History of Britney Spears in Timeline
Britney Spears, known as the "Princess of Pop," is an influential American singer credited with reviving teen pop in the late 1990s and early 2000s. With over 150 million records sold globally, she is one of the world's best-selling music artists. Spears boasts a remarkable collection of awards, including a Grammy, 15 Guinness World Records, six MTV Video Music Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her iconic, heavily choreographed music videos have earned her the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
1972: Release of Elton John's 'Tiny Dancer'
Elton John released his single 'Tiny Dancer' in 1972.
December 1998: Female Teen Pop Explosion
In December 1998, Britney Spears was at the forefront of the female teen pop explosion with her charting single and video. This marked a shift in the market, leading RCA Records to sign Christina Aguilera to capitalize on Spears' success.
1998: Release of "...Baby One More Time"
In 1998, Britney Spears released her debut single "...Baby One More Time", which marked a significant turning point in pop music, influencing vocal styles and shaping a new era for the genre.
April 1999: Rolling Stone Cover and AFA Controversy
In April 1999, Britney Spears appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in a provocative photoshoot, sparking controversy with the American Family Association (AFA) who deemed it inappropriate. Spears defended her choices, asserting her strong morals and expressing a desire to break away from the bubblegum pop image.
September 1999: Jessica Simpson's Debut
In September 1999, Jessica Simpson's single 'I Wanna Love You Forever' charted, followed by her album 'Sweet Kisses'. Simpson, aiming for a more mature image than Spears, joined the wave of female teen pop stars.
2000: Acclaimed MTV Video Music Awards Performance
Britney Spears delivered a lauded performance at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.
2000: Start of Britney Spears' Reign as Most Searched Person
The year 2000 marked the beginning of Britney Spears' dominance as the most searched person on Yahoo!, a trend that continued for seven years.
October 30, 2001: Artists Against AIDS Worldwide Album Release
On October 30, 2001, Britney 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", intending to benefit AIDS programs in Africa and other impoverished regions.
2001: Acclaimed MTV Video Music Awards Performance
Britney Spears delivered another acclaimed performance at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards.
2001: Spears' Shift to a More Mature Image
With the release of her album 'Britney' in 2001, Britney Spears showcased a shift towards a more mature image and sound, moving away from her teen idol persona. The lead single 'I'm a Slave 4 U' and its accompanying music video further solidified this transition.
September 2002: Spears Ranked on VH1's 100 Sexiest Artists
In September 2002, Britney Spears was ranked eighth on VH1's 100 Sexiest Artists list.
2002: Britney Spears expresses admiration for Madonna
In 2002, in the book "Madonnastyle" by Carol Clerk, Britney Spears 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."
2003: Acclaimed MTV Video Music Awards Performance
Britney Spears once again delivered an acclaimed performance at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards.
2003: Spears Embraces Adulthood with 'In the Zone'
By 2003, with the release of 'In the Zone,' Britney Spears completed her transition to adulthood, embracing a more mature and sexually liberated image similar to that of Christina Aguilera.
2003: Britney Spears Comments on President Bush and Iraq War
In 2003, Britney Spears expressed her support for President George W. Bush and the Iraq War during an interview with Tucker Carlson, stating that people should trust the president's decisions. This sparked controversy and led to her being featured in Michael Moore's documentary Fahrenheit 9/11.
2003: Spears Named One of People's 50 Most Beautiful People
In 2003, People magazine included Britney Spears in its list of the 50 Most Beautiful People.
2003: VH1's 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons
In 2003, VH1 included Britney Spears in its list of the 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons.
March 2004: The Onyx Hotel Tour
In March 2004, Britney Spears kicked off her Onyx Hotel Tour, supporting her album 'In the Zone'.
June 2004: Knee Injury and Tour Cancellation
In June 2004, Britney Spears suffered a knee injury during the filming of her music video for 'Outrageous,' leading to the cancellation of her Onyx Hotel Tour. She underwent arthroscopic surgery and required a lengthy rehabilitation period.
July 2004: Engagement to Kevin Federline
In July 2004, Britney Spears got engaged to dancer Kevin Federline, a relationship that quickly became a media sensation.
September 18, 2004: Wedding Ceremony with Kevin Federline
On September 18, 2004, Britney Spears and Kevin Federline held their wedding ceremony. However, the legal marriage was delayed for three weeks due to prenuptial agreement finalization.
October 2004: Career Break and Perfume Launch
In October 2004, Britney Spears decided to take a break from her music career to focus on starting a family. She also released her first fragrance, 'Curious', with Elizabeth Arden, which set a new record for the company's first-week perfume sales.
