It was a staggering 15 years ago today that Britney Jean Spears released her debut album '...Baby One More Time', with pig-tails and cropped tops aplenty.
The number one record in 15 countries swiftly became the biggest selling album ever by a teenage artist, when it was released on 12 January 1999, going on to sell 30 million copies.
It is not only one of the best-selling albums of all time, it's also the best-selling first album by any artist ever... You can't put that all down to Britney dressing up as a rebellious schoolgirl.
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Britney Spears in 1999
That said, the most memorable thing to come out of Britney's debut is still the video for the single '...Baby One More Time', which caused shock and outrage from conservative camps and worried parents.
Lest we forget, Brit was only 16 at the time.
Producers originally wanted a cartoon animated-style video for the candy-pop song but Britney knew it had an edge to it and eventually got her way, by dressing up as a student from a Catholic high school who has her mind on other things. Those forbidden things weren't just dancing and signing but also her hot love interest, whom she watched from afar.
In an interview with MTV in 2000, Britney responded to the controversy, explaining why she decided on the semi-risqué fashions.
"Me showing my belly? I'm from the South; you're stupid if you don't wear a sports bra [when you] go to dance class, you're going to be sweating your butt off," she explained. "It was such a wonderful experience. All these people there, working for you. I had my own trailer. It was an amazing experience."
Britney hasn't exactly stopped pushing the boundaries since, with red latex bodysuits, sparkly bras, snakes, and most recently whips and guns all making the cut as part of her ensembles in her hugely popular videos.
![britney spears]()
Britney Spears this week
Fast forward 15 years, Britney at the age of 32 is now the mother of two boys. She's been through divorce, custody battles, and a very public breakdown but is still making music and rocking abs to rival Jessica Ennis-Hill.
Her recently released eighth studio album, 'Britney Jean', marks the end of her original recording contract that began all those years ago.
And following in the footsteps of Celine Dion and Elton John, Brit has now embarked on a two-year residency show at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, titled 'Britney: Piece of Me'.
Will the 90s music icon and American princess of pop still be making music in another 15 years time? Let us know your thoughts on Brit below.
The number one record in 15 countries swiftly became the biggest selling album ever by a teenage artist, when it was released on 12 January 1999, going on to sell 30 million copies.
It is not only one of the best-selling albums of all time, it's also the best-selling first album by any artist ever... You can't put that all down to Britney dressing up as a rebellious schoolgirl.
That said, the most memorable thing to come out of Britney's debut is still the video for the single '...Baby One More Time', which caused shock and outrage from conservative camps and worried parents.
Lest we forget, Brit was only 16 at the time.
Producers originally wanted a cartoon animated-style video for the candy-pop song but Britney knew it had an edge to it and eventually got her way, by dressing up as a student from a Catholic high school who has her mind on other things. Those forbidden things weren't just dancing and signing but also her hot love interest, whom she watched from afar.
In an interview with MTV in 2000, Britney responded to the controversy, explaining why she decided on the semi-risqué fashions.
"Me showing my belly? I'm from the South; you're stupid if you don't wear a sports bra [when you] go to dance class, you're going to be sweating your butt off," she explained. "It was such a wonderful experience. All these people there, working for you. I had my own trailer. It was an amazing experience."
Britney hasn't exactly stopped pushing the boundaries since, with red latex bodysuits, sparkly bras, snakes, and most recently whips and guns all making the cut as part of her ensembles in her hugely popular videos.
Fast forward 15 years, Britney at the age of 32 is now the mother of two boys. She's been through divorce, custody battles, and a very public breakdown but is still making music and rocking abs to rival Jessica Ennis-Hill.
Her recently released eighth studio album, 'Britney Jean', marks the end of her original recording contract that began all those years ago.
And following in the footsteps of Celine Dion and Elton John, Brit has now embarked on a two-year residency show at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, titled 'Britney: Piece of Me'.
Will the 90s music icon and American princess of pop still be making music in another 15 years time? Let us know your thoughts on Brit below.