https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n An Exploration of the Star Image of Britney Spears en-us 2022-11-07 11:56:27 UTC 2025-06-17 20:04:47 UTC hello@padlet.com 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2372954925 Spears starred in Disney's 'The All New Mickey Mouse Club' (1989 - 1995) from age 11 in 1993, alongside fellow 'soon-to-be' stars Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Ryan Gosling (IMDB, n.d.). This is merely the beginning of the representation of her star image, as she grounded herself as a musician, actor and an overall personality at a young age throughout her appearances on the show. ]]> 2022-11-07 12:18:48 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2372954925 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2372968843 Britney Jean Spears was born in December 1981 in Mississippi, US (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2022).]]> 2022-11-07 12:29:39 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2372968843 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2372997125 In 1997, Britney Spears was signed to JIVE RECORDS and subsequently released her debut single '...Baby One More Time' in 1998. 

With the early days of her celebrity image rooted in a children's TV show, this music video received an overwhelming amount of criticism due to the nature in which Britney and her dancers are dressed, with their outfits mimicking school girls with tied up t-shirts, short skirts and knee high socks. The controversy surrounding this video amassed a surplus of discussion surrounding the singer in mainstream media, suggesting that this was her breakout moment and a pinnacle point in which her star image was born. 

]]> 2022-11-07 12:50:46 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2372997125 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373023596 Spears' first public relationship since her fame began was previously fellow All New Mickey Mouse Club member and NSync* star, Justin Timberlake. Their romance publicly began in 1998, with highlights including the iconic double denim matching outfits at the 2001 VMAs. 

Media coverage on this relationship, alongside others throughout her experience in the public eye, feeds into the idea of how celebrity gossip and drama is a core pillar in the creation of fame and celebrity culture (Shingler, 2012, p. 144)]]> 2022-11-07 13:08:45 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373023596 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373030274 Quickly after the success of the lead single, the album '...Baby One More Time' was released. This was the very beginning of the commercialisation of Spears, and one of the albums that made her into a pop sensation. ]]> 2022-11-07 13:12:48 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373030274 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373037094 One of the superstar's very first magazine covers was for Rolling Stone - this immediately frames Spears as a sexualised pop icon, despite her very young age. Her limited and revealing clothes contrasts with the stuffed toy and innocent expression. This bizarre contrasting representation of a child-like yet sexualised figure is present throughout most of her early stages of her career, with some academics labelling this as her experience of the "'virgin whore' dichotomy that has long been at the heart of female fame" (Williamson, 2010, p.118)]]> 2022-11-07 13:16:53 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373037094 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373056562 Spears was nominated and performed at the 2000 Grammy's, which established her as a fashion icon as well as 'one to watch' due to the mass critical acclaim so early in her career. The buzz surrounding the singer and her success in the media and by fans triggered the overwhelming production of texts that are crucial to Britney's stardom that will be explored thoroughly in this report.

]]> 2022-11-07 13:27:55 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373056562 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373061274 Off of the back of her debut success, it was not long until Spears released her second album which was even more successful, breaking records for the 'highest debut' on the charts (Caulfield, 2012). Spears was quickly established as a success and consequently a star, with her label quickly recognising this.

]]> 2022-11-07 13:30:31 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373061274 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373084068 Spears' 2001 VMA performance is arguably the most iconic performance of her career, despite being so early on. The singer put on a scandalous performance, dancing around the VMA stage with a live python around her neck and surrounded by tigers in cages. The shock-factor of the performance caused a succession of articles from both official and unofficial news sources - with many in awe of her sultry performance, as well as others outraged at the use of live animals for entertainment. For example, PETA wrote a formal letter to Spears and her team before the performance pleading them not to use the live animals (Estera, 2022). It can be suggested that the controversy and iconography created by this performance helped contribute to the singer's star image, and her representation as a rebellious, troubled pop icon. ]]> 2022-11-07 13:42:36 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373084068 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373186340 Swiftly after their split, Timberlake released 'Cry Me a River' in 2002. The music video sparked conversation on talk shows, gossip magazines and interviews between both parties, as the plot of the video accuses Britney on cheating on Justin with the use of a lookalike (Estera, 2022). This is once again another example of how celebrity gossip can help form star status, as well as highlight how Britney as a brand or a household name has been used for financial gain, even if not by her own team. ]]> 2022-11-07 14:33:46 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373186340 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373191799 “I guess it’s because I do have a younger audience that, you know, parents worry about the role model thing…. But when I was younger, I looked up to people, but I never wanted to be them. I always had my own identity. I’m an entertainer when I’m on stage…and they need to explain that to their kids. That’s not my job to do that.” (Spears, 2001)

