The Top Pop Artists of the Decade - 2000s

The following italicized article is from www.popeater.com:

1. Britney Spears

You can't deny it, Britney has dominated the decade. Her music endures on MTV and radio and her often erratic and always interesting personal life has made for endless tabloid fodder. Her musical output between 2000-2008 was astounding. She dropped a huge 'Oops!' at the dawn of the decade and followed that with 'Britney' a year later. In 2003, she delivered what we think is one of the best pop songs of the decade, 'Toxic' (complete with an insanely sexy music video). Two more albums followed, with the latest dropping last year. True, it's impossible to ignore her personal woes (marriages, divorces, drinking, weird boyfriends, shaved heads, rehab ...), but in the end this was all about a former Mouseketeer developing into the world's biggest star.

Source: Pop Eater

'Toxic' Voted Sexiest Video of All TIme

The following italicized article is from www.telegraph.co.uk:

Madonna took the top spot ahead of Lady Ga Ga's Poker Face and Wannabe by the Spice Girls in the online poll about the least sexy videos.

Other videos voted into the "least sexy" top ten included Never Gonna Give You Up by 1980s crooner Rick Astley, and Michael Jackson's You Are Not Alone, which featured the singer naked with Lisa Marie Presley.

Britney Spears won the sexiest video vote for her 2004 single Toxic, with Shakira in second place with She Wolf and boy band JLS in third with Beat Again.

The recently reformed boy band Take That appeared in both the sexiest and least sexy top tens, for Pray and Do What You Like respectively.

The rankings were decided by users of the music video website Muzu.tv.

Ten Least Sexy Music Videos

1. Madonna – Hung up

2. Lady Ga Ga - Poker Face

3. Spice Girls - Wannabe

4. Pink - Get the Party Started

5. Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up

6. Michael Jackson – You Are Not Alone

7. Take That – Do What You Like

8. Billy Ray Cyrus - Achy Breaky Heart

9. Wham! - Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

10. David Hasslehoff – Jump In My Car

Top Ten Most Sexy Videos

1. Britney – Toxic

2. Shakira – She Wolf

3. JLS - Beat Again

4. Girls Aloud – Untouchable

5. Kylie – Spinning Around

6. Rihanna - Umbrella

7. Ciara feat. Justin Timberlake - Love, Sex and Magic

8. Take That – Pray

9. Beyonce – Single Ladies

10. Robert Palmer - Addicted to Love

Source: Telegraph

Britney Spears Gets Naked (Again) In VMA-Nominated 'Womanizer' Clip

The following italicized article is from www.mtv.com:

Picture it: you, Britney Spears, a sweaty sauna, and nothing else between you. Like the body-hugging sparkly catsuit in "Toxic" that got tongues wagging, veteran video director Joseph Kahn knew the sight of Britney lounging in a sauna in the "Womanizer" clip would set off a buzz bomb.

Mission accomplished. Like his work on Eminem's "We Made You," which is also nominated for Video of the Year at Sunday's 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, "Womanizer" was the first clip from a crucial comeback album for Britney and Kahn was behind the camera to make sure it went smoothly.

As Kahn has said, he approached "Womanizer" not so much as a sequel to "Toxic," but as an answer to that clip. "I had no idea what the song was going to be, so I had no ideas when I met her about what we would do," said Kahn. "She had a basis of an idea to make a 'Toxic 2.' There are things she's really good at, like having a really natural knack for knowing what girls want."

While his previous collaborations with Spears on "Toxic" had a revenge-on-a-boy scenario, and "Stronger" bore an empowerment message, in "Womanizer" Britney was interested in exploring what her man was doing when he was cheating on her by showing up in different tempting outfits. "It's just a great girl fantasy," Kahn said of the concept for the video, in which Spears portrays a handful of forceful, hyperstylized characters. "The problem was we only had two days to shoot it and it involved multiple costume changes, multiple locations and Britney could only work 12 hours a day."

That meant Kahn had to hustle even more than usual, so he said he was, literally, running around the Los Angeles sets like a maniac, plotting out every second of the shoot like an Army lieutenant.

Although the hectic schedule was a white-knuckle grind, Kahn admitted that one aspect of the shoot was no hassle at all. "That was definitely an interesting thing to bring up," he said of his suggestion to Spears that they film a scenario in which she (barely) covers her naked, sweaty body with just her hands while lounging in a sauna. "I knew that the whole world would be watching, so I wanted something in there that stated, 'This is Britney, this is why you should respect her.' "

Despite the idea of seeking respect through nudity seeming counterintuitive, Kahn explained that he was so angry about how Spears had been attacked over the previous years for her yo-yo-ing weight that he wanted to quash all that talk by ... well, in his own words, "If she was a car with a paint job, I was going to show off the paint job. It was a way for her to gain back her body and smash all those shallow jokes."

