XtremelyBJS2004

Britney Cover Story #2


Meijer Teen Beauty Handbook
(From My Work)

Star Gazing

Britney Spears - Madonna Wanna-Be?

By Melissa L. Macron-Nitolo

She considers herself a performance artist, has a profound passion for dance, appreciates the chance to lose herself in a movie character and considers the lack of privacy the biggest price of her fame. If you guessed we were talking about pop princess, Britney Spears, you'd have been right. But, if you guessed the queen of po, Madonna, you'd also be right. So, what's the deal? Is Britney Spears Madonna's Mini-Me?

It seems that there are lots more similarities between these two TRL-topping powerhouses than meets the eye (and ear). As Brit continues to play around with her image and style, fans and critics can't help but make the comparison. One rolled around the floor at the 1984 MTV VMA's singing "Like A Virgin." The other, who claims publicly claims to be a virgin, "did it again" (oops) at the 2000 show. Madonna has said that she sings Britney's songs along with daughter Lourdes. Brit and Mom have listened to Madonna together for years. Ba-ba-ba-ba-Britney is Pepsi's newest ad girl. Back in the '90s, Madonna raised some eyebrows with her own Pepsi pitches.

The Material Mom sported a Britney concert shirt at her own show. Britney has thrown on Madonna-emblazoned duds at her gigs, too. In the eighties, girls clamored to the malls to pick up tons of rubber bracelets, "Boy Toy" belts, and mesh tops to look more like their idol, Madonna. In the late nineties, schoolgirls were tying up their blouses, and scooping up knee socks in homage to Britney. Hmmm.

Britney Comes Clean

Britney admits she's flattered by the comparsions. Well, who wouldn't be? Being labeled the new Madonna's certainly not too shabby. But Britney thinks the similarities go beyond the clothes and sexy style. "I think we have the same drive," she says. "When we want something, we get it." And what does Madonna think about all this? "I want to do nothing but support her and praise her and wish her the best. I wish I'd had my[self] together when I was [her age]. I was so gawky and geeky and ackward and unsure of myself. I didn't have a tan! I didn't know how to dress!" On the flip side, Brit says, she and Madonna have different personalities, looks (continued on pg. 78)

Say What?

Comparisons between Madonna and Britney are inevitable. But are these divas interchangable? You may be surprised to find out how similar they are. See some what of they had to say on a variety of subjects.

On Love - "I'm a romantic, and I believe in true love and the whole, you know, finding your soul mate and all those things." - Madonna

"I was brought up to think that finding your love when you're young and being with that person forever is normal. I do believe that once you find your true love, you're with that person forever." - Britney

On Confidence - "I get stupid around him. I don't like it. No one ever intimidates me or makes me nervous except him." - Britney On Justin

"I'm terribly insecure. I'm plagued with insecurities twentyfour/seven." - Madonna

"If I'm afraid of it, that generally means that I have to do it." - Madonna

"I get insecure all the time. I really do. Really. Like, a lot." - Britney

"I've been popular and unpopular, successful and unsuccessful, loved and loathed, and I know how meaningless it all is, therefore, I feel free to take risks." - Madonna

"When I'm performing, I turn into a different person. When I'm just with my friends, I'm kind of shy and quiet." - Britney

On Themselves

"I hate being considered a role model because I'm just like them. Instead of looking up to other people. I wish girls would have their own dreams and freakin' go for them." - Britney

"The worst thing about being famous? I think it's...the lack of privacy and the idea that you're not really allowed to make mistakes and everything that you do is viewed under a microscope." - Madonna

On Each Other

"I love Britney. I became obsessed with wearing [Britney] t-shirts. I slept in them, as well. It was like I felt it would bring me luck. And it did." - Madonna

"I love Madonna.... When she's onstage, she just demands that attention." - Britney

Continued From Page 47

and types of music. While the jury is still out on those claims - they may not look indentical, but there's no denying that being a fashion and style chameleon has always been an enviable, all-Madoona trait - there is one thing that the performers disagree on. Being pop stars. While Madonna has always distanced herself from the label of "Pop Star," feeling it too constricting, Britney embraces it. "Pop music is popular music," says Spears. "I'm just bringing it to the next level." With regards to performing, Madonna has said, "I don't see the point of doing a show, unless you're really going to make some great theater. I want my senses overwhelmed." And if you've caught either talented diva in concert, you'll not only find your senses overwhelmed, but one more amazing similarity between Britney Spears and Madonna.

Meet Your Match

Recently, Britney and Madonna met. Despite prior rumors that Ms. Spears had ticked off Madonna - Britney supposedly had tried to trick Madonna to perform onstage with her - the eventual rendezvous was a success. Though a mega-star in her own right, Britney was unnerved at meeting her idol. "I'm usually so cool when I meet people, but once I was walking into the room, I just felt something come over me and I was so nervous. So I walked in - I'm so embarrassed at what I said, 'I feel like I should hug you.'" An equally enamored Madonna granted Brit's request with an embrace.

So what do you think - Is Britney the new Madonna? Is MTV big enough for the both of them? Only time will tell, but in the meantime, fans of both superstars enjoy the show.



Courtesy Of: Meijer Teen Beauty Handbook