2002: Life & Achievements
When Britney Spears has a new single and a feature film to promote, she doesn't waste any time, as is evidenced by her grueling schedule.
She appeared at the 29th "Annual American Music Awards" in Los Angeles and performed "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" - a soundtrack from "Crossroads" movie which premiered on the big screens in February. Before the movie premiere she had appeared in a special edition of the Frank Skinner show, performed in the "Saturday Night Live", presented the new "Pepsi" commercial during the "Super Bowl", performed 'I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman" at the "NBA All-Star Game", sat down for an hour on "The Oprah Winfrey Show", became a guest at "Tonight Show With Jay Leno" and a string of other popular TV shows. Spears was the opening act at the "NRJ Awards" - France's version of the "Grammy" - where she performed "I'm a Slave 4 U". On February 12, Britney released the VHS/DVD "Britney Spears: Live From Las Vegas" and resigned a deal with "Skechers".
Her first major motion picture, "Crossroads", opened in theaters nationwide on February 15. The film stars Spears as an American teenager who ends her time at school by taking a trip to Los Angeles with a new friend Ben, played by Anson Mount, and two childhood friends, played by Taryn Manning and Zoe Saldana. But the movie received a lot of criticism. Even Rolling Stone, the biggest Britney supporter, trashed this film. Despite it all, her fans did come out. By the second week of release, the film had taken in $26 million and returned its $10 million investment.
Britney became a main character of a 3D PS2 game "Britney's Dance Beat". Her first video game was released on March, just before she announced the dates for her second leg of the North American "Dream Within a Dream" tour.
As for her personal life everything seemed to be perfect. But in March the media went wild with reports that Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake broken up. Britney's rep said that the reason of split is their hard schedules. Britney and Justin, as a couple, were no more. It was the hardest time for the singer and she turned herself into the wild-party person, who had been seen smoking and drinking alcohol. But she was strong enough to deal with everything.
A new video for "Overprotected" reached #1 spot on the second day of its release and entered a "Billboard" TOP-10 chart. The song was an answer to the media. She also released "I love Rock 'N' Roll" single and the Neptunes-produced "Boys" single of the "Britney" album. Mike Myers made a cameo in the second song, and she was also presented in "Pepsi" ad with him.
In March Britney decided to become the co-owner of a new restaurant. Previously called "Pinky" and later "NYLA", it was located on East 41st Street in New York. It was set to be opened in June. The restaurant was to serve moderately priced cuisine with a Louisiana flavor. More than 1,500 guests including celebrities such as Alicia Keys, Donald Trump, Whitney Huston, Jay-Z and others joined the pop star. Later it has been ranked in the top 10 Best Celebrity-Owned Restaurants In the U.S.
In summer Britney received 3 nominations for the "Video Music Awards" - she was nominated with "I'm A Slave 4 U" in "Best Female Video", "Best Dance Video" and "Best Choreography in a Video". She was a presenter of the show and congratulated Michael Jackson with his birthday. She also performed on "Independence Day" with Pharrell Wiliams. In August Britney won for "Choice Female Artist" and "Choice Female Hottie" at the annual "Teen Choice Awards".
After "Video Music Awards", Britney announced six months off work to spend some time with her family in Louisiana. Her rep confessed that she had tired of being under constant pressure to perform, and was exhausted and broken up about Justin. Spears' decision came just days after a controversial end to her world tour. She was booed by fans after cutting short her final show in Mexico City because of a torrential rain storm. She showed her middle finger to the paparazzi, who duly circulate the shocking image around the world. Britney later insisted her gesture was warranted as photographers had tried to run her car off the road. "I wasn't flipping off my fans, I love my fans. I was basically protecting myself. It just happened, it was a moment. But if I had to, I'd do it again," she said.
2002 was one of the worst years in Britney's life. She might think the Gods are conspiring against her when her one project away from showbiz, her themed restaurant "NYLA" in New York, suffered a devastating blow. After a less than auspicious opening night, when A-listers stayed away in droves and crowds booed, "NYLA" was hit by money problems. Further disasters follow, including a food-poisoning scandal and a customer stabbed by another diner after leaving the restaurant. In the end the restaurant has been closed.
Despite a six-month break of work Britney continued with her activities. On November 26, she released a special book with DVD titled "Stages" which was filled with photos of her with backstage and onstage peeks of her during her "Dream Within a Dream" tour. The accompanying DVD documented her trip to Mexico City where she had to cut her concert short due to bad weather. Besides her book, Britney was among the pop stars fronting a new advertising campaign aimed at warning people against online piracy and attended Versace Fashion Show.
Living life away from prying eyes was difficult for Britney. She took out a restraining order against a Japanese stalker. The singer claimed Masahiko Shizawa had tried to get into her LA home, and has followed her to her parents' home in Louisiana. Britney's attorney demanded the 41-year-old kept at least 1,000 yards from his client whether she's in America or abroad. The pop superstar had a panic when she had received a letter from Shizawa stating: "I'm chasing you." Another stalker, who was discovered camping in Britney's garage, was sent for a psychiatric examination.