As with "Toxic," Kahn had to clear everyone off the set when the time came to shoot the scene, leaving just him and Britney alone for two hours. "We worked together on each costume in the video and we went into a costuming session where she played dress-up for a while," he said, explaining the different sexy looks Britney shows off in the video. "She walks out in different outfits and I'm like, 'Let's try the striped shirt.' I'm sitting there thinking, 'I can't believe they pay me for this. I probably have the best job in the world!' Even Obama would want my job."

Source: MTV

Biggest Selling Singles Since The Year 2000

Guess who's on the list?

Guess which artist has 3 singles that have all sold more than 5 million copies...

- If you've just answered Sl*tstina you may click here for punishment -

It's Shakira! Well, her and some other dumb chick named Brittanay or something who appears on the list with 'Womanizer' (7 million), 'Toxic' (438375395 million - not really but it's gotta be something like that) and 'Baby One More Time' (only 1 or 2 gazillion - talk about a flop).

You may carry on now...

New 'Toxic' Dance Break

Britney Spears' 'Womanizer' Director Joseph Khan Talks 'Toxic' Comparisons

The following italicized article is from www.mtv.com:

Joseph Khan, the director of Britney Spears' steamy "Womanizer" video, is no stranger to working with the pop star. And having directed her in "Stronger" and "Toxic," he decided to make the clip for her new #1 single a nod to the latter.

"I didn't see it as a direct sequel but a 2008 answer to ['Toxic']," he told MTV News. " 'Toxic' was a crystallization of her career at that time, and the tough part was that we knew there were going to be comparisons."

As in "Toxic," "Womanizer" shows Spears playing a handful of strong, hyper-stylized characters seeking revenge against a guy who has done them wrong.

"There are elements and moments of 'Toxic' that I felt could be improved," he added. "This one is a bit more fashion-forward. The only big difference is that she's been through a lot, and the big curiosity for me was how much she can give me on set."

And Khan said Britney was determined to prove to everyone that she still loves being a pop star. "When I see her on set, she's extremely professional, and it's a job," he said. "There's really literally no messing around. ... Whatever accolades she gets, she deserves."

According to Khan, the video was a completely collaborative effort. She came to him with a clear idea and a strong-enough song that made directing a piece of cake. "Any director could come on," he said, "because with that fierceness and determination she has, they would look like they knew what they were doing.

"I think that it's funny she didn't have to say much, and the song spoke volumes about the visual," he added.

The video's male eye candy, Brandon Stoughton, got in on the collaboration as well. "They both took it very seriously. They're inventive. He would come up with ideas."

Khan said he noticed one major change between his last project with Britney and this one: "It's a much more mature sound and much more mature lyrics, and she always has the greatest ideas," he said. "The initial kernel of the idea always came from her. She's hyper-aware of pop culture.

"She's a mom now," Khan added, "and one of the concerns was that she wants to work hard, and she wants to see her kids. I had to know exactly what I wanted."

After everything that Spears has been through in the last couple years, Khan said he wanted to make the best possible video for her. "I love working with her, and I do care about doing the best that I can for her. I don't want to be the guy that failed. I don't want to be the guy. I want to be a help, not a hindrance."

Source: MTV

Britney Spears' Womaniser Video Records Seven Million Hits In 48 Hours

The following italicized article is from www.telegraph.co.uk:

The video is directed by Joseph Kahn, the man behind the clip for Britney's earlier release "Toxic".

The raunchy single portrays Spears in various states of undress, while she is also seen dressing up as a secretary, a roller-skating waitress and a chauffeur.

The video has been viewed millions of times on YouTube since being uploaded at the weekend.

There are high expectations "Womanizer" will confirm Spears' comeback following a troubled few years, during which she suffered a nervous breakdown.

The singer won three awards at the MTV VMAs last month. Her new single is the first from her forthcoming album Circus, which is released later this year.

She has also recently shed 10lb after going teetotal to get her body in shape for the video.

A source told The Daily Star: "The video has already been an amazing success and is just going to keep getting bigger.

"Brit still has a lot of fans and everyone wants to see her back to her best. Other people are checking it out to see if it's a car crash but loving it so much they are watching it again and again.

"This should definitely help her win back her pop princess crown back after a difficult time."

There was some bad news for the singer however earlier this week. At a Los Angeles court she was told she would have to stand trial for driving without a valid licence. Her lawyers had hoped to have the charges reduced.