November 2004: Release of 'Greatest Hits: My Prerogative'
Britney Spears released her first greatest hits compilation album, 'Greatest Hits: My Prerogative', in November 2004. The album included a cover of Bobby Brown's 'My Prerogative,' which became a chart-topping hit in several countries.
2004: Spears Tops FHM's 100 Sexiest Women List
Britney Spears topped FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World list in 2004.
May 17, 2005: Premiere of 'Britney and Kevin: Chaotic'
May 17, 2005, marked the premiere of Britney Spears' first reality show, 'Britney and Kevin: Chaotic,' which documented her relationship with Kevin Federline. Spears later expressed regret over the show.
August 2005: Release of 'Someday (I Will Understand)'
Britney Spears released 'Someday (I Will Understand)' in August 2005, a song dedicated to her firstborn son, Sean Preston, who was born the following month.
November 2005: Release of 'B in the Mix: The Remixes'
In November 2005, Britney Spears released her first remix compilation album, 'B in the Mix: The Remixes'.
2005: Most Popular Search Term on Yahoo!
In 2005, 'Britney Spears' became the most popular search term on Yahoo!.
2005: Hurricane Katrina Donation
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Britney Spears donated $350,000 to Music Rising.
February 2006: Driving Controversy with Son Sean
In February 2006, Britney Spears faced criticism after photographs surfaced of her driving with her son, Sean Preston, on her lap instead of in a car seat. She attributed the incident to an encounter with paparazzi but acknowledged her error.
May 2006: Departure from Kabbalah and Guest Appearance on 'Will & Grace'
In May 2006, Britney Spears announced that she had stopped studying Kabbalah, stating that her baby was her religion. She also made a guest appearance as a closeted lesbian character named Amber-Louise in an episode of the TV show 'Will & Grace'.
August 2006: Harper's Bazaar Nude Cover Shoot
Britney Spears posed nude for the cover of Harper's Bazaar in August 2006, a photo shoot that drew comparisons to Demi Moore's iconic 1991 nude Vanity Fair cover.
September 2006: Birth of Son Jayden James
Britney Spears gave birth to her second son, Jayden James, in September 2006.
November 2006: Filing for Divorce from Kevin Federline
Britney Spears filed for divorce from Kevin Federline in November 2006, citing irreconcilable differences.
2006: Beginning of Spears' Highly Publicized Personal Struggles
Britney Spears began experiencing a period of highly publicized personal struggles, which negatively impacted her career and public image.
January 2007: Death of Aunt Sandra Bridges Covington
Britney Spears experienced a personal loss in January 2007 when her maternal aunt, Sandra Bridges Covington, with whom she had been very close, died of ovarian cancer.
May 2007: The M+M's Tour
Britney Spears put on a series of promotional concerts called The M+M's Tour at House of Blues venues in May 2007.
July 2007: Finalization of Divorce and Custody Agreement
Britney Spears' divorce from Kevin Federline was finalized in July 2007. They reached a settlement that included shared custody of their two sons.
October 2007: Loss of Physical Custody and Louis Vuitton Lawsuit
In October 2007, Britney Spears lost physical custody of her sons to Kevin Federline, the details of which were not made public. Additionally, she was sued by Louis Vuitton for using counterfeit Louis Vuitton fabric in her 2005 music video for 'Do Somethin'', which led to the video being banned on European television.
October 2007: Release of 'Blackout'
In October 2007, Britney Spears released her fifth studio album, 'Blackout'. Although it was her first album not to debut at number one in the U.S., it reached number two on the Billboard 200 and topped the charts in several other countries. It received positive reviews and became a global success.
December 2007: Relationship with Adnan Ghalib
Britney Spears began a relationship with paparazzo Adnan Ghalib in December 2007.
2007: Formation of RCA/Jive Label Group
The RCA/Jive Label Group was established in 2007.
2007: Criticized MTV Video Music Awards Performance
Britney Spears' 2007 MTV Video Music Awards performance received widespread criticism as she struggled with her dance moves and appeared to only mouth some of the words.
2007: Guinness World Record for Most Searched Person
Britney Spears was named the Most Searched Person in the 2007 edition of the Guinness World Records book.
January 2008: Custody Battle and Hospitalization
In January 2008, Britney Spears refused to hand over custody of her sons to Kevin Federline's representatives. This led to a police visit to her home, where they noted she seemed to be under the influence of an unknown substance. As a result, she was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The following day, an emergency court hearing suspended her visitation rights, and her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, was granted sole custody of their sons. Subsequently, she was admitted to the psychiatric ward at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and placed on a 5150 involuntary psychiatric hold. The court also placed her under a conservatorship headed by her father, Jamie Spears, and attorney Andrew Wallet, granting them control over her assets. She was released five days later.
