_britney_spears_unveils_her_20th_perfume_private_show/ |access-date=June 17, 2016 |work=[[Entertainment Tonight]] |publisher=[[CBS Television Distribution]] |date=June 17, 2016 |location=United States}}</ref> {{as of|2018|January}}, Spears has released 24 fragrances through Elizabeth Arden.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.perfumesluxury.com/blogs/news/new-women-fragrance-december-2017-britney-spears-sunset-fantasy |title=NEW Women Fragrance December 2017 – Britney Spears Sunset Fantasy The Luxury Perfumes at Your Door |access-date=January 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114021119/https://www.perfumesluxury.com/blogs/news/new-women-fragrance-december-2017-britney-spears-sunset-fantasy |archive-date=January 14, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Philanthropy===
Spears founded The Britney Spears Foundation, a charitable entity set up to help children in need. The philosophy behind the Foundation was that music and entertainment has a healing quality that can benefit children.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britneyspears.com/foundation-bsf.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041102011049/http://www.britneyspears.com/foundation-bsf.php |archive-date=November 2, 2004 |access-date=May 14, 2012 |publisher=BritneySpears.com |title=The Britney Spears Foundation: Helping Children in Need |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Foundation also supported the annual Britney Spears Camp for the Performing Arts, where campers had the opportunity to explore and develop their talents.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britneyspears.com/foundation-camp.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041025234104/http://www.britneyspears.com/foundation-camp.php |archive-date=October 25, 2004 |access-date=May 14, 2012 |publisher=BritneySpears.com |title=The Britney Spears Camp for the Performing Arts |url-status=dead}}</ref> In April 2002, through the efforts of Spears and The Britney Spears Foundation, a grant of $1 million was made to the Twin Towers Fund to support the children of uniformed service heroes affected by the [[September 11 attacks|terrorist attacks]] of September 11, 2001, including New York City Fire Department and its Emergency Medical Services Command, the New York City Police Department, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the New York State Office of court Administration and other government offices.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britneyspears.com/foundation-mission.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041018091735/http://britneyspears.com/foundation-mission.php |archive-date=October 18, 2004 |access-date=May 14, 2012 |publisher=BritneySpears.com |title=The Britney Spears Foundation: Mission Statement |url-status=dead}}</ref> However, it was reported in 2008 that the Foundation had a deficit of $200,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/britney-spears-200g-deficit/ |title=Britney Spears' $200G Deficit |last=Friedman |first=Roger |date=July 22, 2008 |access-date=May 14, 2012 |publisher=Fox News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203171814/http://www.foxnews.com/story/2008/07/22/britney-spears-200g-deficit/ |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> After Spears went through conservatorship, her father and lawyer Andrew Wallet zeroed out the effort, leading to its closure in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.showbiz411.com/2011/07/21/britney-spears-zeroes-out-her-charitable-foundation-its-over |date=July 21, 2011 |access-date=May 14, 2012 |title=Britney Spears Zeroes Out Her Charitable Foundation: It's Over |last=Friedman |first=Roger |publisher=Showbiz 411}}</ref>

