Career Timeline of Britney Spears: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Britney Spears, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Britney Spears, an American singer dubbed the "Princess of Pop," significantly impacted 21st-century culture by reviving teen pop. Recognized for her stage presence and intricate dance routines, she remains a prominent figure in the music industry and a cultural icon.
December 1992: Appeared in The All-New Mickey Mouse Club
In December 1992, Britney Spears appeared in The All-New Mickey Mouse Club, alongside other future stars like Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake.
1992: Auditioned for executives.
In 1992, Britney Spears sang Houston's "I Have Nothing" for Jive Records executives, leading to her being signed to the label.
1992: Early Career
In 1992, Britney Spears started her professional career as a cast member in the musical Ruthless! and on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club television series.
June 1997: Negotiations with Lou Pearlman
In June 1997, Britney Spears negotiated with manager Lou Pearlman to join the female pop group Innosense, but ultimately decided to pursue a solo career.
1997: Signed with Jive Records
In 1997, Britney Spears signed with Jive Records, marking a pivotal moment in her journey to global stardom.
April 1998: Recording in Stockholm
From March to April 1998, Britney Spears recorded half of her debut album at Cheiron Studios in Stockholm, Sweden, with producers Max Martin, Denniz Pop, and Rami Yacoub.
September 1998: "...Baby One More Time" Single Release
In September 1998, "...Baby One More Time" was released as Britney Spears's lead single, with Spears suggesting the concept of a Catholic schoolgirl for the music video.
December 1998: Spears's Single and Video Charting High
In December 1998, Britney Spears's single and video began charting highly, significantly impacting the market and influencing the emergence of other female teen pop artists.
1998: Emergence with ...Baby One More Time
In 1998, Britney Spears emerged onto the music scene with the song "...Baby One More Time," making a significant impact and influencing the pop music genre.
January 1999: ...Baby One More Time Album Debut
In January 1999, Britney Spears's debut album ...Baby One More Time was released and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, quickly achieving platinum status.
February 1999: "...Baby One More Time" Topped Billboard Hot 100
In January-February 1999, Britney Spears's single "...Baby One More Time" peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two consecutive weeks.
June 1999: ...Baby One More Time Tour Began
In June 1999, Britney Spears began her first headlining ...Baby One More Time Tour in North America, receiving positive reviews and generating some controversy due to her outfits.
September 1999: Jessica Simpson's 'I Wanna Love You Forever' Charts
In September 1999, Jessica Simpson's single "I Wanna Love You Forever" charted, with Simpson consciously modeling her persona as more mature than Spears.
1999: ...Baby One More Time Album Release
In 1999, Britney Spears released her debut album, ...Baby One More Time. It topped the US Billboard 200, becoming one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.
March 2000: (You Drive Me) Crazy Tour Extension
In March 2000, Britney Spears extended her tour with the (You Drive Me) Crazy Tour, premiering songs from her upcoming second album during the shows.
May 2000: Oops!... I Did It Again Album Release
In May 2000, Britney Spears released her second album, Oops!... I Did It Again, which debuted at number one in the US and broke sales records.
September 7, 2000: MTV Video Music Awards Performance
On September 7, 2000, Britney Spears performed at the MTV Video Music Awards, revealing a sequined flesh-colored bodysuit and performing a provocative dance routine.
2000: Spears releases 'Shades of Britney'
In 2000, Britney Spears released a limited edition of sunglasses titled 'Shades of Britney', marking her venture into fashion products.
2000: Oops!... I Did It Again Album Release
In 2000, Britney Spears released her second album, Oops!... I Did It Again, which topped the US Billboard 200 and became one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.
2000: Highest-Paid Female Musician
In 2000, Forbes listed Britney Spears as the world's highest-paid female musician.
January 2001: American Music Awards and Super Bowl Performance
In January 2001, Britney Spears hosted the 28th Annual American Music Awards, starred at Rock in Rio, and performed as a special guest in the Super Bowl XXXV halftime show.