Here, Spears begins to explore the ideas of herself as an icon and a sex symbol, but instead rejects the ideology. There is evidence here of the concept of the Person vs the Persona (Shingler, 2012, p.125) and the ideal of celebrity authenticity, with Britney admitting that she isn't her true self on stage - instead, she is a performer. ]]> 2022-11-07 14:36:05 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373191799 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373196926 In the early days of Spears' career, she starred in Crossroads (2002), a coming-of-age story of friendship. There were rumours around the films release that the film was created by Britney's team in order to 'cash in' on the height of her popularity (Estera, 2022). According to Turner, this is highly likely as "media entrepreneurs want celebrities involved with their project because they believe this will help them attract audiences" (2013, p. 36).]]> 2022-11-07 14:38:34 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373196926 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373219120 As stated by Turner, celebrities are 'financial assets' to their superiors (e.g. record labels, agents) who 'gain from their commericalisation' (2013, p. 37). And with her third album release in less than 3 years, Britney Spears is framed as a profit making, commercialisation celebrity machine. ]]> 2022-11-07 14:47:57 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373219120 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373227296 Spears returns to the VMA stage for another iconic and shocking performance. Whilst performing a medley with Madonna in 2003, the pair shared a kiss that sent media sites into a frenzy. The pair were criticised for trying to appeal for the male gaze and over-sexualising their professional relationship for shock-value. As with many of her performances, we can once again see Spears' and her team's use of controversy in order to keep her in the public eye. ]]> 2022-11-07 14:52:12 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373227296 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373264030 In The Zone was yet another album release for Spears within the first 5 years of her career. This time, this album produced the iconic hit single 'Toxic' by the singer, which received critical acclaim and confirmed Britney's star status. This album was also released after her breakup with Justin Timberlake, resulting in media speculation about the songs which accelerated its success and presence in mainstream media. ]]> 2022-11-07 15:11:24 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373264030 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373340370 'Toxic', released in 2004, is one of Spears' most iconic songs and music videos. The entire era of 'In The Zone' and its success can be linked back to the success of this lead single. The single itself won Britney her first, and only Grammy to date for Best Dance Recording (Grammys, 2004). ]]> 2022-11-07 15:50:52 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373340370 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373372088 After the success of her first three albums, the pressure of the  public eye seemed to start to affect Spears greatly. In 2004, there was a surplus of gossip magazines and scandalous interviews that watched and analysed Britney's every move. Around this time, Spears became a renowned 'party girl', with one big night ending in her marrying her childhood best friend in Vegas whilst under the influence. The marriage lasted 55 hours, and was claimed to be the shortest and most scandalous marriage in celebrity culture to this day (Daros, 2021, p. 383), with her team releasing a statement to suggest Spears' wasn't in 'control' due to her substance abuse (Estera, 2022) thus creating more media surveillance of the star.]]> 2022-11-07 16:07:20 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373372088 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373415241 Following on from her relationship with Timberlake and her 55 hour marriage, Britney's next serious public relationship was with back-up dancer Kevin Federline. In the eyes of the media Spears settled down fast, with the couple being engaged and married within 3 months of meeting. According to the press, her career 'nosedived' as their romance continued and Spears announced her first pregnancy (Estera, 2022).

This concept of Spears' career reportedly 'declining' after settling down is a key example of the double standards and misogynistic values that are core to the celebrity industry, and is a reflection of the media's judgement of Spears' labelling her a 'bad mother' for trying to balance both her work and personal life (Daros, 2021, p. 383). 

