Britney Spears has been a Hollywood success and music icon for the majority of her life. With her distinctive voice and powerful pop sound, it’s no wonder this vibrant celebrity is one of the the best selling music artists of all time. So join us as we shine our Celebrity Spotlight on the career of this passionate performer.
A Promising Beginning
Britney Spears displayed her gift for music and dance as a young girl. That talent was quickly recognized. Before the age of ten, she already served as an understudy for an Off-Broadway play and had a successful turn on Star Search. But it was a role on the revival of The Mickey Mouse Club that officially launched her career.
In 1993, an eleven year old Britney Spears joined the cast opposite some future Hollywood celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling, and Keri Russell. Throughout its historic run, The Mickey Mouse Club made many a Hollywood star. And Britney Spears was one of the most famous. She remained a Mouseketeer until 1996 and the show made a positive indelible mark on the celebrity’s blossoming career.
The Princess of Pop
A few years after leaving The Mickey Mouse Club, Britney Spears released her first studio album, …Baby One More Time (1999). The debut album received mixed reviews from critics but audiences loved it. The album and several singles skyrocketed to the top of the charts. The combination of the album’s success and the celebrity’s young age broke many records. Following this incredible debut, the music industry credited the singer with single-handedly revitalizing teen pop and christened her the Princess of Pop.
Britney Spear’s sophomore album continued the trend. Oops!…I Did It Again (2000) proved to be another record breaker for the singer. Her first album gave her the highest first week sales for a female performer. And she held onto the title with the second album release. In fact, until Adele’s 25 in 2015, no one was able to topple the Princess of Pop from her chart-topping throne.
After a few bumpy years in her personal life, with the support of her family, Britney Spears brushed herself off and got back in the studio. The result was her sixth studio album, Circus (2008). Though her sound had changed with age, her vivacity and performing skills had not diminished. And again, Britney Spears rocked the top of the charts.
Some of the other albums on this famous celebrity’s resume include: Britney (2001), In the Zone (2003), Blackout (2007), Femme Fatale (2011), Britney Jean (2013), and Glory (2016).
The Queen of the Cameo
While Britney Spears passion obviously lies with music, she is no stranger to movies and television. In 2002, the singer starred in Crossroads, a coming-of-age film in which a teenage girl and her friends take a road trip. The youthful chick flick had some future Hollywood stars connected to it. Zoe Saldana of Guardians of the Galaxy fame had a major role in the movie. And notably, the formidable Shonda Rimes wrote the script. However, critics were not kind to the movie. Many suggested that Britney Spears was the only bright spot.
She also has had a number of cameo roles. From Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) to Jane the Virgin (2015), her surprise appearances in movies and television is always a big draw. Though her most memorable cameo role was on Glee in 2010. Appearing in a number of the glee club student’s dreams, Britney Spears delighted audiences as expected. In fact, “Britney/Brittany” was one of Glee’s most watched episodes.
A Planet Hollywood Residency
Las Vegas residencies were the in-thing for Hollywood’s biggest performers in the 1950’s. However, they when they fell out of vogue, Las Vegas struggled to bring high-caliber musicians to the strip. That all changed with Celine Dion’s famous Vegas residency. Following its tremendous success, hotels were finally able to draw music’s biggest names again. And Britney Spears was one of the most famous scores.
Britney: Piece of Me opened at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino’s AXIS auditorium on December 27, 2013. Originally, the residency was scheduled for a two year run. However, her show was such a hit that the contract extended through 2017. All in all, the star performed 248 shows, won two Best of Las Vegas awards, and grossed $138 million!
Other Ventures
This mother of two is always keeping busy. Throughout her career, she has pursued endeavors outside of the music studio. Long before her boys were born, the pop celebrity was the face of Pepsi. And she has worked with Elizabeth Arden to endorse nearly 20 perfumes, each of which boast impressive sales.
The performing sensation also lent her knowledge and expertise to contestants as a judge on the second season of the US version of The X Factor. She served on a panel with Simon Cowell, LA Reid, and Demi Lovato. Though her time on the show was a bit tumultuous, her run was successful as she was the mentor of the runner-up. Also, it is important to note that she set the record for the highest paid judge on a singing competition show.
What’s Next?
This talented celebrity planned to start her second Las Vegas residency at Park MGM early this year. However, she has put Britney: Domination on hold due to her father’s ill health. But fans in need of a Britney fix can soon catch her on the big screen! The music star will be giving a cameo performance in the movie, Corporate Animals, with Hollywood stars Demi Moore and Ed Helms. The horror comedy film just had its Sundance premiere and will hit theaters soon!