February 2001: Pepsi Deal and Book Release
In February 2001, Britney Spears signed a $7–8 million promotional deal with Pepsi and released another book co-written with her mother, A Mother's Gift.
September 11, 2001: Britney Spears Foundation supports Twin Towers Fund
Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Britney Spears, through The Britney Spears Foundation, contributed a grant of $1 million to the Twin Towers Fund to aid the children of uniformed service heroes.
October 30, 2001: Spears participates in Artists Against AIDS Worldwide
On October 30, 2001, Britney Spears, along with other artists, released an album under the name "Artists Against AIDS Worldwide," featuring versions of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" to benefit AIDS programs.
November 2001: Britney Album Release
In November 2001, Britney Spears released her third studio album, Britney, featuring a funkier sound and debuting at number one on the Billboard 200.
2001: Spears's MTV Video Music Awards Performance
In 2001, Britney Spears performed her single at the MTV Video Music Awards, featuring a caged tiger and a large albino python. This performance drew criticism from PETA, who alleged animal mistreatment and canceled plans for an anti-fur billboard featuring Spears.
2001: Release of 'Britney' Album and Image Shift
In 2001, Britney Spears released her self-titled album, 'Britney,' marking a significant shift in her music and public image towards a more mature and adult persona. This transition was further emphasized by the release of her single "I'm a Slave 4 U" and its music video.
2001: Britney Album Release and Film Debut
In 2001, Britney Spears released her third studio album, Britney, which topped the US Billboard 200. She also made her film debut in Longshot.
2001: Spears signs endorsement deals with Skechers and Pepsi
In 2001, Britney Spears signed endorsement deals with Skechers and Pepsi, including a significant $7–8 million promotional deal with Pepsi.
2001: Spears recognized for best-selling teenage album
In 2001, Britney Spears was recognized by the Guinness World Records for having the "Best-selling album by a teenage solo artist" for her debut album, ...Baby One More Time, which sold over 13 million copies in the United States.
February 2002: Starring role in Crossroads
In February 2002, Britney Spears starred in 'Crossroads.' Despite negative reviews, Spears's acting received praise, and the film was a box office success.
April 2002: Britney Spears Foundation grants $1 million to Twin Towers Fund
In April 2002, The Britney Spears Foundation donated $1 million to the Twin Towers Fund to support the children of uniformed service heroes affected by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
June 2002: Opening of Nyla Restaurant
In June 2002, Britney Spears opened her first restaurant, Nyla, in New York City. However, she terminated her involvement in November due to mismanagement.
June 19, 2002: Britney Spears releases 'Britney's Dance Beat' video game
On June 19, 2002, Britney Spears released her first multi-platform video game, Britney's Dance Beat, which received positive reviews.
July 2002: Six-Month Career Break
In July 2002, Britney Spears announced that she would take a six-month break from her career; however, she went back into the studio in November to record her new album.
2002: Co-starring in Crossroads
In 2002, Britney Spears co-starred in the film Crossroads, marking another step in her acting career.
August 2003: MTV Video Music Awards Performance with Madonna and Christina Aguilera
In August 2003, Britney Spears opened the MTV Video Music Awards with Christina Aguilera, performing "Like a Virgin". They were joined by Madonna, and both kissed her. The incident received a lot of publicity.
November 2003: Release of 'In the Zone' Album
In November 2003, Britney Spears released her fourth studio album, 'In the Zone'. She had more creative control by writing and co-producing most of the material. The album sold over 609,000 copies during its first week, debuting at the top of the charts. The album produced four singles: "Me Against the Music", "Toxic", "Everytime" and "Outrageous".
2003: In the Zone Album Release
In 2003, Britney Spears released her album In the Zone, which explored hip hop, dance, and electronic genres and featured the hit single "Toxic".
2003: Release of 'In the Zone' and Fully Embracing Adulthood
In 2003, with the release of her album 'In the Zone,' Britney Spears fully completed her transition to an adult persona, embracing a more mature and sexual image in her music and performances.