By the end of year Britney Spears was published in "The Guiness Book of World Records 2003" where she was named a best selling artist and best selling teenage artist. Her album was named the best record by "Billboard" magazine. And her DVD/VHS "Britney: The Videos" also ranked #1 spot in the magazine.
In this year:
- Britney has been named the "Sexiest Woman in the World" for 2002 by men's magazine "Stuff";
- Britney has become #1 on the list of "25 Women Who've Changed MTV" published in April issue of "YM Magazine";
- Britney appeared in cameo of "Austin Powers: Goldmember" movie;
- Britney made the cut for "People" magazine's "50 Most Beautiful";
- Britney came in at number 3 on "FHM Sexiest Women In The World 2002";
- In June issue of "Biography Magazine" Britney appeared in the "25 Most Influential Women in America" list;
- Britney took #2 in "FHM's" US edition list of the "100 Sexiest Women in the World";
- Britney came in at number 16 on "E!'s" list of "Hollywood's 25 Hottest Blondes";
- Britney came in at #17 on the "Rolling Stone Rich List" for 2002;
- Britney was set to appear in "NASCAR" movie, but it had never happened;
- Britney came in at #5 on "E!'s List Of The 25 Sexiest Women In Entertainment";
- Britney was crowned as the world's most powerful celebrity by "Forbes" magazine;
- Britney came in at #3 on the "VH-1 All Access: 25 Sexiest List";
- Britney was #1 on the list of "The Top 20 Sexiest Lingerie Moments" in the December issue of "FHM";
- Britney became a voice of Donner in "Hooves of Fire" cartoon;
- Britney became 2002's #1 woman online by "Lycos";
2003: Life & Achievements
This year was one of the craziest in Britney's life. She returned to studio for recording her new album that would reflect her mature side. She scored two "Grammy" nominations - "Overprotected" was up for "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance", and "Britney" album was up for "Best Pop Vocal Album".
In the beginning of the year she appeared on the 30th annual "American Music Awards" where she introduced performer, presented an award and become an aim of the silly joke of the Osbornes. All public eyes were on her love life. Her split with Justin Timberlake was still on her mind when rumors of an unlikely liaison with 31-year-old Limp Bizkit frontman 
Fred Durst surfaced, although Britney wasn't saying anything. When Britney dumped Durst for a brief fling with Irish actor Colin Farrell, the rocker got his revenge by writing a foul-mouthed number called "Drop Dead". Britney's transformation to hard-rock chick became apparent when she had declared: "He's an asshole." The insults continued when she had turned up at a film premier in a top with the slogan, "Fuck You". She said: "What he has done has made me such a strong girl. You can't let it bother you."
In February reports claimed the singer has been seen snorting cocaine in a nightspot. Britney issued a statement denying the claims and insisting she would take the magazine, which posted this story, to court. But she later backed down, dropping a hint that she had dabbled in drugs. She said: "Let's just say you reach a stage in your life where you are curious. And I was curious at one point. But I'm way too focused to let anything stop me. Was it a mistake? Yes."
In March the princess of pop was back at work, but not in the full glare of the spotlights. She was in the sanctuary of the studio, working on the new album that would herald her comeback. The sexy singer has been given a stern talking to by her mother Lynne and her manager, who remind her that her work must come first. Britney considered to settle down. The virginal, clean-living, girl-next-door Britney was gone for good, and the singer's transformation to hard-edged sex kitten was almost complete. She was out buying skimpy outfits and preparing herself for the end of her self-imposed exile from the charts. "I can't wait to get back," she said.
In May Britney Spears proved she's the queen of pranks when she pulled a double "punk" on MTV's hit practical joke show. The pop star first duped rapper Busta Rhymes into thinking she was considering a career as a rapper and then she joined master joker Ashton Kutcher to pull a prank on his crew in the finale of "Punk'd". The prank, filmed at New York's "Hudson Hotel" was only set up to help Kutcher's crew pull a joke on the host, but little did they know - Britney already had a long-standing agreement with her actor pal to make sure neither of them became the subject of a "Punk'd" joke.
To raise money for Britney's charity, "The Britney Spears Foundation", "Gotta Have It", the premiere source for pop culture collectibles, had an online charity auction of exclusive Britney memorabilia from the beginning of her career. The auction included over fifty of her most popular costumes worn in concerts, videos and film like the green bra top and jeweled miniskirt snake-trainer ensemble worn during Britney's performance of "I'm a Slave 4 U" at the "Video Music Awards 2001". Collectors also could bid on an exclusive collection of signed Britney Spears posters and photography.
"Video Music Awards 2003" will be remembered as the year Justin Timberlake was crowned the new king of pop and Eminem played nice. The three-hour ceremony at New York City's "Radio City Music Hall" boiled down to a single eye-popping moment: Madonna locked lips with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Their opening number began with Spears emerging from an enormous white cake in a wedding dress and veil. After Britney sang several verses from "Like a Virgin", Aguilera came out and picked up the vocals for what was the pair's first performance together since the "Mickey Mouse Club". But this was no kid's stuff. Within moments they were writhing on the ground with their legs spread. Then Madonna descended from the cake, dressed in black and singing "Hollywood". Dancing provocatively with her two proteges, she planted a sexy smooch on Britney's mouth, then turned and delivered one to Christina. It was such a performance-defining moment that it's easy to forget that Missy Elliott came out and sang the chorus from "Work It" before it was all over.
