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By the time you read this, Britney Spears will have scored her sixth #1 debut with Femme Fatale, her latest installment of supersonic, stealth-fighter pop, a collection of songs equipped with laser-guided, heat-seeking hit missiles. In fact, Femme Fatale is more like an F-22 Raptor than an album.
Maybe I shouldn't be amazed that Brit finds herself atop the charts once again, but don't we live in austere times? Aren't Odd Future the only thing that matters these days?
I'm only sort of kidding. Because, frankly, each and every time Britney lands another #1, it's kind of like we've traveled through a wormhole and ended up in 1999, a time when the industry was still flush with cash and Lou Pearlman still lumbered the land. This was only 12 years ago, but it may as well have been 12 million.
These days, we still have plenty of pure pop stars, though none of them are quite like Britney. Lady Gaga is into performance art. Katy Perry is the California Gurl. Pink is the punky older cousin with a ton of tattoos. As is often the case with evolution, they have each developed specialized traits in order to survive. Britney is, in a lot of ways, the origin of the species (for simplicity's sake, I'm just ignoring Madonna, who basically did everything before any of this generation's stars were even teething). She was — and, I suppose, still is — the music industry's first attempt to promote a star that is everything to everyone. And each and every time she surfaces with a new album in tow, it signals the return of pop's Mesozoic era. For all intents and purposes, she may spend her time between albums trapped in amber, waiting to have her DNA extracted by some scientist.
This is by no means meant to come across as a slight against Spears. I fully understand why her fans love her the way they do, not to mention the fact that Femme Fatale is a heck of a pop record, a starry shadowbox of the coolest sounds you're likely to hear all year. It's more me simply marveling at the way she operates — in the cockpit of a high-powered fighter, making glossy, big-budget videos, putting on full-scale pop spectacles. There truly, honestly isn't anyone else like her.
We should take this opportunity to appreciate what Britney Spears — and her album — represent. She is the last super-pop star left standing. There was a time when everyone did things this way; now it's her and her alone. Spears is still everything to everyone, in a time when all we hear about are "niche markets" and "splintered genres," and for that alone, the success of Femme Fatale is noteworthy. Can she continue to survive among her more specialized peers? She's certainly earned the right to, though one gets the feeling she's probably not too worried about that fact. The thing about being the first is that there isn't really anything — or anyone — to compete against. So let others sweat the small stuff; Britney's only concerned with being Britney. Now and forever.Source: MTV
Congratulations on Femme Fatale! How did making this record compare to making your first …Baby One More Time?
I’m at such a different point in my life now than I was back then. I’m more mature and much more hands on now. I know exactly what I like and what I don’t like. I guess that can make the recording process pretty difficult, because I’m very particular about songs I put my voice on.
You’re a parent now, too. How has motherhood changed you?
It really puts life into perspective. You have to think about all your decisions so much more carefully, because they are affecting your kids too. My priorities have changed and I do everything for the boys. They remind me what life is about.
Tell Us about Preston and Jayden.
Jayden is the youngest and he might be the mama’s boy. He’s very outgoing, always making us laugh, and he’s very creative. Preston is definitely the big brother. He’s very independent. He’s really, really smart and thinks everything through.
What are they into these days?
Their new favorite thing is dressing up as different superheroes, and they’re just so cute! They especially love Batman and Spiderman. We love watching Disney movies together. I also love reading them Fancy Nancy books (a children’s series by Jane O’ Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser) before bed.
What do the boys think of your music?
They are my biggest fans. I make up songs and sing to them all the time. They like to watch me dance. In fact, they join in and do their own moves!
Will they get to see you in action on the tour?
They will be coming with me. I couldn’t go on tour without them! I’m always very busy when I’m on the road, but I make sure to have quality time with them every single day.
What’s your parenting style? And what about Jason’s?
With some things I’m strict and with other I’m easy going. I guess I’m right in the middle. Jason is amazing with the boys. They look up to him so much – they adore him. He’s their hero.
