The Rise and Fall of a Pop Princess: Britney Spears

What makes a celebrity? Is it talent, charisma, looks, controversy or a combination of things? There are multiple factors that make someone a pop culture icon. People like Sinatra, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, and Michael Jackson have all achieved icon status, but how? All of those entertainers captivated the attention of the American public. They all took entertainment to another level. Likability, talent, success and innovation separated them from the pack. Many critics of Hollywood believe that it has changed in the last twenty years. There are new celebrities left and right. Record companies create cookie cutter copycats of the latest stars. Female celebrities sell sex like celebrities from the past, like Marilyn and Madonna; but they push the limits a bit more. This is the major change in Hollywood. Sex in movies and music has reached an all time high.

There is always a fresh new face, rather it be a rising pop star, or a new Hollywood starlet. There are some celebrities who capture a significant amount of attention from the media. Since the golden age of Hollywood, celebrity has changed drastically. It appears as if no one is famous for just singing and acting. Pop starlet Britney Spears built a career on image, sex, and dance moves. She was one of the first young girls to actually do this. Britney Spears has arguably been one of the most covered celebrities from the turn of the century. The pop star is on every single gossip rag at the super market, and the public has a desire to know every aspect of her life. There are several characteristics that make individuals celebrities, and once they become celebrities, fame and fortune have a massive impact on their lives. Britney is a perfect example of how celebrity has evolved in America. In order to understand her celebrity, one has to know how she got there, the effect it has had on her life, and what is says about American society as a whole.

The rise and fall of Britney Spears has been well publicized. Britney Spears started of a squeaky clean southern girl from Louisiana. She rose on to the pop scene in 1999 with her signature song, Baby One More Time. She had hit after hit. Britney has sold concert tickets across the globe. Since her debut she has sold over seventy million albums. She has accomplished a lot for someone of her age. Talent, however, did not get her where she is at now. There are many more critically acclaimed musicians who do not have half of her success. (Reuters)

From the beginning of Britney's career, she has used sex and controversy to market herself to the American public. Scandalous music videos and sexually charged stage shows have cemented her celebrity. The most notable example of this would be her award show performances. Britney's first notorious performance occurred at the 2000 MTV awards, where she strips down to a navel baring, flesh colored costume. She followed that performance with a more revealing costume, a snake, and suggestive choreography. She continued to push the envelope when she kissed fellow pop Icon, Madonna, at the 2003 MTV Music Awards. The world thought she could not become a bigger spectacle, but she proved the wrong yet again. At the 2007 MTV Awards, She gave her most infamous performance. Like others in the past, it was a spectacle. This performance was slightly different though; it was not intended to cause the controversy. It is hands down one of her most critically panned performances. Critics criticized Britney for her lip singing, lack of choreography, and her weight. Most people would think this would be a career killer, but it wasn't. Gimme More, the single she performed that night, shot up the charts to number 1 a month later (Daniel, Ph 2&3). Britney has proved that any kind of publicity can be good publicity.

No matter how talented an artist is, they will always be subject to critique. Britney Spears certainly has her critics. From the beginning of her career, her music has been torn apart. Critics have slammed her sugary pop songs, and claim that they lack depth. According to Jon Pareles, a writer for Rolling Stone, "the harder Spears tries to be Madonna or Janet Jackson, the less convincing she is. Her voice is so processed, its physicality almost disappears". They contain no substance and they lack self-realization. Nothing about her music is special. It does not set her apart from her musical peers. She has relied on her image to set her apart. Every album is formulaic and produced to pop perfection. When one listens to the songs, they will not find any social conscious music. Nor will they find classic pop songs that will stand the test of time. Instead, listeners will find disposable, shallow, catchy riddles.

Britney Spears is rarely involved in the creative process of making an album. She rarely writes her own material. She is nothing more that than the creation of top notch music executives and producers. She can't play a single instrument. She doesn't write her own material, unlike her pop contemporaries, Christina Aguilera, and Beyonce. Her concerts are composed up of lack luster vocals that mainly consist of lip singing.

Even though she has a lack of creative input in her music, she is still very successful. Many music critics are mystified at how someone with minimal talent manages to sales 70 million albums in 8 years. To put this in perspective, the best selling female artist of all time, Madonna, sold 200 Million albums over the course of 25 years. Should music critics be mystified though? She borrowed some of Madonna's winning formula, and added to it to create her image. She has not one a boot load of Grammys the way that Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, and Beyonce have. Her music does not appeal to older audiences either. None of that matters though. She does not rely on music talent or critical acclaim to sell albums. She may not be a good singer, but she is a good "entertainer". There are few artists who can rely on multi-octave vocal ranges and superior song writing abilities. Britney Spears has achieved fame from innovation. On the surface, there is nothing innovative about Britney, but when one looks deeper, there is. Britney found a new way to be famous, based on a combination of her influences. (Lister, Ph. 1-4).