Britney returned to work. On the 4th of September, another unique event took place on the the National Mall to help kick off the "NFL's" 2003 season and salute America's military members. Mary J. Blige, Britney Spears, Aerosmith and other performers, joined by thousands of American military personnel performed on the "NFL's" second annual football and music festival. The event televised live on ABC. Britney performed three songs during this event. She sang "Me Against The Music" from her new album as well as her two hits, "I'm a Slave 4 U" and "...Baby One More Time". More than 100,000 dedicated fans withstood rain and mud to enjoy a free concert on the National Mall. The concert was staged by the "NFL" to mark the opening of football season. A game between the Washington Redskins and New York Jets followed the show.
Then several weeks after "NFL" performance, the partygoers at the "Palms" hotel-casino were stunned early Sunday morning when the singer hit the stage unexpectedly. The pop star, along with a group of dancers, belted out three songs from her new album at the popular "Rain" nightclub. Britney tried to keep it a secret, because she wanted to make it a surprise for people. Her performance began about 1 a.m. and lasted thirty minutes. Not only did the 1,800 people inside "Rain" got an up close look at Britney but they also saved hundreds of dollars a piece. The nightclub did not charge extra for the Britney bash.
Britney's fourth album, "In The Zone," hit the stores on November 18th! The first single "Me Against The Music," featured Madonna and co-written by Britney, released in October 13 on MTV's "Making the Video." The RedZone-produced track has been sent to several producers, including Outkast and Madonna's mixer Peter Rauhofer. "We've hooked up again, but I've learned not to talk about my personal life," Britney said of Madonna, laughing. The most erotic song, however, in Spears' new repertoire was "Touch of My Hand." Britney has been putting forth a more adult image in 
print as well, posing nude for a "New York Times Magazine" fashion spread and appearing topless in "Elle" (UK), "Rolling Stone" and "Esquire" magazines, where she was wearing nothing more than her smile. Three weeks after its release, "Me Against the Music" was in 14th place in the radio. The unreleased "In the Zone" album was 42nd on the amazon.com top sellers list by the beginning of November.
Britney Spears starred in an original network primetime special on November 17. "Britney Spears: In the Zone" featured exclusive performance footage interwoven with a behind-the-scenes look at superstar's hectic life. The performance footage, shot in New York City's "Gotham Hall", included songs from the "In the Zone" album as well as some of her biggest hits. Britney was accompanied by her team of dancers, a full band, and even a string quartet for one number. The show featured a collection of dramatic stage settings that give the concert a true storyline. Emotions and energy ran high, as the show reflected its influences - ranging from "Alice in Wonderland" to "Cabaret" - and presented Britney in a variety of incarnations that were sexy, Gothic, romantic and truly eye-popping.
The prestigious Walk of Fame, on the sidewalks of Hollywood Blvd. and Vine Street, home of celebrities the likes of: Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Julie Andrews, Bill Cosby, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lucille Ball, and many, many more, added Britney Spears to the list. The pop star received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 17 before nearly 2,000 screaming fans. The event took place one day after her corset-jiggling appearance on the "American Music Awards" and a day before her latest album, "In the Zone," was set to arrive in stores. She arrived at the ceremony in jeans, a pink shirt and a furry pink jacket, and immediately began signing posters and magazines for admirers. "I'm seriously speechless right now," Spears told the crowd. "This is something that I've dreamt about since I was a little girl. I can't believe I'm actually here with all of you amazing fans."
By the end of year Britney Spears has broken her own record by debuting #1 on the "Billboard 200 Album" chart with her 4th album "In The Zone". Britney became the first female in "SoundScan" history to have four #1 albums in a row. The first single off the album, "Me Against The Music," was also the #1 video on MTV's "TRL", MTV2, VH-1 and Fuse. According to "SoundScan", Britney Spears has sold 609,000 units in one week. She had the largest first week scans of any female artist in any week of 2003.
In the end of year Britney Spears announced that she was going to kick off her tour March 2, 2004 in San Diego, hitting 25 North American cities and wrapping things up April 14, 2004 in New York. "It's always special to be able to go on the road and give something back," Spears said in a statement, "I'm especially looking forward to bringing my tour to new markets and performing in front of fans that may not have had the opportunity to see any of my previous tours."
In this year:
- "Overprotected" video received two "Music Video Production Association"(MVPA) nominations;
- Britney became MTV's 4th greatest video star after Madonna, Eminem and Janet Jackson;
- Britney made People's annual "Most Beautiful" list;
- Britney put her $4million house she shared with Justin on sale;
- Britney made it to #2 on "FHM's" "Sexiest" list of the year. Halle Berry became the Sexiest Woman;
- Britney has been voted the second sexiest pop pin-up in the world in a poll conducted by a British music video station VH1;
- Britney has been named the number one teenage idol by music channel VH1;
- "Glamour" magazine named Britney "Woman of The Year";
- Britney voted fifth "Top Role Model" by "Sugar" magazine;