What else do you love about Jason?
We have such a great time together! He makes me laugh, and we are so comfortable being ourselves. We like to stay home, order in, watch movies, go to dinner with friends. And we love to get away for the weekend. Some of our favorite spots are Las Vegas, Hawaii, or Mexico.
Do you see yourself getting married again?
Maybe. Never say never!Source & Credit: US Weekly & Untouchable Britney
She's already been married twice, but is Britney Spears ready to become a bride once more for love Jason Trawick?
As she enjoys blockbuster sales and the strongest reviews of her career for seventh studio album Femme Fatale, Spears, 29, tells all in the new Us Weekly (out Wednesday) about finding Mr. Right in agent Trawick, 39, her boyfriend of over two years.
"We have such a great time together!" Spears tells Us exclusively. "He makes me laugh, and we are so comfortable being ourselves."
Marriage plans? "Maybe," she teases. "Never say never!"
Indeed, a family source tells Us that the blissful pair will likely wed. Trawick, after all, the source says, "was one of the only people who stuck by her through everything," including Spears' dark 2007 and early 2008 -- when she lost custody of her sons Sean, 5, and Jayden, 4, to ex Kevin Federline, and was briefly admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
"[Jason] was someone she felt she could be her true self with. [Marriage] is what they talk about and the direction they're going in," the insider says.
Whatever and whenever their nuptial plans, one thing is certain, Spears tells Us: "I've never been happier!"Source: US Weekly
Britney Spears has come under fire for not writing her own music.
So what, songwriter (and OneRepublic member) Ryan Tedder tells The Hollywood Reporter.
"I love that Britney does that. She knows where she is, and she shows up to the studio and says 'What am I singing today guys? Okay, cool! Let me look at it,' Tedder says -- the same day Spears' album Femme Fatale topped the Billboard charts.
"She's not trying to... Sinatra didn't write a song, Garth Brooks barely wrote anything, George Strait has had I think 51 No. 1's and he has yet to write a song. Rascal Flatts are one of the biggest country acts in the world, and all of their hits are written by other people. So to me it's whatever, be thankful for what you have,” he goes on.
Heather Bright, who penned tunes for Spears' Femme Fatale, also defended the singer after blogs criticized her for having no co-writing credits on the new album.
"I would just like to address one thing! The media is talking trash about how Britney didn’t write any of the songs on her album … HELLO! Wake up everybody! NONE OF THESE ARTISTS WRITE THEIR OWN SONGS!!!!!!" she blogged.Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Britney Spears flies in at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with her sixth chart-topping album, "Femme Fatale," selling 276,000 copies in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The feat ties her for the third-most No. 1s among women with Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson. Only Barbra Streisand (nine No. 1s) and Madonna (seven) have earned more No. 1s.
Spears has hit the top with six out of her seven studio albums, only missing with 2007's "Blackout," which debuted and peaked at No. 2 (290,000).
Her last effort, 2008's "Circus," started more robustly than "Femme Fatale," as it launched at No. 1 with 506,000 following its Dec. 2 release. "Femme Fatale's" debut of 276,000 is Spears' second-lowest sales start with a studio set -- only her 1999 debut effort, "Baby One More Time," began with a smaller figure (121,000 at No. 1).
Though, one could conclude that "Circus" was a more highly-anticipated album, in that it was seen as a "comeback" after a number of years where Spears' personal and professional life was in chaotic high-gear. "Circus" was ushered in by the No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 single "Womanizer" -- complete with a return-to-sexy-form music video.
"Femme Fatale," however, isn't a comeback album. There's nothing to come back from, aside from great success. Spears sold 1.7 million of "Circus" in the U.S., snared three top 20 Hot 100 singles from the set, and mounted a blockbuster global tour.