]]> 2022-11-07 16:29:06 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373415241 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373428887 In 2007, Spears was captured by the paparazzi during a sequence of concerning events. A 'frenzy' of media sensationalism began in 2007 surrounding Spears' mental health crisis, describing her as a 'pop star car crash' (Williamson, 2010, p.118). After her second divorce, Spears seemed to spiral, creating a huge amount of conversation surrounding the singer in gossip and celebrity magazines, such as ABC's headline 'Britney Spears Goes Bald' (as cited by Williamson, 2010, p.118). ]]> 2022-11-07 16:36:12 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373428887 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373451343 Spears' fifth album was released shortly after her very public 'breakdown'. Around this time, the star was a constant topic in the press and therefore it could be suggested that her label released this album anticipating huge success, with the general public desperate to see what Britney would do next. Of course, this did happen - however Spears' image was constantly under scrutiny around this time, with her VMA performance of lead single 'Gimme More' mocked in the press for her 'uncomfortable' and 'confused' appearance on stage (Estera, 2022). ]]> 2022-11-07 16:47:44 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373451343 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373474218 Spears' fragrance range has spanned over nearly two decades and has become an iconic part of her branding, establishing her true status as a star. By creating her own brand of fragrance, Spears and her team have created an exclusive range of merchandise, and through endorsing her own products has established Britney as an 'idol of consumption' (Lowenthal, 1961), repeatedly encouraging her audience to purchase goods or media texts for financial gain. ]]> 2022-11-07 17:00:07 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373474218 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373474830 2022-11-07 17:00:29 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373474830 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373479628 In 2008, Britney Spears was placed under a conservatorship by her father and legal team, in which they would have control over her 'finances, business affairs and career' after being admitted to a psychiatric ward for evaluation (Estera, 2022). 
With Spears having limited control over her career and public persona from this point onwards, it is important to consider how her media representation begins to change over the course of the rest of her career. ]]> 2022-11-07 17:03:03 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373479628 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373534180 Circus (2006) was Spears' 6th studio release. With the lead single of the same name, the singer highlights her experience of stardom through her lyrics: 
'All eyes on me, in the centre of the ring / Just like a circus' 
as well as 
'There's only two types of people in the world / The ones that entertain and the ones that observe / Well, baby, I'm a put-on-a-show kinda girl'  (Genius, 2008)
These lyrics create a sense of authenticity and personal relationship between herself and her audience, perhaps as an attempt to re-engage with them in order to continue her successful career. ]]> 2022-11-07 17:32:27 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373534180 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373538016 After her 2007 'breakdown', Spears returned to the world of celebrity with her 5th studio album 'Breakout' and an MTV documentary, 'Britney: For The Record'. The documentary followed Britney and her own telling of the events that caused her career to halt just a year prior. Using a 'tell-all' format, Spears highlights her consistent celebrity status despite all of her controversies, with academics suggesting that Britney's entire stardom is formed on the basis of "carnal confessional mode" through her lyrics, interviews and performances (Meyers, 2009). Moreover, with audiences and mainstream media eager to hear what the singer has to say, this documentary could be seen as an attempt to once again weaponize Spears' commodification and seek financial gain, whilst simultaneously attempting 'damage control' for her public image. ]]> 2022-11-07 17:34:41 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373538016 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373783945 Spears as a commodified commercial star has been present throughout her whole career - with a highlight of this coming from the early 2010s in which she guest starred in How I Met Your Mother and Glee. In this time period, Spears had not been very active in terms of new releases for her music due to her Circus World Tour. It could be suggested that these cameos in popular American sitcoms could have been an attempt to keep her image in the limelight between releases, setting her up perfectly for her 2011 Album release 'Femme Fatale'. ]]> 2022-11-07 20:05:38 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373783945 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373799237 Similarly to HIMYM and Glee (2010), Spears was announced as one of the judges in the first season of X-Factor USA (Estera, 2022). Her presented persona throughout this show could be seen as another attempt at a representation of 'authenticity' and an 'off screen persona', as well as a way to stay in the public eye between album releases. ]]> 2022-11-07 20:17:05 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373799237 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373802351 Femme Fatale (2011) was released after a 3 year break from recording, and within this time Spears performed her worldwide 'Circus' world tour - her first tour in 5 years. Despite concerns after her 2007 rehabilitation, the success of her subsequent albums highlighted the popstar's loyal fan base. With Spears still as popular as ever, her label released her seventh studio album. ]]> 2022-11-07 20:19:36 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373802351 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373818912 Within this year, she began to spend more time with her children in the public eye, and was reportedly working on her 8th studio album, Britney Jean. With reports about her family life as she aimed to gain more custody of her children, Spears was praised by the public (Estera, 2022). 
This positive representation lead to Britney Jean (2013) debuting in the Billboard Top 100. From this reaction, it is evident how the personal and private elements of stardom can influence the professional aspect.]]> 2022-11-07 20:32:06 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373818912 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373822608 In order to 'cash in' on the singer's success, her Las Vegas residency was extended by 2 extra years, confining Spears to perform on stage for 248 shows, earning her and her team $137.7 million (Estera, 2022), illustrating how performance is also a key aspect of celebrity culture and success.  It was claimed to be the 'best thing she ever did for her career' by the Independent (Kaplan, 2018). ]]> 2022-11-07 20:35:03 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373822608 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373829172 Spears' 9th and final studio album to date, 'Glory', was released in 2016.  ]]> 2022-11-07 20:40:52 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373829172 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373842334 2022-11-07 20:52:13 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373842334 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373866323 As well as achievements for her musical performances, Britney has also been awarded for her contributions to charity and the LGBTQ+ community through the GLAAD Vanguard Award in 2018. ]]> 2022-11-07 21:14:11 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373866323 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373886374 In 2019, Spears' team announced her new Las Vegas residency 'Britney: Domination'. Succeeding her first 4 year Las Vegas residency that earned Spears and her team millions, the singer once again performs her role as celebrity in which they are 'developed to make money' (Turner, 2013, p.36).]]> 2022-11-07 21:35:31 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373886374 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373892977 Soon before Britney: Domination was soon to begin, Spears and her team cancelled her tour due to her dad's ill health. As one of her leading conservators, this caused controversy among fans and gossip sites as to if there could have been a deeper meaning as to why her tour had been cancelled. Moreover, due to the stress of the situation, Spears was checked into a mental health facility for 'emotional distress' (Estera, 2022). 