On October 30, 2001, Spears, alongside [[Bono]] and other popular recording artists under the name "Artists Against AIDS Worldwide", released an album consisting of multiple versions of [[Marvin Gaye]]'s "[[What's Going On (Marvin Gaye song)|What's Going On]]", intending to benefit AIDS programs in Africa and other impoverished regions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hopeforafricanchildren.org/New/Press/pr_103001.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030825041613/http://www.hopeforafricanchildren.org/New/Press/pr_103001.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 25, 2003 |title=Artists Against AIDS Worldwide's New Superstar Version of Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' in Stores Tuesday, October 30 |date=October 29, 2001 |access-date=May 14, 2012 |publisher=Hope for African Children}}</ref> In the wake of [[Hurricane Katrina]] in 2005, Spears donated $350,000 to [[Music Rising]].<ref name=lts>{{cite web |url=http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/britney-spears |title=Britney Spears Charity Work, Events and Causes |publisher=Look to the Stars |access-date=May 14, 2012}}</ref> Spears has also helped several charities during her career, including Madonna's Kabbalah-based Spirituality for Kids,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/2008/06/19/britney-spears-charity-in-red/ |title=Britney Spears' Charity in the Red |last=Friedman |first=Roger |date=June 19, 2008 |access-date=May 14, 2012 |publisher=Fox News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108083300/http://www.foxnews.com/story/2008/06/19/britney-spears-charity-in-red/ |archive-date=January 8, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> cancer charity Gilda's Club Worldwide,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Britney-Spears-Donates-50-000-To-Cancer-Charity-4759.shtml |title=Britney Spears Donates $50,000 To Cancer Charity |date=July 14, 2005 |access-date=May 14, 2012 |publisher=[[Softpedia]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910133703/http://news.softpedia.com/news/Britney-Spears-Donates-50-000-To-Cancer-Charity-4759.shtml |archive-date=September 10, 2012}}</ref> Promises Foundation, and [[United Way]], with the latter two focused on giving families from various disadvantaged situations new hope and stable foundations for the future.<ref name=lts />

On October 24, 2015, Spears donated $120,000 to the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/news/a675776/britney-spears-donates-120000-to-a-nevada-childhood-cancer-charity/ |title=Britney donates to childhood cancer charity |date=October 27, 2015 |website=Digital Spy |access-date=May 18, 2016}}</ref> In addition, $1 of each ticket sale for her Las Vegas residency, Britney: Piece of Me, was donated to the nonprofit organization.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2015/oct/26/britney-spears-donates-120000-nevada-childhood-can/ |title=Britney Spears donates $120,000 to Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation |date=October 26, 2015 |website=LasVegasSun.com |access-date=May 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522150134/http://lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2015/oct/26/britney-spears-donates-120000-nevada-childhood-can/ |archive-date=May 22, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Spears also fundraised for the charity through social media, in addition to selling limited edition merchandise, with all proceeds going to the NCCF.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britneyspears.com/news/253593 |title=Limited Edition Piece of Me Tank Tops on Sale To Benefit Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation |website=Britney Spears |access-date=May 19, 2016 |archive-date=June 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602135820/http://www.britneyspears.com/news/253593 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 27, 2016, Spears partnered with [[Zappos]] and XCYCLE to host the ''Britney Spears Piece of Me Charity Ride'' in Boca Park, Las Vegas to raise additional money toward her goal of $1 million for the NCCF, with $450,000 having already been raised from Spears' ticket sales and merchandise.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-charity-cycling-class-7518729/ |title=Want to Spin With Britney Spears? Check Out Her Charity Cycling Class |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 21, 2021}}</ref> Participants were entered for a chance to win a spin class with Spears herself. The event ultimately went on to raise $553,130.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-charity-spin-ride-photos-7557790/ |title=Britney Spears Leads Charity Spin Class for Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation: See Pics |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 21, 2021}}</ref> The fundraising ultimately led to the development of the NCCF Britney Spears Campus in Las Vegas, which saw its grand opening on November 4, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://nvccf.org/britney-spears-campus-grand-opening/ |title=Britney Spears Campus – Grand opening |website=nvccf.org |access-date=November 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109141117/http://nvccf.org/britney-spears-campus-grand-opening/ |archive-date=November 9, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Spears also regularly participates in [[Spirit Day]] to combat bullying of [[LGBT]]Q youth and [[bullying]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/entertainers |title=#SpiritDay 2016: Entertainers, Performers and Celebrities – GLAAD |access-date=October 11, 2019}}</ref>

