Female Icons of the 2000s: Then and Now

#5: Britney Spears Then

There’s no doubt that Britney Spears was the undisputed Princess of Pop in the 00s. From Oops!… I Did It Again to Toxic, she defined the sound, look, and drama of the decade. Every performance, outfit, and romance made headlines — she wasn’t just a star; she was pop culture.

But fame came at a price. Her whirlwind marriage, public breakdown, and controversial conservatorship turned her into both a tabloid obsession and a symbol of the darker side of celebrity. Even at her lowest points, Britney’s music and persona shaped a generation — catchy, chaotic, and unforgettable.