July 2008: Partial Regain of Visitation Rights
In July 2008, Britney Spears regained partial visitation rights to her sons after reaching an agreement with her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, and his legal counsel.
September 2008: MTV Video Music Awards Triumph
In September 2008, Britney Spears made a significant comeback at the MTV Video Music Awards. She opened the show with a pre-recorded comedy skit with Jonah Hill and delivered an introductory speech. Her music video for "Piece of Me" won three awards: Best Female Video, Best Pop Video, and Video of the Year.
December 2008: Release of 'Circus' Album
Britney Spears released her sixth studio album, 'Circus,' in December 2008. The album garnered positive reviews from critics and achieved remarkable success, debuting at number one on the charts in Canada, the Czech Republic, and the United States. It also secured top-ten positions in various European countries. The album's achievements led to Spears setting a new record as the youngest female artist to have five albums debut at number one on the US charts, a feat recognized by the Guinness World Records. Additionally, 'Circus' became one of the fastest-selling albums of 2008, selling over four million copies worldwide.
2008: Most Popular Search Term on Yahoo!
For the fourth consecutive year, 'Britney Spears' remained the most popular search term on Yahoo! in 2008.
2008: 'Blackout' Accolades
In 2008, Britney Spears' album 'Blackout' won the Album of the Year award at the MTV Europe Music Awards. It was also recognized as one of the top pop albums of the decade by The Times.
2008: Spears' Public Downfall and Career Comeback
In 2008, Britney Spears' personal issues were widely covered in the media, with some deeming it the most public downfall of any star. However, her appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards that year marked a turning point, showcasing professionalism and poise after a difficult previous year. This began her career comeback.
2008: The Britney Economy
In 2008, Salon published an article titled 'The Britney Economy' which described how Spears was a driving force in music and fashion, stimulating consumer purchases and media coverage.
January 2009: Restraining Order Against Former Associates
In January 2009, Britney Spears and her father, Jamie Spears, were granted a restraining order against her former manager, Sam Lutfi, her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Ghalib, and her attorney, Jon Eardley. They were accused of conspiring to take control of Spears' personal and financial matters.
March 2009: The Circus Starring Britney Spears Tour
Britney Spears embarked on her concert tour, 'The Circus Starring Britney Spears,' in March 2009. The tour achieved significant commercial success, grossing over US $131.8 million, making it the fifth highest-grossing tour of the year.
November 2009: Release of 'The Singles Collection'
Britney Spears released her second greatest hits album, 'The Singles Collection,' in November 2009. The album featured a new single, '3,' which became her third number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
2009: Guinness World Record for Most Searched Person
Britney Spears earned her second Guinness World Record as the Most Searched Person in the 2009 edition of the book.
2009: Britney Spears' Conservatorship Should Have Ended
Britney Spear's conservatorship was supposed to have ended in 2009.
May 2010: New Relationship and Career Shift
Britney Spears' representatives confirmed in May 2010 that she was dating her agent, Jason Trawick. As a result of their romantic involvement, they chose to discontinue their professional relationship to concentrate on their personal life.
July 2010: Candie's Clothing Line
In July 2010, Britney Spears launched a limited-edition clothing line designed in collaboration with the brand Candie's. The collection was available in stores for a limited period.
September 2010: Glee Tribute Episode
In September 2010, Britney Spears had a cameo appearance on a special tribute episode of the popular television series 'Glee,' titled 'Britney/Brittany.' The episode centered around Spears' music and persona and achieved the highest Nielsen rating in the 18-49 demographic for the series up to that point.
2010: Inspiration for 'Country Strong'
In 2010, Gwyneth Paltrow's character in the film 'Country Strong' was inspired by Britney Spears' treatment by the media. Director Shana Fest highlighted the tragic way celebrities are built up and knocked down.
March 2011: Release of 'Femme Fatale' Album
Britney Spears' seventh studio album, 'Femme Fatale,' was released in March 2011. The album achieved significant commercial success, topping the charts in the United States, Canada, and Australia. It secured top-ten positions on most other charts worldwide. 'Femme Fatale' earned platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and sold over 2.4 million copies globally.
April 2011: Collaboration with Rihanna and Billboard Recognition
In April 2011, Britney Spears collaborated with Rihanna on a remix of Rihanna's song 'S&M.' This collaboration reached the top spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, giving Spears her fifth number-one single. Billboard's 2011 Year-End list acknowledged Spears' achievements, ranking her fourteenth on the Artists of the Year list, thirty-second on the Billboard 200 artists list, and tenth on the Billboard Hot 100 artists list. Furthermore, Spears co-wrote the song 'Whiplash' for Selena Gomez & the Scene's album 'When the Sun Goes Down.'