Some people have to use sex and image to sell. Question is whether or not there is anything wrong with this. According to Billboard magazine, Britney's latest studio album, Blackout, Sold 300,000 copies its first week. It debuted at number 2 on the pop charts. This only adds too Britney spears chart successes. She had had four number 1 albums, and holds the record for highest first week sales of any female artist. The album is a triumph for Britney in more ways than one. It has gotten her the best reviews of her career. In the LA Times, Critic Ann Powers reviews the album. Ann Powers ask the question, "What is Britney Spears trying to tell us?" Her main argument is that Britney Spears has a complex celebrity persona. She also points out how her new album has completely abandoned Britney's good girl/bad girl persona. She no longer has innocence. The image that was crafted for her by music executives is outdated and no longer fits. Sex, power, and exhibitionism are the main themes of the album.

Like many other celebrities, Spears' personal life has overshadowed her musical accomplishments. Scandal has plagued the career of Britney. She may now be more famous for her trials and tribulations, as oppose to her music. Paparazzi have followed each and every move she has made over the last few years. The American public has seen everything, from the quickie marriages, indecent exposure, speculated drug use, and custody battles. When you compare that to celebrities of the past, this seems outrageous. Or does it? Britney Spears is not the first to sell sex. She isn't the first celebrity to use drugs either. Rock acts like the Beatles have used recreational drugs like marijuana. Female celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna, and Marilyn Monroe have all had several marriages and relationships that were documented by the media.

Britney Spears actions seem outrageous because we see and hear about her every move. She has grown up in the public eye. Hours of television and thousands of pages are devoted to Ms. Spear's eccentric lifestyle. Shows like Access Hollywood and Entertainment Tonight regularly share stories about her partying, and questionable behavior. The American public appears to be fascinated with her wealth, and all of its trappings. Photos of her shopping, and cruising around Malibu in her Mercedes are plastered on the internet on a regular basis. Many critics believe Britney Spears has reached a new low. She has lost custody of her children, been charged with hit and run, and continues to drive without a valid driver's license (Daniel, Par. 3&4). Britney Spears is an extreme example of the Hollywood lifestyle. Few people her age have the kind of fame and wealth she has. Unfortunately, her fame and fortune, along with its consequences have overshadowed everything that she has accomplished. Magazines would rather right about how she spends her money, instead of what kind of music she makes.

In a recent issue of People magazine, her financial status was exposed. The pop starlet makes a reported $737,000 a month, her mortgage of her homes is roughly $50,000 dollars a month, and she spends $16,000 a month on clothing. She reportedly spends over $100,000 a month on entertainment, gifts, and vacationing. She also pays $20,000 a month in alimony to her ex-husband, Kevin Federline. Britney's financial records are very revealing. An individual's expenses say a lot about the life they live. Britney Spears income is astronomical, but her expenses are even more outrageous. She spends money like there is no tomorrow. She is not investing or donation to charities either. She is frivolously spending it. It appears as if she uses material possessions as a way to achieve fulfillment. It is her money, and she has the right to spend it any way she can. That much wealth at that early of an age is dangerous though. When someone in their 20's is worth one hundred million dollars, they have more then what they know what to do with. Perhaps money was Britney's true downfall. Being a millionaire before the age of twenty can definitely be difficult.

There are many reasons why people want to become celebrities. Britney Spears is no different. Drive and determination are major factors in the desire to become a celebrity. Britney spears got her first taste of success at the tender age of 17. Getting a record deal is very difficult, and many people give up on that dream before they actually achieve it. The desire to become a celebrity also has to do with the need for attention. Some people need a lot more attention than others. Perhaps insecurity also has to do with it. Celebrities often seek the approval of the mass public. Award shows, box office numbers and album sales are proof of this. When someone has millions of fans across the globe, this can serve as an ego booster.

The affects of celebrity can be both negative and positive. Celebrity affects the public, and the star. The public feels entitled to their celebrities. This is why magazines like People and US Weekly are so popular. When regular people look at the lives of those who are famous, some of them may aspire to achieve similar success. Young people attempt to emulate their favorite celebrities as well. When Michael Jackson was big, young people around the globe attempted to dance like him, dress like him, and sing like him. Madonna, Britney Spears' biggest inspiration, had millions of young girls dressing like her. These affects can be dangerous if celebrities do not have a positive lifestyle. Perhaps Ms. Spears displays the negative influence that artists like Madonna had on teenagers. Britney Spears' target audience is composed of young females. So far, she has taught them that, revealing stage costumes, illegal drug use, and erratic behavior can make them stars.

It is unclear how big of an influence Britney Spears actually has on young people because she is so extreme. Most people, even the young women she influences, have enough common sense to see that she has some problems; however will this stop them from doing similar actions? In Colliding Feminisms: Britney Spears, "Tweens," and the Politics of Reception, Melanie Lowe argues that Ms. Spears does not have a direct influence on young girls. Lowe asks questions to several groups composed of young girls. Some of the words that come out of their mouths are derogatory terms like "slut" and "whore". She also addresses Britney, and how she affects modern day feminism. Britney's impact is very important, considering that her fan base is composed of young women. Lowe argues that many young girls in suburbia are articulate, and listen to Britney Spears for entertainment value. This does not mean that Britney Spears is not influential. It means that young girls do not realize that they are being affected by her image.