Source: Telegraph

Court Signs Off on Britney's Moving Day

The following italicized article is from www.eonline.com:

This time, an ambulance won't be required to move Britney Spears from her Beverly Hills-area home.

The "Toxic" warbler is aiming to sell her home in the gated Summit community—ground zero of her January meltdown—and has quietly begun showing it to prospective buyers, E! News has learned.

Earlier today, a Los Angeles court commissioner okayed a request from Spears' conservatorship asking for permission to put the property on the market.

The court approval comes days after Spears was spotted looking at a $5.6 million, 7,300-square-foot house in the L.A. suburb of Encino, closer to the homebase of ex-husband Kevin Federline and the ex-couple's sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James.

Spears bought her current residence in December 2007 for $6.7 million, according to the tax assessor.The Mediterranean-style villa measures 7,400 square-feet and has five bedrooms, six and a half bathrooms, as well as a library, media room and maid’s quarters. A second floor balcony overlooks a huge open living room and kitchen with an adjacent screening room. There is also a pool and hot tub in the backyard.

Spears has not exactly endeared herself to fellow denizens of the community, who have complained about the constant presence of paparazzi outside the gates. Some reports have blamed Spears as the reason neighbor Ed McMahon has not received a single offer on his $6.5 million house that's facing foreclosure.

This morning at the end of Spears' probate hearing attorneys representing Spears conservatorship submitted to Court Commissioner Reva Goetz a sealed ex-parte motion to go forward with the sale.

Otherwise, the status hearing in Spears' conservatorship case maintained the status quo.

While Spears herself was not present, attorneys for both her and father Jamie Spears appeared before Goetz to deal with matters related to the conservatorship.

After a two-hour closed-door meeting, Goetz stuck with a July 31 court date, when it will be decided if Spears remains in need of a conservator.

Jamie Spears has been serving as coconservator of his daughter's estate since Jan. 31.

Should both sides fail to agree to extend his reign by the next hearing, then Goetz is expected to set a trial, which will determine whether the singer should be placed under the permanent care of a conservator.

Goetz ordered Spears' counsel, Samuel Ingham, to confer with the singer to decide whether she would agree to waive her right to a jury trial.

"My client is going to be out of town until next Monday," Ingham told the court, without divulging Spears' whereabouts. He then informed the commissioner he needed more time to meet up with his client and discuss their options.

Goetz also set a time schedule for attorneys to prepare financial and psychological information on Spears.

Source: E! Online

Britney's Latest Smash Hit!

The following italicized article is from www.eonline.com:

Britney Spears might be a crummy driver, but she's apparently a gracious host.

Spears was tooling around Sunset Boulevard in Beverly Hills in her convertible Mercedes SL when she rear-ended a red 1998 Ford Explorer at about 2 p.m. today.

Sources tell E! News that Spears' bodyguard jumped out to talk down the other motorist, and the "Toxic" songbird hopped into the passenger seat, just as she did last month when she was involved in a similar fender-bender on Los Angeles' 101 Freeway.

Edith Cortese, the woman in the Explorer, then followed Team Spears back to the singer's gated home and was invited inside. For the return trip, the singer's bodyguard took the wheel of the Mercedes, which seemed to fare the worst in the collision, suffering noticeable front-end damage.

A source says Cortese is being completely cooperative and only went to Spears' house to exchange information because "there were so many photographers around." Shocking.

Los Angeles police said they were aware of an incident involving Spears but did not have any immediate details; neither did the Beverly Hills cops.

Dad Jamie Spears had barred his daughter from driving since her January meltdown before finally relenting last month. Shortly thereafter, on April 12, the singer collided with another vehicle, but there were no injuries and no citations were issued.

Source: E! Online

What To Expect On Monday's Custody Hearing

The following italicized article is from www.eonline.com:

With her little sis about to pop, Britney Spears has her sights set on home this weekend.

Sources on the scene tell E! News the "Toxic" singer—with dad Jamie vigilantly in tow—is back in Louisiana today for Jamie Lynn's baby shower, which is taking place Saturday at Lynne Spear's home in Kentwood.

Britney is said to be bunking at mom's house, where security personnel have set up shop and police are blocking entrance to their street.

This is Brit's first trip back to her hometown since last fall, when she became embroiled in her current—and, can you believe it, increasingly less bizarre—custody battle.

Which, as it's so wont to do, will require Britney's presence back in Los Angeles on Tuesday, when she's expected to attend the latest custody hearing in this ongoing process, this one to address the results of a court-ordered 730 psych evaluation.