June 2011: Femme Fatale Tour Begins
In June 2011, Britney Spears kicked off her Femme Fatale Tour.
August 2011: Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
Britney Spears was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in August 2011.
September 2011: Controversy Surrounding 'Criminal' Music Video
The release of the music video for Britney Spears' single 'Criminal' in September 2011 ignited controversy. British politicians criticized Spears for featuring replica guns in the video, which was filmed in a London neighborhood significantly impacted by the 2011 England riots. Spears' management responded briefly to the criticism, stating that the video was intended to be a fantasy story with her boyfriend, Jason Trawick, and that the song's lyrics were written three years prior to the riots.
November 2011: Femme Fatale Tour DVD Release
A DVD of Britney Spears' Femme Fatale Tour was released in November 2011.
December 10, 2011: Femme Fatale Tour Ends
On December 10, 2011, Britney Spears wrapped up her Femme Fatale Tour in Puerto Rico after 79 performances.
2011: Lady Gaga's Praise for Spears
During the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, Lady Gaga praised Britney Spears, stating that Spears 'taught us all how to be fearless' and that the industry wouldn't be the same without her. Gaga also cited Spears as an influence, calling her 'the most provocative performer of my time'.
2011: Jive Records Disbands
Jive Records ceased to exist in 2011.
2011: An Evening of Southern Style Fundraiser
In 2011, Britney Spears raised $200,000 during An Evening of Southern Style at a private residence in Beverly Hills to benefit the St. Bernard Project, with the help of several celebrities.
2011: Release of "Hold It Against Me"
Britney Spears released "Hold It Against Me" in 2011.
April 2012: Jason Trawick Becomes Co-Conservator
Jason Trawick, Britney Spears' fiancé, was granted a role as co-conservator of her affairs, alongside her father, in April 2012.
May 2012: Judge on The X Factor
In May 2012, Britney Spears joined The X Factor USA as a judge for its second season, replacing Paula Abdul and becoming the highest-paid judge on a singing competition series at that time.
December 2012: Start of Britney Jean Recording
Britney Spears began working on her eighth studio album, Britney Jean, in December 2012.
December 2012: Complex Ranks Spears 12th on Hottest Female Singers List
In December 2012, Complex ranked Britney Spears twelfth on its 100 Hottest Female Singers of All Time list.
December 2012: Top-Earning Woman in Music
In December 2012, Forbes named Britney Spears the top-earning woman in music for the year 2012.
2012: Release of 'Scream & Shout' by Britney Spears and will.i.am
'Scream & Shout,' a collaboration between Britney Spears and will.i.am, was released in 2012. It became her highest-charting song on the US Billboard Hot 100 until the release of 'Hold Me Closer' in 2022.
2012: Recognition as a Pop Icon
In 2012, Britney Spears was recognized by VH1 as one of the 50 Greatest Women of the Video Era and one of the 100 Greatest Women in Music.
2012: VH1 Ranks Spears Fourth Greatest Woman of the Video Era
In 2012, VH1 ranked Britney Spears as the fourth Greatest Woman of the Video Era.
January 2013: End of Engagement with Jason Trawick
Britney Spears and Jason Trawick called off their engagement in January 2013. Trawick was also removed as Spears' co-conservator, leaving her father as the sole conservator.
May 2013: will.i.am as Executive Producer for Britney Jean
In May 2013, will.i.am was announced as the executive producer for Britney Spears' eighth studio album, Britney Jean.
June 2013: "Ooh La La" Release
Britney Spears released the song "Ooh La La" for The Smurfs 2 soundtrack in June 2013.
September 2013: Release of "Work Bitch"
In September 2013, Britney Spears released "Work Bitch" as the lead single from her album Britney Jean. The song achieved significant success, marking her 31st entry on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and her highest sales debut since her 2011 single "Hold It Against Me".
September 17, 2013: Announcement of Las Vegas Residency and Britney Jean Release
On September 17, 2013, Britney Spears made a major announcement on Good Morning America. She revealed her upcoming two-year concert residency, Britney: Piece of Me, at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, and also shared the December 3, 2013 release date for her eighth studio album, Britney Jean.
October 2013: Collaboration with Miley Cyrus
Britney Spears was featured on Miley Cyrus' song "SMS (Bangerz)" from Cyrus' album Bangerz in October 2013.
November 2013: Release of "Perfume"
In November 2013, Britney Spears released "Perfume" as the second single from her album Britney Jean. It debuted at number 76 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
December 3, 2013: Britney Jean Release
Britney Spears released her eighth studio album, Britney Jean, on December 3, 2013, under RCA Records, following the disbandment of Jive Records.