Some would argue that Britney has more influence then what people perceive. The desire for celebrity is far more prevalent in modern culture. Everyone wants their 15 minutes of fame. When people see Britney Spears, they think, "Hmm, I don't need talent". Today young people want fame for all the wrong reasons. A lot of young entertainers lack the interest in music and film that should be required. In its place is the desire for success. There is nothing wrong with this, but it should not be the main reason why someone wants to become a star. Celebrity does not last long if there is not any substance there to back it up.

Fame and fortune can be great, but just like anything else, they have a price. When someone becomes a star, the public considers them property. They no longer have privacy. Cameras follow their every move. Paparazzi follow Britney's every move. They are outside of the courthouse at her custody battle. Pictures of Britney Spears sell for as high as six figures. Britney is no longer a person, but she is a product. People treat her like a product, and do not always have her best interests. Her record label, along with her merchandisers makes millions of dollars off of her (Navarro, 2). The paparazzi should allow celebrities to have basic privacy, and should only snap shots in public settings. Fans have a right to access celebrities they support, but celebrities deserve privacy just like anyone else.

Britney is one of the biggest stars of her generation and it is still uncertain whether or not she will maintain her status. As her celebrity has gotten bigger, she has had a more difficult time adjusting. Many critics believe that this is ultimately a sign of self destruction. This is a common theme in American pop culture. Britney may be more exposed than those from the past, but she still has the same problems. Having a career and a family appears to be the most difficult for her. "Is it possible to have a life centered on a family and a child and still be an artist?"( Palmer, par. 3). This is a question John Lennon asked himself during an interview with Robert Palmer, a writer and columnist. Britney should do the same. She needs to figure out what she wants, and she also needs to figure out a way to balance her life. Hollywood values conflict with family values. Drug use, constant partying, premieres, red carpets and concert tours consume her daily life. If she wanted to go out partying and drinking every night, then perhaps she should not have had kids at such an early age. Being a good mother is difficult when living this kind of lifestyle.

It is very easy to criticize celebrities for their erratic behavior, but we should also acknowledge the fact that we are the ones buying into this image. The American public buys into sex, scandal, and bad behavior. They find it entertaining. If they did not, Britney Spears would not be a pop star. Music critic Stephen Holden claims that "...Music is inescapably an aural reflection of the material and spiritual world we inhabit". The values presented in her music are not that different than those that are present in society. Britney's musical career reflects this philosophy. She displays the excess, materialism, greed, sexual curiosity that exists in society. Perhaps people buy music that lacks depth because their own lives lack depth. They do not search for something that has more meaning. If the American public would stop spend millions of dollars on gossip rags, magazines, and merchandise, celebrities would be more likely to behave.

Celebrity worship is also far too prevalent. It is one thing to buy an artist's music, or watch one of their movies. But when people start to buy into their image, it becomes dangerous. It gives the celebrity far too much power. This power is the reason why artists like Britney aspire to be famous. Celebrity is big in America, because perfection is wanted by the masses, and celebrities have perfectly crafted images. Industry leaders create images of perfection that influence the masses. This image of perfection conflicts with celebrities human qualities though. When they make mistakes, this affects their celebrity. It is practically a religion in America, with all of its rituals and immortalization. Rituals like red carpets, handprints, magazine covers, and award shows add to this worship (Carlin, Par. 4-20). If someone is worshiped by millions, they are going to think they can do whatever they want. Rebellious celebrities like Britney Spears, clearly think that they do not have to answer to anybody.

It is very easy to criticize the actions of Britney Spears, but her critics have to remember who put her where she is at today. She would not be famous if people did not buy her albums, along with everything else her face is plastered on. Whether people like to admit it or not, Britney represents the darker side of American values. She started out as a girl who had drive and ambition. Like many others, she just wanted to be successful. Problems rose, however, when she began determining how she was going to achieve this success. The very things that take celebrities to the top knock them right back down to the ground. Musicians represent rebellion and creativity. Most pop stars also have a confidence that separates them from all the rest. When they become famous, celebrities take rebellion one step further. They no longer answer to anybody. On top of this, their confidence becomes arrogance. When stars reach this point, many of them start to unravel. Stars are not completely different than regular people though. These same things occur in a variety of profession, most notably business.

Money, power and sex are often scrutinized when they are major components of music and film. However, the American public must remember where these ideas come from. Musicians, actors, producers, and directors do not create pop culture; they exploit the morals and values of the society in which they live in. When people analyze the problems that exist in the popular culture that surrounds them, they should not blame pop stars or actors. Instead, they should blame themselves, because regular everyday people are the ones who put celebrities where they are at. Perhaps some elements of celebrity are not far from the reality of many Americans. Maybe this is why so many become outraged at the bad behavior of young starlets like Britney. The truth hurts.

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