E! News caught up with Kevin Federline legal eagle Mark Vincent Kaplan last night and he filled us in on what to expect in Britney's near custodial future.

First off, while he presumed Federline would attend, Kaplan said he didn't know for certain whether K-Fed's ex-missus would put in an appearance at Tuesday's hearing, what would be her first since she circled the courthouse in February without actually going in.

"She's not required to be there—neither party is required to be there," Kaplan explained. "I think that when you're asking the court to consider your custodial position it has to look like it's important enough for you to be there. And I think she gets that, I think Jamie Spears gets that, and I would anticipate that they would act consistently with that. Especially if this is something that is a new era if you will."

In the meantime, the attorney continues to praise Jamie Spears' involvement in his daughter's and grandkids' life, noting everything that's been "not happening" since Britney's monitored-visitation privileges were restored in late February.

"Consistency over time is what's important, and structure, stability," he said. "It appears now that at least for the past couple of months that we have that."

"Boredom from a custodial standpoint is a good thing. Not be sensational, not being in the public eye, that's a good thing. And, certainly since the conservatorship in February, that looks like that’s the status quo there."

"The fact that the paparazzi onslaught in no way threatens the safety of Britney and the kids, I think that's a really positive thing," Kaplan continued. "That imposes a danger to the children when she is not driving and the daily 24-hour vigil of the media seems to have been something that is of a bygone era."

For his part, Federline is feeling much more comfortable about the idea of sharing parenting duties on a more consistent basis with Britney, Kaplan said; but, he added, he still doesn't see a 50/50 split or overnight visits in the immediate future.

Federline's going to try to make sure that Sean Preston and Jayden James get to spend Mother's Day with the lady of the hour, Kaplan said. But, other than that, the longevity of their current arrangement remains up in the air.

"Is two months or three months a sufficient amount of time? Probably not, [but] it's certainly a good start. I think that before there would be a radical change in the structure now, there should be a gradual ramping up to increase time and if that goes well...and it's not a question of whether it goes well for Kevin or if it goes well for mom, but it's a question of whether it goes well for the minor children."

Source: E! Online

SPEARS TO RELEASE PERSONAL VIDEO DIARIES?

The following italicized article is from www.contactmusic.com:

Troubled pop star BRITNEY SPEARS will release a series of personal video diaries on the internet, according to reports.

The Toxic hitmaker has been documenting her turbulent life through video diaries over the last six-months, and is rumoured to be releasing the emotive footage through the web or on music channel MTV.

According to British newspaper the Daily Mirror, the star lashes out at her family and friends in the videos, and criticises ex-lover R+B Justin Timberlake.A source tell the publication, "Britney's video diaries are the talk of the Tinseltown elite. If she does decide to go public with the footage, it'll be explosive.

"Although some of it is really sad to watch, especially the parts where she is close to breakdown, others are dynamite."

In 2005, the 26-year-old singer gave fan's an insight into her life in the MTV reality show Chaotic, which followed Spears' relationship and courtship with then husband Kevin Federline.

Source: Contact Music

Britney Spears in secret talks for $100m comeback tour

The following italicized article is from www.showbizspy.com:

Troubled pop princess Britney Spears is in secret talks over a $100m comeback world tour, it has been claimed.

The 26-year-old star is said to be desperate to get back on the road and leave her recent troubles behind her.

Sources claim that the Toxic singer has already begun training for the mega-money shows with grueling dance sessions at the Millennium Dance Complex.

Spears’ record label BMG are confident that she can restore her squeaky-clean image on the road. “Things are looking up for Britney,” said a source. “She’s finally focusing on her career again.”

But since her disastrous performance at the MTV VMAs in 2007, Britney has a lot to prove.

“There will be no more on-stage blunders,” the source tells the News of The World. “Britney’s turned a corner and the world will be amazed with her.”

Source: Showbiz Spy

Britney Spears Dines with Brother Bryan

The following italicized article is from www.celebrity-gossip.net:

The key to Britney Spears getting her life back on track has been the intervention of her family. And last night, she was spotted grabbing a bite to eat with her brother.

The “Gimme More” singer headed out to Brentwood, California restaurant Peppone with her bro, Bryan Spears, for a laid back evening. And they looked happy to be hanging out again.

Perhaps they were discussing the “Toxic” singer’s career moves, as she may be delving into the world of television pretty soon. After her triumphant role on CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother,” Brit may have a few offers to review.

Executive producer Carter Bays told press, “We always said, ‘You know, if her character pops, we’ll bring her back.’ I thought she was great. I was very proud of that episode.”

Although, the extra press attention threw the cast and crew for a loop. “It was totally weird. I think we have a very, like, kind of Midwestern homey vibe here on the show, and it was strange to suddenly have helicopters circling.”