While "Femme Fatale's" first single, "Hold It Against Me," debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100, it quickly peaked at No. 3 on the Mainstream Top 40 radio airplay chart -- Spears' home turf format on the airwaves. This week, it falls 19-26 in its 12th week on the list. The album's second single, "Till the World Ends," earns a bullet at No. 14 on the list, but stands still in its fourth week. To compare, "Womanizer" had climbed to No. 5 with a bullet when "Circus" debuted on the Billboard 200 -- and it reached No. 1 two weeks later.
Also worth noting is that "Femme Fatale" is Spears' first album to see a spring release in over a decade. While her first set dropped in January of 1999 and her second offering, 2000's "Oops! ... I Did It Again," came out in May of 2000, the rest of her catalog (even her hits packages and remix sets) were issued during the always-busy shopping period of November-December.
And, not like anyone needs to be reminded -- but album sales just aren't what they used to be. Even if it's been less than two-and-a-half years since "Circus."
Finally, perhaps Spears' tepidly-received "Good Morning America" performance on "Femme Fatale's" street date (March 29) put a damper on the set's first-week festivities. The social buzz ranged from critiques on her tentative dancing to commentary about her unusually husky voice. She also hit the stage the same night on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" to moderately better notices.Source: Billboard
While promoting her new NBC show The Voice with producer Mark Burnett, judge Christina Aguilera took time out to say nice things about fellow pop star and old friend Britney Spears.
When asked about sending Britney a congratulatory tweet about her her new CD, Christina said, “You know what I haven’t heard the whole thing in it’s entirety (Femme Fatale). I’ve been really hard at work on this show. I haven’t had quite the chance to go through the whole thing.”
“But I am a huge supporter of her in light of the fact that both of our careers started off together and are still going and going strong,” she explained. “I just think at this point in the game it’s extremely important to be supportive of fellow artists and especially females who get pitted against each other and torn apart. As an old friend of mine from the Mickey Mouse Club, I think it’s important at this stage in the game to show my support.”Source: OK Magazine
Britney Spears is set to premiere her new Ray Kay-directed video for “Till The World Ends” on Wednesday (April 6).
JustJared.com can exclusively reveal that the shoot went so well, there will actually be TWO videos. The director’s cut will have more of an apocalyptic storyline while the choreography cut will have the unabridged version of Britney’s dance moves.
“Till The World Ends” is the second single off of the 29-year-old pop princess’ latest album, Femme Fatale. It was co-written by Ke$ha and produced by Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and Billboard.
FYI: Just Jared has also heard from reliable sources that rap impresario Nicki Minaj will be joining Britney on her upcoming Femme Fatale tour over the summer.Source: Just Jared
Britney Spears takes her sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, to see a performance of The Lion King at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on Sunday (April 3).
The 29-year-old pop princess posed for photos with actors Kissy Simmons, Derrick Williams, and Ntsepa Pitjeng - Brit was very gracious and thanked everyone she saw for a great performance.
When Jayden met Derrick Williams (Mufasa), he told him, “Hey, I saw you dead!” referring to his role in the show - haha!
See more pics here!Source: Just Jared
''Till The World Ends'' is currently at #14 on Mediabase with 5754 spins and 37.836 million listeners.
Click here to vote for ''Till The World Ends'' on your local radio station! Source: Break The Ice
When did you know you wanted to be a singer?
I genuinely loved to sing from a really young age, and when I was eight years old, I competed in a talent show. I knew after that, without a doubt, I wanted to be a singer. I always knew it was going to be a big part of my life. I could feel it.
How different is Femme Fatale from Circus?
I wanted Femme Fatale to be empowering and much more upbeat. I think it's a bit more risky and outrageous than Circus. I see every song as being unique with a lot of meaning.
What is your favorite song on Femme Fatale?
I like Till the World Ends the most. I love to dance and the idea of dancing forever. It's sexy, powerful, and makes you move. I also love this song because I had so much fun making this video and I think everyone will see why.
How do you feel knowing you're the most important person in your fans lives?