In March 2020, Spears was participating in the #DoYourPartChallenge, which entails helping people with anything they might need during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. She told fans to send her messages on Instagram if they need supportive words during the coronavirus pandemic, with Spears picking three fans.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.papermag.com/britney-spears-coronavirus-help-2645562149.html?rebelltitem=2 |title=Need Help? Slide Into Britney's DMs |newspaper=Paper |date=March 22, 2020 |access-date=November 16, 2020}}</ref> In February 2024, Spears partnered with New York City dessert shop Glace, to create the "Britney Brûlée" dessert, with a portion of the proceeds from its sales being donated to [[The Trevor Project]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/britney-spears-releases-brulee-hot-chocolate-with-glace-for-valentines-day-8578854 |title=Britney Spears Partners with N.Y.C.'s Glace on a 'Special' Valentine's Day Dessert for a Good Cause (Exclusive)}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main|Britney Spears discography|List of songs recorded by Britney Spears}}
{{See also|List of unreleased songs recorded by Britney Spears}}
* ''[[...Baby One More Time (album)|...Baby One More Time]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Oops!... I Did It Again (album)|Oops!... I Did It Again]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Britney (album)|Britney]]'' (2001)
* ''[[In the Zone]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Blackout (Britney Spears album)|Blackout]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Circus (Britney Spears album)|Circus]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Femme Fatale (Britney Spears album)|Femme Fatale]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Britney Jean]]'' (2013)
* ''[[Glory (Britney Spears album)|Glory]]'' (2016)

==Filmography==
{{Main|Britney Spears videography}}
* ''[[Longshot (film)|Longshot]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Crossroads (2002 film)|Crossroads]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Austin Powers in Goldmember]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Pauly Shore Is Dead]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Fahrenheit 9/11]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Corporate Animals]]'' (2019)

==Concerts and residencies==
{{Main|List of Britney Spears live performances}}

===Tours===
* [[...Baby One More Time Tour]] (1999)
* [[(You Drive Me) Crazy Tour]] (2000)
* [[Oops!... I Did It Again Tour]] (2000–2001)
* [[Dream Within a Dream Tour]] (2001–2002)
* [[The Onyx Hotel Tour]] (2004)
* [[The M+M's Tour]] (2007)
* [[The Circus Starring Britney Spears]] (2009)
* [[Femme Fatale Tour]] (2011)
* [[Britney: Live in Concert]] (2017)
* [[Piece of Me Tour]] (2018)

===Residencies===
* [[Britney: Piece of Me]] (2013–2017)

==Written works==
* ''Heart to Heart'' (with [[Lynne Spears]]) (2000)<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=2024-10-16 |title=Britney Spears Working on Novel, Reveals 'Girl Crushes' on Kendall Jenner, Natalie Portman, Camila Cabello |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/britney-spears-writing-novel-girl-crushes-kendall-jenner-natalie-portman-camila-cabello-1235802307/ |access-date=2024-10-16 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''[[A Mother's Gift]]'' (with Lynne Spears) (2001)
* ''Crossroads Diary'' (with Felicia Culotta) (2002)<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Spears |first1=Britney |title=Britneys Spears's Crossroads Diary |last2=Culotta |first2=Felicia |date=January 1, 2002 |publisher=Scholastic |isbn=978-0-439-39745-2}}</ref>
* ''[[Stages: Three Days in Mexico#Photobook|Stages]]'' (2002)
* ''[[The Woman in Me (memoir)|The Woman in Me]]'' (2023)

==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|Pop music|Mississippi|United States}}
* [[European Hot 100 Singles#Most number-one singles|Artists with the most number-one European singles]]
* [[Forbes Celebrity 100|''Forbes'' Celebrity 100]]
* [[List of artists who reached number one in the United States]]
* [[List of best-selling singles]]
* [[List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones|List of ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones]]
* [[List of dancers]]
* [[List of highest-certified music artists in the United States]]
* [[List of most expensive music videos]]
* [[List of most-followed Twitter accounts]]
* [[Time 100|''Time'' 100]]