March 2004: Spears Embarks on Onyx Hotel Tour
In March 2004, Britney Spears started The Onyx Hotel Tour in support of In the Zone album.
June 2004: Cancellation of Onyx Hotel Tour
In June 2004, Britney Spears canceled her Onyx Hotel Tour after injuring her left knee during the music video shoot for "Outrageous".
October 2004: Career Break to Start a Family
In October 2004, Britney Spears took a career break to start a family. She also released her first perfume, Curious, with Elizabeth Arden.
November 2004: Release of 'Greatest Hits: My Prerogative'
In November 2004, Britney Spears released her first greatest hits compilation album, 'Greatest Hits: My Prerogative'. Her cover version of Bobby Brown's "My Prerogative" was released as the lead single from the album.
2004: Spears releases her first perfume, Curious
In 2004, Britney Spears released her first perfume with Elizabeth Arden, named Curious, which broke the company's first-week gross for a perfume.
May 17, 2005: Premiere of 'Britney and Kevin: Chaotic'
On May 17, 2005, Britney Spears's first reality show, Britney and Kevin: Chaotic, premiered on UPN.
August 2005: Release of "Someday (I Will Understand)"
In August 2005, Britney Spears released "Someday (I Will Understand)", which was dedicated to her first child, a son named Sean Preston.
November 2005: Release of First Remix Compilation Album
In November 2005, Britney Spears released her first remix compilation, B in the Mix: The Remixes, which consists of 11 remixes.
2005: Spears donates to Hurricane Katrina relief
In 2005, Britney Spears donated $350,000 to Music Rising to support victims of Hurricane Katrina.
2005: Fantasy Fragrance Launch
In 2005, Britney Spears launched her fragrance Fantasy with Elizabeth Arden, Inc.
August 2006: Nude Photoshoot for Harper's Bazaar
Britney Spears posed nude for the August 2006 cover of Harper's Bazaar, which was compared to Demi Moore's 1991 Vanity Fair cover.
May 2007: The M+M's Tour
In May 2007, Britney Spears produced a series of promotional concerts at House of Blues venues, titled The M+M's Tour.
2007: Blackout Album Release
In 2007, Britney Spears released her album Blackout, which continued her exploration of hip hop, dance, and electronic genres.
2007: Britney Named Best Album
In 2007, Entertainment Weekly named Britney's self-titled album one of the best albums of the preceding 25 years.
September 2008: MTV Video Music Awards Wins
In September 2008, Britney Spears opened the MTV Video Music Awards and won Best Female Video, Best Pop Video, and Video of the Year for "Piece of Me".
December 2008: Release of 'Circus' Album and Conservatorship Extension
In December 2008, Britney Spears's sixth studio album, Circus, was released after her conservatorship was extended indefinitely. The album debuted at number one in Canada, the Czech Republic, and the United States.
2008: 'Blackout' wins Album of the Year at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards
Britney Spears' 'Blackout' won Album of the Year at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards.
2008: Conservatorship and Circus Album Release
In 2008, Britney Spears was placed under a conservatorship. During this period, she released the album Circus.
2008: Media Attention on Personal Issues and Comeback
In 2008, Britney Spears' personal struggles were described as a major downfall. However, she later received positive media attention for her appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards and her career comeback.
March 2009: Spears becomes the face of Candie's
In March 2009, Britney Spears was announced as the new face of clothing brand Candie's.
December 2009: Spears ranked as a top artist of the decade
In December 2009, Billboard ranked Britney Spears as the 8th Artist of the 2000s decade in the United States.
2009: Spears releases seven perfumes by 2009
By 2009, Britney Spears had released seven more perfumes, including Fantasy.
2009: "3" Reached Number One
In 2009, Britney Spears achieved a US number-one hit with her song "3".
July 2010: Spears designs limited edition line for Candie's
In July 2010, Britney Spears designed a limited edition line for clothing brand Candie's, which was released in stores.
2010: Spears releases her eighth fragrance, Radiance
In 2010, Britney Spears released her eighth fragrance, Radiance, expanding her line of beauty products.