That's so flattering! That's what keeps me going every day. My fans are so amazingly supportive and I am so appreciative of that!
What do you think about Justin Bieber?
I think he is an extremely talented artist who has achieved so much already. We'll definitely be seeing a lot more of him.
What can we expect from your next video?
I worked with Ray Kay, and he is just an amazing director! I think it's a sultry, sexy video that is upbeat and enticing...I love the story that unfolds int he video...its unexpected. I can't wait for everyone to see!
Will you have a DVD release of the Femme Fatale tour?
This is something I've thought about and would love to offer my fans...Maybe!
Have all your dreams you had as a kid come true?
Most of them have come true...more than I could imagine in a lot of ways. I still have goals that I want to achieve and am working hard to get there. Most of all, its been better than I ever expected, and I'm so grateful.
Who were some of your favorite artists growing up?
My favorite artists were Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston. Their talent, style, and dancing motivated me and I loved how they were always so innovative and paved the way for many artists. They showed me how to step out of the box and be different than everybody else.
Who is your fashion inspiration?
I love how put together, pretty, and feminine Sarah Jessica Parker dresess. I also love Jennifer Lopez' individual and sexy style. Source: Saturday Night Online
TMZ has learned Britney Spears has lasered in on Nicki Minaj as her opening act for the upcoming concert tour ... and lawyers for the two are in "serious talks."
We're told it's looking very good that Nicki and Britney will reach an agreement in the next day or so.
Nikki would take the place of Enrique Iglesias -- who bailed at the last minute because his ego could not take opening for Britney.
Nicki is currently on tour with Lil Wayne -- those concerts end on April 28. Britney's tour begins June 17 in Sacramento.Source: TMZ
Britney Spears teamed up with Dr. Luke and Max Martin to make an edgy, dark club album, and the result is Femme Fatale, which features genre-busting pop songs about love, sex and the big, fat bass.
But in addition to that pop dream team, Spears also hooked up with a wide array of collaborators (Travis Barker, will.i.am, Sabi), songwriters (Claude Kelly, Bonnie McKee, Ester Dean) and producers (Bloodshy, Benny Blanco, Rodney Jerkins), who helped create the sonically bombastic pop record that dropped on Tuesday (March 29).
MTV News caught up with songwriter Kelly and newbie pop singer Sabi, and got the inside scoop on the making of Femme Fatale.
"Here's what people don't realize and here's what I've noticed: She's very, very much in control of what she records, how she sounds, how she portrays herself on the record," Kelly, who wrote "Gasoline," said of Britney's process. "There's no grand master puppeteering — that's kind of a myth. She knows what she's going to cut. She's not going to sing anything she doesn't want to and she has this amazing ability when she gets behind the mic. It's like eye of the tiger."
Kelly went on to say that when Spears hits the studio to record an album, she knows what fans want to hear from her.
"Her rhythm is spot-on. You tell her, 'This part needs to be sexy,' and she's like, 'I got it already,' " he explained. "It's that rare ability that only really true artists have to get into character and to sell a theme and that's what she's good at. ... I think because she's been out for so long, people forget the evolution of her career. When you're in the studio with her, you quickly get reminded about how versatile she is and how clever she is. She's a show-woman."
Although Sabi, who appears on the track "(Drop Dead) Beautiful," didn't hit the studio with Brit, she felt the star's presence when she was dropping her verse.
"She recorded it already and then I went in. ... I rapped on it and I'm a singer. I rap when I feel the mood is right, so it all worked out. When I'm inspired to rap, I rap, but I'm a singer," she explained. "Me and [producer] Benny Blanco, we were just sitting there throwing ideas back and forth."
Two other collabos made the album's final cut, but Sabi's the only other femme fatale on the record.