==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist}}

===Book sources===
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite book |first1=Glenn |last1=Appell |first2=David |last2=Hemphill |title=American Popular Music: A Multicultural History |year=2006 |publisher=Thomson Wadsworth |isbn=978-0-15-506229-0}}
* {{Cite book |last=Blandford |first=James R. |title=Britney |publisher=[[Music Sales Group]] |year=2002 |isbn=978-0-7119-9419-5}}
* {{Cite book |last=Bronson |first=Fred |author-link=Fred Bronson |title=The Billboard Book of Number One Hits |publisher=Billboard Books |year=2003 |isbn=978-0-8230-7677-2}}
*{{Cite book |last=Dennis |first=Steve |title=Britney: Inside the Dream |publisher=HarperCollins |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-00-731751-6}}
* {{cite book |title=Makeover Television: Realities Remodelled |year=2007 |publisher=[[I.B.Tauris]] |isbn=978-1-84511-330-8 |editor-last=Heller |editor-first=Dana Alice}}
* {{Cite book |last=Hughes |first=Mark |title=Buzzmarketing: Get People to Talk about Your Stuff |publisher=[[Penguin Group]] |year=2005 |isbn=978-1-59184-092-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/buzzmarketingget00hug_rzg}}
* {{cite book |last=Knopper |first=Steve |title=Appetite for Self-Destruction: The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry in the Digital Age |publisher=Simon & Schuster |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-4165-5215-4}}
* {{Cite book |last=Laufenberg |first=Norbert B. |title=Entertainment Celebrities |publisher=[[Trafford Publishing]] |year=2005 |isbn=978-1-4120-5335-8}}
*{{Cite book |last=Peters |first=Beth |title=True Brit: The Story of Singing Sensation Britney Spears |publisher=Ballantine Books |year=1999 |isbn=978-0-345-43687-0}}
*{{Cite book |last=Scott |first=Kieran |title=I was a Mouseketeer! |publisher=Disney Press |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-7868-4470-8}}
* {{cite book |first=Roy |last=Shuker |title=Understanding Popular Music Culture |year=2012 |edition=4th |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-0-415-51713-3}}
*{{Cite book |last=Smith |first=Sean |title=Britney: The Unauthorized Biography of Britney Spears |publisher=Pan Macmillan |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-330-44077-6}}
*{{Cite book |last1=Spears |first1=Britney |title=A Mother's Gift |title-link=A Mother's Gift |last2=Spears |first2=Lynne |publisher=Delacorte Books for Young Readers |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-385-72953-6 |author-link2=Lynne Spears}}
*{{Cite book |last1=Spears |first1=Britney |title=Britney Spears' Heart to Heart |last2=Spears |first2=Lynne |publisher=Three Rivers Press |year=2000 |isbn=978-0-609-80701-9 |author-link2=Lynne Spears}}
*{{Cite book |last1=Spears |first1=Lynne |last2=Craker |first2=Lorilee |author-link=Lynne Spears |author2-link=Lorilee Craker |title=Through the Storm: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World |title-link=Through the Storm: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World |publisher=[[Thomas Nelson Inc]] |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-59555-156-6}}
*{{Cite book |last=Stevens |first=Amanda |title=Britney Spears: The Illustrated Story |publisher=Billboard Books |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-8230-7867-7}}{{refend}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite magazine |author1=<!--anonymous author(s)--> |title=Britney Spears: The Rolling Stone Covers |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/britney-spears-the-rolling-stone-covers-207308/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=25 November 2008}}

==External links==
<!-- Wikipedia is not an indiscriminate 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 may be deleted. -->
{{sister project links|display=Britney Spears|b=no|commons=Britney Spears|d=y|n=no|q=Britney Spears|s=no|v=no|wikt=no}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=0000628467|label=Britney Spears}}

{{Britney Spears|state=expanded}}{{Britney Spears songs|state=collapsed}}{{Jamie Lynn Spears}}
{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Britney Spears|Awards for Britney Spears]]
|list1 =
{{UK best-selling singles (by year)}}
{{Billboard Millennium Award}}
{{GLAAD Vanguard Award}}
{{Glamour Awards Woman of the Year}}
{{Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress}}
{{Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actress}}
{{Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Female Singer}}
{{Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award}}
{{MTV Europe Music Award for Best Female}}
{{MTV Europe Music Award for Best New Act}}
{{MTV Europe Music Award for Best Pop}}
{{MTV Europe Music Award for Best Song}}
{{MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year}}
{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video}}
{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Pop Video}}
{{People's Choice Award for Favorite Female Artist}}
{{Teen Choice Award for Choice Music – Female Artist}}
{{Teen Choice Award for Choice Music Single}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Spears, Britney}}
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