2011: Fantasy Fragrance Sales Milestone
By 2011, Britney Spears's fragrance Fantasy with Elizabeth Arden, Inc. had generated over $1.5 billion in sales.
2011: Lady Gaga acknowledges Spears's Influence
During the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, Lady Gaga credited Britney Spears for teaching everyone how to be fearless and for her significant impact on the music industry.
2011: Femme Fatale Album Release
In 2011, Britney Spears released her album Femme Fatale and had the US number-one hit "Hold It Against Me".
2011: Spears earns money through product placement in music video
In 2011, Britney Spears 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.
2011: Spears achieves second number-one debut on Hot 100
In 2011, with the song "Hold It Against Me", Britney Spears became the second artist after Mariah Carey to debut at number one on the Hot 100 with two or more songs.
2012: Spears teams up with Hasbro for Twister Dance game
In 2012, Britney Spears teamed up with Hasbro to release an exclusive version of Twister Dance, which includes a remix of "Till the World Ends," and was featured in the commercial.
2012: Highest-Paid Female Musician Again
In 2012, Forbes listed Britney Spears as the world's highest-paid female musician for the second time.
2013: Britney Jean Album Release
In 2013, Britney Spears released her album Britney Jean while under conservatorship.
2015: Spears named sixth-highest earning female musician
In 2015, Forbes named Britney Spears the sixth-highest-earning female musician, highlighting her impact on Las Vegas residencies and paving the way for other artists.
May 2016: Britney Spears: American Dream app launches
In May 2016, Britney Spears's role-playing game, Britney Spears: American Dream, developed with Glu Mobile, officially launched and is compatible with iOS and Android.
June 17, 2016: Spears announces release of Private Show fragrance
On June 17, 2016, Britney Spears announced the release of her twentieth fragrance, Private Show.
2016: Spears ranks on Billboard's Greatest Of All Time list
In 2016, Britney Spears ranked at number twenty on Billboard's Greatest Of All Time Top Dance Club Artists list, adding to her extensive list of achievements.
2016: Glory Album Release
In 2016, Britney Spears released her album Glory during her conservatorship.
January 2017: People's Choice Awards Wins
In January 2017, Britney Spears won four awards at the 43rd People's Choice Awards, including Favorite Pop Artist, Female Artist, Social Media Celebrity, and Comedic Collaboration for a skit with Ellen DeGeneres on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
March 2017: Britney: Live in Concert World Tour Announcement
In March 2017, Britney Spears announced that her residency concert would be performed abroad as a world tour, named Britney: Live in Concert, with dates in select Asian cities.
April 2017: Israeli Election Reschedule
In April 2017, the Israeli Labor Party announced that it would reschedule its July primary election to avoid conflict with Britney Spears's sold-out Tel Aviv concert, citing traffic and security concerns.
April 29, 2017: Icon Award at Radio Disney Music Awards
On April 29, 2017, Britney Spears became the first recipient of the Icon Award at the 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards.
December 2017: Spears Supports DREAM Act
In December 2017, Britney Spears publicly supported the DREAM Act by posting a photo of herself wearing a "We Are All Dreamers" T-shirt, following the announcement that Donald Trump would end the DACA policy.
December 31, 2017: Final Show of Britney: Piece of Me
On December 31, 2017, Britney Spears performed the final show of her residency, Britney: Piece of Me. The final performance reportedly brought in $1.172 million, setting a new box office record for a single show in Las Vegas.
January 2018: Spears releases 24 fragrances through Elizabeth Arden
As of January 2018, Britney Spears has released 24 fragrances through Elizabeth Arden, marking a significant achievement in her beauty product line.
January 2018: Sunset Fantasy Perfume Release and Piece of Me Tour Announcement
In January 2018, Britney Spears released her 24th perfume with Elizabeth Arden, Sunset Fantasy, and announced the Piece of Me Tour, which would take place in July 2018 in North America and Europe.