After the residency was officially cancelled, Spears made minimal public appearances and a limited amount of social media posts, causing fans to worry.]]> 2022-11-07 21:42:32 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373892977 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373893406 In 2021, and after a series of documentaries (Framing Britney Spears, 2020) and social media discussions causing concern for the singer's well-being under her conservatorship, Spears' team filed for Jamie Spears (her father) to be removed as her sole conservator. She had the support of fans (both online and in person), and fellow celebrities. 

After an incredibly public legal battle, Spears was 'set free' in 2021, gaining access back to her finances, business endeavours and social media accounts due to the pressure of her fandom's #FreeBritney movement (Daros, 2021, p.388).]]> 2022-11-07 21:43:01 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373893406 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373895051 2022-11-07 21:43:38 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373895051 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373907047 2022-11-07 21:56:54 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373907047 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373911550 2022-11-07 22:02:19 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373911550 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373915840 2022-11-07 22:07:35 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373915840 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373925870 2022-11-07 22:18:57 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373925870 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373935073 Explores the concept of authenticity of celebrity through 'confessional' style media and relates this to Spears' career - how does she explore the line between personal and private whilst trying to appeal to a mainstream audience? ]]> 2022-11-07 22:29:10 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373935073 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373938403 This author explores the representation of Spears and general celebrity culture as they navigate the fine line between true authenticity and image control. ]]> 2022-11-07 22:33:26 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373938403 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373940641 Williamson observes Spears' career through the lens of gendered celebrity studies, exploring how many of the media's representations were rooted in misogyny and double standard. ]]> 2022-11-07 22:36:11 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373940641 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373942791 Daros investigates Spears' star image throughout time, observing how the representation of her star image has changed in the past two decades. 

]]> 2022-11-07 22:38:39 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2373942791 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2374772726 Covers such as this one were commonplace throughout the entirety of the 2000s and even in present day, with gossip magazines, columns and interviews forming the basis for celebrity representation in mainstream media. Whilst the controversy surrounding Spears cheating on Timberlake being proven to be strictly gossip in recent years, Macdonald states that 'authenticity of gossip (...) has little bearing on its effects, with oft-repeated but proven to be false accusations becoming core components of a stars enduring image' (2000, pg. 7 as cited in Shingler, 2012, p.14).]]> 2022-11-08 10:45:24 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2374772726 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2375219664 Spears' first re-introduction back into the world of television began with the reality TV series 'Britney and Kevin: Chaotic', a series filmed on their personal cameras and phones to capture their lives together. This is an initial introduction to the concept of Britney's struggle between performer and persona, creating a controlled and edited version of her 'personal' life, thus providing a false sense of authenticity for audiences to relate to and feel as if they know and understand the star. By making the audience feel closer to the star, they are much more likely to engage in their texts and show support - both emotionally and financially.

]]> 2022-11-08 15:38:41 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2375219664 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2378380051 Spears' 2007 Gimme More performance was an attempt at a return to the spotlight after her hospitalisation and rehab stint. All eyes were on the star at this time, and gossip columns, talk shows and fan forums raised concern for Spears as well as mocking her for her lip syncing, 'confused' manor, as well as some journalists questioning if she had become 'overweight' (Daros, 2021, p.388).

This is another key example of the star experience and how celebrities are placed on a pedestal for millions to mock, observe and judge. Moreover, the reference to Spears' appearance is a key example of the female celebrity experience, in which women are held to a much higher standard than men - especially regarding body image (Williamson, 2010).]]> 2022-11-10 10:27:32 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2378380051 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2378415834 Spears' celebrity status is also evident due to her mass fan base. With websites such as fandom.com, Twitter and Facebook providing outlets for fans to share their support, discuss her music and public performances and create a sense of community. ]]> 2022-11-10 10:54:58 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2378415834 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2379127092 2022-11-10 18:48:07 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2379127092 201485245 https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2379209721 In more recent years, Spears' has used social media - especially Instagram - as a way to connect with her fans and share her opinions. During her conservatorship, many people believe it was her only form of 'expression' of her persona - whether or not that is truly authentic. ]]> 2022-11-10 19:49:33 UTC https://padlet.com/201485245/b5pbyxff4xijx68n/wish/2379209721