December 27, 2013: Britney: Piece of Me Residency Begins
Britney Spears' Las Vegas residency show, Britney: Piece of Me, premiered at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on December 27, 2013.
2013: Release of #willpower and "Scream & Shout"
will.i.am released his album #willpower in 2013, which featured the hit song "Scream & Shout" with Britney Spears, becoming one of the best-selling songs of 2012 and 2013.
January 8, 2014: Favorite Pop Artist Award
Britney Spears won the Favorite Pop Artist award at the 40th People's Choice Awards on January 8, 2014.
February 2014: 'Femme Fatale' Sales Milestone
By February 2014, 'Femme Fatale,' Britney Spears' seventh studio album, had sold over 2.4 million copies worldwide, solidifying its status as a commercial success.
August 2014: Renewal of RCA Contract and New Album Announcement
In August 2014, Britney Spears confirmed that she had renewed her contract with RCA Records and was working on new music for her next album.
August 2014: Lingerie Line Announcement
In August 2014, Britney Spears announced her forthcoming intimate apparel line, "The Intimate Britney Spears", set to launch the following month.
August 2014: Split from David Lucado
Britney Spears and David Lucado broke up in August 2014 after dating for over a year.
September 9, 2014: Launch of "The Intimate Britney Spears" Lingerie Line
On September 9, 2014, Britney Spears launched her own lingerie line, "The Intimate Britney Spears," initially in the United States and Canada through her dedicated website.
September 25, 2014: European Launch of Lingerie Line and Residency Extension
On September 25, 2014, Britney Spears' lingerie line became available in Europe. She also confirmed an extension of her Las Vegas residency show, Britney: Piece of Me, at Planet Hollywood's The AXIS for two more years.
October 2014: Relationship with Charlie Ebersol Begins
Britney Spears started dating television producer Charlie Ebersol in October 2014.
2014: Court Order Determines Britney Spears' Lack of Capacity to Consent to Medical Treatment
In 2014, a court order determined that Britney Spears did not have the capacity to consent to medical treatment of any form.
2014: Britney: Piece of Me Residency Continues
Britney Spears' Las Vegas residency show, Britney: Piece of Me, continued its run throughout 2014.
May 14, 2015: "Pretty Girls" Release and Billboard Music Awards Performance
Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea released their collaborative single "Pretty Girls" on May 14, 2015. They also delivered a well-received live performance of the song at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards, held at The AXIS, where Spears' Las Vegas residency was taking place.
June 2015: Split from Charlie Ebersol
Britney Spears and Charlie Ebersol ended their relationship in June 2015.
June 16, 2015: Giorgio Moroder Releases Déjà Vu, Featuring Britney Spears
On June 16, 2015, Giorgio Moroder released his album Déjà Vu, which featured Britney Spears on the track "Tom's Diner".
October 9, 2015: "Tom's Diner" Released as Single
On October 9, 2015, "Tom's Diner", Britney Spear's collaboration with Giorgio Moroder from his album Déjà Vu, was released as a single.
October 24, 2015: Donation to Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation
On October 24, 2015, Britney Spears donated $120,000 to the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. In addition, $1 of each ticket sale for her Las Vegas residency, Britney: Piece of Me, was donated to the nonprofit organization. Spears also fundraised for the charity through social media, in addition to selling limited edition merchandise, with all proceeds going to the NCCF.
November 2015: Britney Spears Guest Stars on Jane the Virgin
In November 2015, Britney Spears made a guest appearance as herself on the CW show, Jane the Virgin, where she danced to "Toxic" with Gina Rodriguez's character.
2015: Britney: Piece of Me Residency Continues
Britney Spears' Las Vegas residency show, Britney: Piece of Me, continued its run throughout 2015.
2015: Forbes Recognition and Influence on Las Vegas Residencies
In 2015, Forbes named Britney Spears the sixth-highest-earning female musician. She is also credited with redefining Las Vegas residencies, influencing artists like Jennifer Lopez, Bruno Mars, and the Backstreet Boys.
March 1, 2016: Britney Spears Announced as V Magazine's 100th Issue Cover Star
On March 1, 2016, V Magazine announced that Britney Spears would be the cover star for their 100th issue.
March 8, 2016: Britney Spears Graces Three Covers of V Magazine's 100th Issue
On March 8, 2016, Britney Spears was featured on three different covers of V Magazine's 100th issue, photographed by Mario Testino.
May 2016: Britney Spears: American Dream Game Launches
In May 2016, Britney Spears launched her casual role-playing game app, Britney Spears: American Dream, developed by Glu Mobile and available on iOS and Google Play.
