Britney Spears was born on December 2, 1981. She is one of the most popular artists in the history of the world, selling over 83 million albums.
Britney Jean Spears was grew up in a small town in Louisiana near the border of Alabama. When Britney was young she was very accomplished in gymnastics, and frequently sang and danced with the local church choir.
Her debut hit and album"...Baby One More Time", was considered the number one in America in 1999. In 2000, Britney came out with another album called "Oops I Did it again" which was also listed as number one and sold over 1.3 million records in its first week on shelves. Overall, more than 10 million copies of this album was sold in the US alone. Britney's next album "Britney" also debuted at number one, but was slightly less successful than her previous two releases, selling roughly 750,000 albums in its first week in stores.
It is well known that Britney and Justin Timberlake were in a relationship for several years. In 2002 that relationship ended. In the music video of Justin's hit single "Cry Me a River", a girl resembling Britney is used, hinting that Britney had cheated on Justin during their time together.
Britney performed at the MTV Video Music Awards many times and in 2003 performed Madonna's song "Like a Virgin". Britney performed the song with Christina Aguilera and Madonna herself. At the and of the performance Britney and Christina both ended up kissing Madonna, causing an absolute riot in the media for weeks.
Britney's fourth album titled "In the Zone" was released in 2003 and also debuted at number one. Britney Spears was the first person in history to have their first four albums debut at number one.
In 2004 Britney got engaged to one of her dancers, Kevin Federline. Britney had only known Kevin for three months when they decided to tie the knot. In 2005 Britney had her first child. Britney had scheduled a C-Section performed, instead of a traditional birth. Spears gave birth once again to her second child in 2006. Soon after, Britney and Kevin filed for divorce. Both Britney and Kevin filed for legal custody of the children. Eventually her and Kevin agreed on joint custody of the kids.
During 2007, Britney was in and out of rehab and one day spontaneously shaved her head. A few days later Britney was charged with a hit-and-run, but was not arrested.
In October 2007, Britney's fifth album "Blackout" was released. The alum debuted at number two in America with hit songs "Gimme More" and "Radar".
In 2008 Britney's drug and mental issues continued. Once again she was in and out of rehab. Many people think that Spear's could be bipolar, although it is not official. Later in 2008, Britney released her sixth album Circus its hit single "Womanizer" quickly became the number one song in America, and her follow up hit "Circus" was listed in the top ten.
Britney is one of the most decorated and successful performers of all time. Her name, and music are world renowned. She has changed the face of pop music forever.
American English Vocabulary from this story
accomplished - when someone is "accomplished" it means they have been very successful and have achieved many things in a certain area
choir- a singing group (usually a large group)
debut hit- first hit
to come out with an album- to release an album (CD)
records- in this context "records is the same as "albums"
on shelves- in this context "on shelves" means "in stores" or "for sale"
releases- in this context "releases" means "released albums"
in stores- for sale (on shelves)
relationship- boyfriend and girlfriend
hit single- one song that is very popular
to hint- colloquial way to say "to suggest"
to cheat on someone- to be unfaithful to someone in a relationship (be involved with another man or woman)
riot- violent or extreme panic and confusion
media- TV, newspaper, magazines, internet, radio, etc.
to debut- to appear for the first time
to have a child- to give birth
debut hit- first hit
C-Section- when a baby is not born normally and removed from the mother's womb by surgery (stands for "cesarean section")
traditional birth- normal birth
to file for divorce- to complete the documents to request a divorce (end a marriage)
file for custody- to complete the documents to keep and be in responsible for one's children after a divorce
joint custody- when both parents share responsibilty for their children after a divorce
rehab- (rehabilitation) to have treatment or counseling to return to good health (rehab can for drugs, alcohol, physical injury, or emotional distress)
spontaneously- suddenly without warning or thought
to be charged with a crime- to be accused of committing a crime
a hit-and-run- leaving or driving away after causing an accident or harm to someone or something (usually happens with cars)
issues- in this context "issues" means "problems"
bipolar- having two completely different personalities
decorated- having received much aknowledgement for one's accomplishments
world reknowned- known around the world
to change the face of something- to change entirely how something is done or perceived