Source: Celebrity Gossip

OK! Exclusive: Britney Makes Nice With Former Manager

The following italicized article is from www.ok-magazine.com:

As Britney Spears continues to strive to get her personal and professional lives back in order, OK! has learned she's turned to a familiar face for help — former manager Larry Rudolph. Though the pair had parted company a year ago, sources confirm exclusively to OK! that the "Toxic" songstress has once again been taken under Larry's wing.

Larry and Brit share a long and bumpy history. He was the visionary who discovered the young star Britney and shepherded her career from teen pop tart to international superstar. And when her life began to spiral dangerously out of control in the weeks and months following her Oct. 2006 divorce from Kevin Federline, it was Larry who Britney's parents, Jamie and Lynne Spears, turned to for help getting her into rehab.

After her brief stint at the Promises clinic in Malibu, Brit went public with her ill-feelings toward Larry, chastising him on camera in a bizarre, disjointed rant, for what she viewed as siding with her folks against her.

However, Brit's dad has always been open about his positive feelings toward Larry, even publicly thanking Larry for his efforts. And now Jamie, who has continued to think the world of Larry both as a manager and as a friend who has Britney's best interests at heart, has finally convinced Britney to let him take over the reins of her recently resurgent career.

Source: OK Magazine

Are You Ready For A Britney Sitcom?

The following italicized article is from www.splashnewsonline.com:

Did you enjoy Britney’s cameo role on the US comedy ‘How I Met Your Mother’? Then you could soon find yourself tuning in regularly for a whole nights worth of Miss Spears, if claims today that Brit’s Dad is trying to get his daughter her own television show run true.

Jamie has reportedly been hoping the Toxic singer can get a regular role on a sitcom, in a bid to get her career back on track. It’s believed her latest appearance brought the show its highest ratings since it debuted in 2005, attracting 10.6 million viewers, and the singer received some critical acclaim for the brief performance. A source close to the family said:

“Britney did a great job on ‘How I Met Your Mother.’ She got the show its highest ratings yet, but more importantly for Jamie, he wants his daughter at a normal 9-to-5 job to keep her working and out of trouble. A sitcom would do that. So he’s exploring several offers for Britney to have her own show.”

Troubled Spears, 26, has also been offered a guest-starring stint on Alec Baldwin-starring sitcom, 30 Rock, the New York Post reports. And while the mother-of-two is back in the studio working on a new album, other sources believe it’s Jamie’s “tough love” that is getting her back on track.

Source: Splash News Online

Britney Spears has colon cleansing sessions to detox

The following italicized article is from www.mirror.co.uk:

In a desperate attempt to undo all the damage of the past few years, Toxic singer Britney Spears is on a health kick.

Not content with looking better on the outside, the 26-year-old wants to look good on the inside too and is having regular colon cleansing sessions at a clinic in Beverly Hills.

Our source at the clinic said: "Cleansing a few times a week gets rid of lingering stuff in the colon. Britney's had the treatment before and says it makes her feel great, more upbeat and energetic."

Poops! She did it again...

Source: Mirror

Ew...

Similarities Between Break The Ice & Toxic

Similarities between Break The Ice & Toxic Video.

EXCLUSIVE - 'Break The Ice' Video Premiering Friday!

Britney Spears is animated in her new video for the single “Break The Ice.” In pics from the video, Brit is a buxom blonde superhero in of course, very tight outfits. The idea for the video was reportedly Britney’s, who wanted to base the character on her Toxic video villain. You can watch the new video on muchmusic.com this Friday March 14th @ 12:01AM ET.

Source: Break The Ice

FIRST LOOK: Britney Animated for New Video

The following italicized article is from www.people.com:

Britney Spears is animated in her newest video – literally!

Screen shots from the pop star's upcoming single "Break the Ice" show anime Spears as a futuristic, bodysuit-clad superhero as well as a building named "Victory."

According to the U.K.'s The Sun, the cartoon treatment was Spears's idea and based on her steamy "Toxic" clip.

Source: People

Britney Spears - “Break the Ice” Music Video Preview

The following italicized article is from www.justjared.com:

Britney Spears has been given the cartoon-treatment in her latest music video for “Break the Ice”, UK’s The Sun reports.

“Break the Ice” is the third single off Brit’s latest album, Blackout.

The music video looks like straight-up anime and apparently it was her own idea!

“She told label bosses she wanted a cartoon version of her celebrated Toxic clip,” reports The Sun.

Mmmm really?

See all the 4 screen caps here!

Source: Just Jared