May 22, 2016: Britney Spears Performs and Receives Billboard Millennium Award
On May 22, 2016, Britney Spears opened the Billboard Music Awards with a medley of her hits and was honored with the Billboard Millennium Award.
July 15, 2016: "Make Me" Featuring G-Eazy Released
On July 15, 2016, Britney Spears released "Make Me", the lead single from her ninth studio album, featuring G-Eazy.
August 16, 2016: Britney Spears Returns to the VMA Stage
On August 16, 2016, MTV announced that Britney Spears would be performing at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, marking her first return to the VMA stage since 2007. She performed "Make Me" with G-Eazy, as well as G-Eazy's hit, "Me, Myself & I".
August 26, 2016: Britney Spears Releases Ninth Studio Album, Glory
On August 26, 2016, Britney Spears released her ninth studio album titled Glory.
October 2016: Britney Spears Covers Marie Claire UK, Discusses Anxiety and Motherhood
Britney Spears appeared on the cover of Marie Claire UK's October 2016 issue, where she discussed her past struggles with anxiety and how motherhood helped her overcome it.
October 27, 2016: Britney Spears Piece of Me Charity Ride
On October 27, 2016, Britney 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.
November 2016: Britney Spears Confirms Work on Next Album, Releases "Slumber Party" Remix
In November 2016, Britney Spears confirmed that she had started working on her next album. That same month, she released a remix of "Slumber Party" featuring Tinashe as the second single from her album, Glory.
2016: Lip-Syncing Controversy
In 2016, Britney Spears' alleged lip-syncing during live performances became a subject of debate, drawing criticism from music critics and concertgoers. Some argued that she does more than just lip-sync, while others acknowledged her use of digital support. Sabrina Weiss of Refinery29 called her lip-syncing a "well-known fact that's not even taboo anymore." The Los Angeles Daily News questioned the significance of lip-syncing in the context of her concerts, suggesting that attendees go for the spectacle. Spears herself addressed the issue, explaining that she uses some playback due to the intensity of her dancing, but that her voice is also part of the mix. She expressed frustration over not receiving credit for singing while performing.
2016: Britney Spears Supports Hillary Clinton
In 2016, Britney Spears publicly endorsed Hillary Clinton for president, sharing photos of their meeting and calling Clinton an inspiration for women.
2016: Varied Reviews for Las Vegas Residency
Following knee injuries and personal issues, Britney Spears' showmanship and dance abilities were subject to critique during her Las Vegas concert residency in 2016. Serge F. Kovaleski of The New York Times observed that while she was once a fluid dancer, she now appeared stiff and robotic, relying heavily on arm movements and elaborate sets. However, Robin Leach of the Las Vegas Sun offered a more positive perspective, stating that she delivered a flawless performance on the residency's opening night.
2016: Mixed Reception for "Comeback" MTV Video Music Awards Performance
Britney Spears' 2016 MTV Video Music Awards performance, framed as her "comeback," received mixed reviews. Billboard described it as "an effective, but not entirely glorious, bid to regain pop superstardom."
January 2017: Britney Spears Wins Four People's Choice Awards
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.
March 2017: Britney Spears Announces International Tour
In March 2017, Britney Spears announced an international tour, Britney: Live in Concert, with dates in select cities in Asia.
April 2017: Israeli Labor Party Reschedules Primary Election Due to Britney Spears' Concert
In April 2017, the Israeli Labor Party rescheduled its primary election to avoid clashing with Britney Spears' sold-out Tel Aviv concert due to traffic and security concerns.
April 29, 2017: Britney Spears Receives Radio Disney Music Awards Icon Award
On April 29, 2017, Britney Spears became the first recipient of the Icon Award at the Radio Disney Music Awards.
November 4, 2017: Britney Spears Attends Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Campus Opening
On November 4, 2017, Britney Spears attended the grand opening of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Britney Spears Campus in Las Vegas.
December 2017: Britney Spears Supports the DREAM Act
In December 2017, Britney Spears voiced her support for the DREAM Act following President Trump's announcement to end the DACA policy. She posted a photo on social media wearing a "We Are All Dreamers" shirt and urged Congress to pass the act.
December 31, 2017: Britney Spears Concludes Britney: Piece of Me Residency
On December 31, 2017, Britney Spears performed her final show for her Las Vegas residency, Britney: Piece of Me. The final performance set a new box office record for a single show in Las Vegas, earning $1.172 million.
2017: Spears Reflects on Her Past Struggles
In 2017, Britney Spears reflected on her past struggles, emphasizing the importance of mental health and taking breaks. She acknowledged moments of regret but ultimately showed growth and understanding of her past decisions.
