From a whirlwind of public performance flops and family dramas in 2007, to guest star performances and a music comeback that has the critics raving, it seems that for Britney at least, her fans and public can be very forgiving.
Britney: Most Popular
Despite her well publicized breakdowns, break-ups, lackluster live performances, and fall-outs with record label executives, Britney Spears remains the most searched celebrity on web-search engines the world over, as detailed in the new Guinness Book of World Records, 2009.
Britney's Blackout
Throughout 2007 and most of 2008, images of Britney at rock-bottom flooded gossip magazines as they documented the former teen idol's downward spiral. From her well-documented break-up with husband Kevin Federline, custodial issues surrounding her sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, and the release of a tell-all book by Britney’s mother, Lynne, the tabloids were brimming with reports and innuendo on Britney’s mental state.
Although Britney’s critically acclaimed 2007 "Blackout" album went platinum, her string of personal issues including several public breakdowns and ongoing family issues made promoting the album a disaster, making "Blackout" her most unsuccessful album of all time.
MTV Performance Panned
Britney’s televised appearance at the 2007 MTV awards was widely panned, making her an international laughing stock as the once toned singer took to the stage in an unflattering two-piece to mime her way through her hit, Gimme More.
Several postponed and cancelled concert tours later, Britney then scored a guest appearance on the hugely popular American sit-com, "How I met Your Mother", impressing the cast and critics alike with her comedic ability.
Britney Makes a Comeback
On September 7, 2008, a fit and glamorous-looking Britney appeared on stage at the MTV Awards show to collect 3 Moonmen awards for her smash hit Piece Of Me – taking out the Video of The Year, Best Pop Video, and Best Female Video.
Penned by Swedish songwriters Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg and Klas Ahlund, the song was originally recorded by Swedish singer Robyn, whose backing vocals can still be heard on Britney’s version. A reference to the public scrutiny of Britney’s life and existence as a gossip-inspired media favorite, the song was a huge hit internationally, reaching platinum in 3 countries and selling over 1.2 million copies in the U.S alone.
Back on Top?
After a tumultuous year which saw Britney regaining visitation rights to her sons, and with her father Jamie now in control as conservator over her professional life, industry insiders are predicting record sales for her new album, “Circus” due for release on Britney’s 27th birthday, December 2.
With the help of producers of Nate ‘Danja’ Hills and Max Martin, who helped establish Britney as a pop music phenomenom with her 1998 hit Baby, One More Time, Britney’s record label, Jive-Zomba are anticipating renewed success for the singer. The first single from her new "Circus" album, Womanizer, is officially due for radio release, September 22, 2008.