March 2018: Spears becomes the face of Kenzo
In March 2018, Britney Spears was revealed as the face of Kenzo, a contemporary French luxury clothing house.
March 20, 2018: Kenzo Campaign Announcement
On March 20, 2018, Britney Spears was announced as part of a campaign for French luxury fashion house Kenzo and its "La Collection Memento No. 2" campaign.
April 12, 2018: GLAAD Vanguard Award
On April 12, 2018, Britney Spears was honored with the 2018 GLAAD Vanguard Award at the GLAAD Media Awards for her role in "accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQ community".
April 27, 2018: Fashion Line Partnership Announcement
On April 27, 2018, Epic Rights announced a new partnership with Britney Spears to debut her own fashion line in 2019, which would include clothing, fitness apparel, accessories, and electronics.
July 2018: Prerogative Fragrance Release
In July 2018, Britney Spears released her first unisex fragrance, Prerogative.
July 2018: Piece of Me Tour
In July 2018, Britney Spears' Piece of Me Tour took place in North America and Europe.
October 18, 2018: Britney: Domination Residency Announcement
On October 18, 2018, Britney 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.
October 21, 2018: Piece of Me Tour Final Performance
On October 21, 2018, Britney Spears performed at the Formula One Grand Prix in Austin, which was the final performance of her Piece of Me Tour.
2018: GLAAD Vanguard Award
In 2018, Britney Spears received the GLAAD Vanguard Award for her role in supporting the LGBTQ community. She acknowledged the loyalty and support of her LGBTQ fans.
February 13, 2019: Launch of Britney: Domination
Britney Spears second Las Vegas residency show, Britney: Domination, was set to launch at Park MGM's Park Theatre on February 13, 2019.
February 2020: Opening of "The Zone" Interactive Museum
In February 2020, an interactive pop-up museum dedicated to Britney Spears, dubbed "The Zone", opened in Los Angeles, but was later suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 2020: Spears participates in the #DoYourPartChallenge
In March 2020, Britney Spears participated in the #DoYourPartChallenge, offering supportive words to fans on Instagram during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 2020: "Mood Ring" Single Release and Glory Album Cover Debut
In May 2020, Britney Spears released Glory's Japanese-exclusive bonus track, "Mood Ring" as a single, and debuted a new cover of the album to streaming and digital platforms worldwide.
2021: Legacy as a Pop Artist
In a 2021 article for Time, Maura Johnston discussed Britney Spears's complex legacy as a pop artist, highlighting both her musical achievements and the challenges she faced in the music industry.
February 2022: $15 Million Book Deal
In February 2022, Britney Spears signed a $15 million book deal, one of the largest deals ever made.
July 21, 2023: "Mind Your Business" Single Release
On July 21, 2023, Britney Spears and will.i.am released their single, "Mind Your Business".
October 2023: Publication of 'The Woman in Me'
In October 2023, Britney Spears published her memoir, 'The Woman in Me', which details her rise to fame, public media events, her conservatorship, and her newfound freedom.
2023: The Woman in Me Memoir Release
In 2023, Britney Spears's memoir, The Woman in Me, debuted atop The New York Times Best Seller list.
January 2024: Reports of Songwriting Offers
In January 2024, reports circulated that Charli XCX and Julia Michaels had been asked to write songs for Britney Spears. However, Spears denied she would return to the music industry, but also said that she had written more than 20 songs for other artists in the previous two years.
February 2024: Spears partners with Glace for a cause
In February 2024, Britney Spears partnered with New York City dessert shop Glace to create the "Britney Brûlée" dessert, donating a portion of the proceeds to The Trevor Project.
May 2024: Charli XCX Confirms Songwriting Request
In May 2024, Charli XCX confirmed in an interview that she was indeed asked to write for Britney Spears, for which she traveled to Malibu, but she did not know if Britney was involved, explaining that "the team were present... But she didn't record it. She obviously didn't."
February 2026: Primary Wave Acquires Music Catalog
In February 2026, Variety reported that music publisher Primary Wave had acquired Britney Spears' music catalog along with other rights.
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