January 2018: Britney Spears Releases Sunset Fantasy Perfume and Announces Piece of Me Tour
In January 2018, Britney Spears released her 24th perfume with Elizabeth Arden, Sunset Fantasy. She also announced her Piece of Me Tour, scheduled for July 2018 in North America and Europe.
March 20, 2018: Britney Spears Partners with Kenzo for 'La Collection Memento No. 2' Campaign
On March 20, 2018, Britney Spears was announced as part of a campaign for French luxury fashion house Kenzo for their 'La Collection Memento No. 2' campaign.
April 12, 2018: Britney Spears Receives GLAAD Vanguard Award
On April 12, 2018, Britney Spears received the GLAAD Vanguard Award at the GLAAD Media Awards for her support of the LGBTQ+ community.
April 27, 2018: Britney Spears Announces Fashion Line Partnership with Epic Rights
On April 27, 2018, Epic Rights announced a partnership with Britney Spears to launch her own fashion line in 2019, which would include apparel, accessories, and electronics.
July 2018: Britney Spears Embarks on Piece of Me Tour
In July 2018, Britney Spears kicked off her Piece of Me Tour across North America and Europe. The tour was a commercial success, selling out numerous venues and requiring additional dates due to high demand.
July 2018: Release of Britney Spears' First Unisex Fragrance, 'Prerogative'
In July 2018, Britney Spears released her first unisex fragrance called 'Prerogative.'
October 18, 2018: Britney Spears Announces Second Las Vegas Residency Show
On October 18, 2018, Britney Spears announced her second Las Vegas residency show, 'Britney: Domination,' set to launch at Park MGM's Park Theatre.
October 21, 2018: Britney Spears Performs at Formula One Grand Prix
On October 21, 2018, Britney Spears performed at the Formula One Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. This marked the final performance of her 'Piece of Me Tour.'
2018: Katy Perry Breaks X Factor Salary Record
In 2018, Katy Perry surpassed Britney Spears' record for highest-paid judge on a singing competition series when she joined American Idol.
2018: Spears Receives GLAAD Vanguard Award
In 2018, Britney Spears was awarded the GLAAD Vanguard Award for her role in promoting acceptance for the LGBTQ community. She expressed her gratitude to her LGBTQ fans for their loyalty and lack of judgment.
January 4, 2019: Britney Spears Announces Indefinite Hiatus and Cancellation of Las Vegas Residency
On January 4, 2019, Britney Spears announced an indefinite hiatus from her career and the subsequent cancellation of her Las Vegas residency show, 'Britney: Domination'.
January 2019: Britney Spears Placed Under Conservatorship
In January 2019, Britney Spears was placed in a conservatorship.
February 13, 2019: Launch Date for Britney Spears' Residency Show 'Britney: Domination'
February 13, 2019 was set as the launch date for Britney Spears' second Las Vegas residency show, 'Britney: Domination.'
March 2019: Andrew Wallet Resigns as Co-Conservator of Britney Spears' Estate and Spears Enters Psychiatric Facility
During March 2019, Andrew Wallet resigned from his position as co-conservator of Britney Spears' estate after 11 years. That same month, Spears entered a psychiatric facility.
April 22, 2019: #FreeBritney Protest in West Hollywood
On April 22, 2019, fans of Britney Spears held a protest outside the West Hollywood City Hall, demanding her release from the conservatorship.
May 2019: Court Orders Professional Evaluation of Britney Spears' Conservatorship
In May 2019, Judge Brenda Penny ordered a professional evaluation of Britney Spears' conservatorship.
2019: Rita Ora's Tribute to Spears
In 2019, Rita Ora released the music video for 'Only Want You,' which was inspired by Spears' 'Everytime' music video. Ora publicly acknowledged the tribute on Instagram, calling Spears an 'icon'.
February 2020: Opening of The Zone, an Interactive Pop-Up Museum Dedicated to Britney Spears
In February 2020, an interactive pop-up museum dedicated to Britney Spears, called 'The Zone,' opened in Los Angeles.
March 2020: #DoYourPartChallenge Participation
In March 2020, Britney Spears participated 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.
May 2020: Release of 'Mood Ring' as a Single and New Cover Art for 'Glory' Album
In May 2020, Britney Spears released 'Mood Ring', a Japanese-exclusive bonus track from her album 'Glory', as a single. She also debuted new cover art for 'Glory' on streaming and digital platforms worldwide.
August 17, 2020: Britney Spears Requests Changes to Her Conservatorship
On August 17, 2020, Britney Spears' court-appointed lawyer submitted a legal filing outlining Spears' desire to modify her conservatorship.
