Lasting Legacy of Britney Spears: A Look at the Influence on History

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Britney Spears across different fields.

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.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

September 2002: VH1 Ranks Spears on Sexiest Artists List

In September 2002, Britney Spears was ranked number eight on VH1's 100 Sexiest Artists list, acknowledging her sex symbol status.

2003: People Names Spears One of the Most Beautiful People

In 2003, People magazine cited Britney Spears as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People.

2004: FHM Ranks Spears Sexiest Woman in the World

In 2004, Britney Spears was ranked number one on FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World list.

2008: Recognition of 2003 VMA Performance

In 2008, MTV listed Britney Spears's 2003 MTV Video Music Awards performance with Christina Aguilera and Madonna as the number-one opening moment in the history of the MTV Video Music Awards.

2009: Guinness World Record for Most Searched Person

In 2009, Britney Spears was named as the Most Searched Person in the Guinness World Records book, showcasing her immense online popularity.

2010: Britney Spears inspires a film character

In 2010, Gwyneth Paltrow's character in the film "Country Strong" was inspired by the media's treatment of Britney Spears, highlighting the challenges Spears faced and her impact on popular culture.

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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.

December 2012: Complex Ranks Spears Among Hottest Female Singers

In December 2012, Complex ranked Britney Spears 12th on its 100 Hottest Female Singers of All Time list.

2012: VH1 Ranks Spears Fourth Among Greatest Women of the Video Era

In 2012, VH1 ranked Britney Spears fourth among the 50 Greatest Women of the Video Era, recognizing her impact and influence on music videos.

2013: Spears comments on Britney and Kevin: Chaotic

In 2013, Britney Spears referred to the show Britney and Kevin: Chaotic as the worst thing she's done in her career.

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.

2017: Spears Reflects on Mental Health and Career Breaks

In 2017, Britney Spears reflected on her career, stating the importance of taking breaks and responsibility for her mental health, while acknowledging past struggles and decisions.

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.

2019: Rita Ora pays homage to Spears in music video

In 2019, Rita Ora's music video for "Only Want You" was inspired by Britney Spears's "Everytime" music video, and she expressed her love and admiration for Spears on Instagram.

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2020: Billboard Ranks Spears Eighth Among Greatest Music Video Artists

In 2020, Billboard ranked Britney Spears eighth among the Greatest Music Video Artists of All Time, citing her creativity and the memorable nature of her videos.

2020: Rolling Stone Ranks "...Baby One More Time" as Greatest Debut Single

In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked Britney Spears's debut single "...Baby One More Time" as number one on its list of the 100 Greatest Debut Singles of All Time, recognizing its impact on pop music.

September 15, 2021: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People

On September 15, 2021, Time named Britney Spears as one of the 100 most influential people of the year, recognizing her fight against her conservatorship and the impact of the #FreeBritney movement.

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.

2024: Named Most Famous Celebrity From Louisiana

In 2024, Britney Spears was named the most famous celebrity from Louisiana, based on a study of internet searches by LouisianaBets.com.

2024: Ranked on Billboard's Greatest Pop Stars List

In 2024, Britney Spears was ranked at number six on Billboard's Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century list, recognizing her significant contributions to pop music.

2025: Ranked on Billboard's Top Women Artists List

In 2025, Britney Spears was ranked number 14 on Billboard's "Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century" list, acknowledging her impact and influence in the music industry.