"To be the only female on Britney's album, just in general, this whole thing is just bananas. I feel very lucky to be this person in this position right now," she said. "It is crazy. She does not do features that often and I think maybe it hasn't sunken in yet. It's a wonderful opportunity and maybe when it starts circulating, it'll sink in what's really going on. But right now, I don't know where I'm at but it feels good. When this song hits radio, it's going to be surreal."Source: MTV
Britney Spears allegedly defrauded a company that hooked her up with Elizabeth Arden in a deal that made Britney a fortune ... this according to a $10 million lawsuit obtained by TMZ. Brand Sense Partners, LLC claims it had a deal with Brit in which the company would get 35% of Britney's profits in return for securing a perfume contract with Elizabeth Arden. According to the suit obtained by TMZ, Britney and her dad defrauded Brand Sense by entering into a secret deal with Elizabeth Arden, allegedly robbing Brand Sense of millions in the marketing of her perfume, Radiance. The suit claims Brand Sense caught Jamie "red-handed" in circumventing their deal. The lawsuit seeks more than $10 million in damages. No response yet from Britney's camp. Source: TMZ
Britney’s back… and on top of the HITS’ Album chart for next week, as her new Jive/JLG album, Femme Fatale looks set to score sales in the 275-300k range.
The album has actually been well-received by some critics, earning a four-star review in Rolling Stone, while last night, she performed on Jimmy Kimmel and appeared in footage shot for Jackass 3 in which she was bungied while inside a porta-potty.
That gives RCA/Jive the #1 spot for the second week in a row. This week, the label held four out of the Top Five spots on the HITS Album sales chart.Source: Hits Daily Double
Enrique Iglesias dropped out of the upcoming Britney Spears concert tour because his ego couldn't handle being her opening act ... multiple sources connected with the tour tell TMZ.
We're told lawyers and agents for Britney and Enrique were hammering out an agreement for weeks, and the terms were finessed to make Enrique appear to be a co-headliner. We're told both sides agreed to the deal and that's why the announcement was made Tuesday.
But just hours before Britney's camp went public, Enrique was burning up the phone lines and the Internet, engaging various people connected with the tour in lengthy conversations in which he made it clear -- he was, in reality, Britney's opening act and he wanted out.
One source says the deal was actually very favorable to Enrique ... "great terms and great placement." But we're told it all came down to taking the stage before Brit -- too much to handle.Source: TMZ
Iglesias’ camp later released a statement saying, “Unfortunately, Enrique Iglesias and Britney Spears will not be touring together. Despite initial reports based on formal discussions of the possible run, Enrique will continue on his solo tour in support of his new album ‘Euphoria.’”
The statement added, “Enrique has great respect for Britney and is a longtime fan of her work. He is very sorry for the confusion this might have caused to anyone.”
If you want to catch Spears in concert – without Iglesias – here’s where she’ll be performing:
June 17: Sacramento, CA – Power Balance Pavilion
June 18: San Jose, CA – HP Pavilion
June 20: Los Angeles, CA – Staples Center
June 24: Anaheim, CA – Honda Center
June 25: Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand
June 28: Portland, OR – Rose Garden Arena
June 29: Tacoma, WA – Tacoma Dome
July 1: Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
July 4: Winnipeg, MB – MTS Centre
July 6: St. Paul, MN – Xcel Center
July 8: Chicago, IL – United Center
July 12: Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
July 13: Houston, TX – Toyota Center
July 15: New Orleans, LA – New Orleans Arena
July 17: Atlanta, GA – Philips Arena
July 20: Orlando, FL – Amway Center
July 22: Miami, FL – American Airlines Arena
July 26: Cleveland, OH – Quicken Loans Arena
July 28: Detroit, MI – Palace of Auburn Hills
July 30: Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
July 31: Washington, DC – Verizon Center
August 2: Uniondale, NJ – Nassau Coliseum
August 5: East Rutherford, NJ – Izod Center
August 8: Boston, MA – TD Garden
August 11: Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
August 13: Toronto, ON Air – Canada CentreSource: Gossip Cop
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