November 2020: Bessemer Trust Approved as Co-Conservator of Britney Spears' Estate
In November 2020, Bessemer Trust was approved as co-conservator of Britney Spears' estate alongside her father, Jamie Spears.
2020: Billboard's 100 Greatest Music Video Artists
In 2020, Billboard ranked Britney Spears eighth on its list of the 100 Greatest Music Video Artists of all time.
2020: Britney Spears Advocates for Social Change During COVID-19 Pandemic
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Britney Spears used her platform to advocate for social change. She shared a post on Instagram calling for wealth redistribution and support for those affected by the pandemic. Additionally, she expressed solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and spoke out against racial injustice following the murder of George Floyd.
2020: Billboard Ranks Spears Eighth Greatest Music Video Artist
In 2020, Billboard ranked Britney Spears as the eight Greatest Music Video Artist of All Time, praising her creativity in storylines, dancing, and outfits for her music videos.
2020: "...Baby One More Time" Ranked Number One Debut Single of All Time
In 2020, Rolling Stone named Britney Spears' debut single "...Baby One More Time" the greatest debut single of all time, recognizing its lasting impact and influence on the sound of pop music.
February 2021: Premiere of 'Framing Britney Spears' Documentary
'Framing Britney Spears,' a documentary about Britney Spears' career and conservatorship, premiered on FX in February 2021.
February 2021: Extension of Britney Spears' Conservatorship
Britney Spears' conservatorship was extended until February 2021.
June 22, 2021: The New York Times Publishes Confidential Court Documents Regarding Britney Spears' Conservatorship
On June 22, 2021, shortly before Britney Spears was scheduled to address the court, The New York Times obtained and published confidential court documents revealing that Spears had been advocating for the termination of her conservatorship for years.
September 15, 2021: Britney Spears Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
On September 15, 2021, Time magazine recognized Britney Spears as one of the 100 most influential people of the year. She topped the readers' poll for inclusion in the annual list, highlighting the impact of her conservatorship battle and the #FreeBritney movement.
October 2021: Britney Spears Thanks #FreeBritney Movement
In October 2021, Britney Spears expressed gratitude towards her fans and the #FreeBritney movement for their support in ending her conservatorship, marking a significant triumph in her life and career.
2021: Britney Spears' Legacy as a Pop Icon
In 2021, Britney Spears' enduring influence as a pop icon was widely acknowledged, with publications like Time and Rolling Stone reflecting on her impact on the music industry and her complex legacy marked by both artistic achievements and personal struggles.
February 2022: $15 Million Book Deal
In February 2022, Britney Spears signed a $15 million book deal for her memoir, marking one of the biggest book deals in history.
April 2022: Britney Spears Announces Pregnancy
In April 2022, Britney Spears announced her pregnancy with Sam Asghari.
January 24, 2023: Welfare Check and Fan Concerns
On January 24, 2023, deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff's Office conducted a welfare check at Britney Spears' residence following numerous calls from fans worried about her well-being after she deleted her Instagram account. A spokesperson for the Sheriff's Department confirmed that Spears was safe and not in danger.
July 21, 2023: Release of "Mind Your Business"
Britney Spears and will.i.am released their single, "Mind Your Business", on July 21, 2023.
September 2023: Second Welfare Check and Knife Video
In September 2023, another welfare check was initiated after Britney Spears posted a video on Instagram of herself dancing with knives. Her security team assured the attending officer that there was no immediate threat to her safety, and the officer left. Spears clarified that the knives were not real.
October 24, 2023: Release of Memoir "The Woman in Me"
Britney Spears released her memoir, "The Woman in Me," on October 24, 2023. The book details her rise to fame, public media events, conservatorship, and newfound freedom.
January 2024: Rumors of New Music and Songwriting
Reports circulated in January 2024 that Charli XCX and Julia Michaels had been asked to write songs for Britney Spears, with Rolling Stone reporting that her management and A&R team were trying to get her excited about making music again. Spears denied these reports, stating she would never return to the music industry. However, she also mentioned she had written over 20 songs for other artists in the previous two years.
February 2024: Partnership with Glace for The Trevor Project
In February 2024, Britney 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.
May 1, 2024: Divorce Settlement Reached
On May 1, 2024, Britney Spears and Sam Asghari reached a divorce settlement after 14 months of marriage.
May 2024: Charli XCX Confirms Songwriting Request
In May 2024, Charli XCX confirmed in an interview that she had indeed been asked to write for Britney Spears, traveling to Malibu for this purpose. However, she clarified that she didn't know she was part of a larger process and that Spears ultimately didn't record the song.
December 2, 2024: Divorce Finalized
On December 2, 2024, Britney Spears and Sam Asghari's divorce will be finalized after a judge signed off on their settlement.