Remember when iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube didn't exist? It's hard to imagine, but I kind of miss the joy of going to Sam Goody to get new CDs. With music now available at people's fingertips, I suppose those discs are obsolete. But back when I was 8, I couldn't have been more excited to get my first CD. In case you're wondering, it was Britney Spears' ...Baby One More Time and I was thrilled. Tiger Beat posters of the "Sometimes" singer were hung all over my bedroom walls with Fun-Tak. (Remember that blue sticky stuff that your mom would make you use, instead of putting holes in the wall with thumbtacks? Ugh, memories!) Anyway, the point of this anecdote is that I've been a Britney Spears fan since way back when.
It's safe to say that Britney Spears' "I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman" dilemma is officially over. She's all grown up and she's come a long way since her "(You Drive Me) Crazy" days. Britney Spears is now 34 years old and she's still as relevant as ever. In the '90s and early '00s, she was considered the Queen of Pop. (Sorry, Christina Aguilera!) And you know what? I think she still deserves that crown. Not only has Spears been a style icon for years, but she's changed the course of pop culture forever.
Here's a list of reasons that Britney Spears will always be the Queen of Pop. Because after all these years, "Toxic" is still just as as catchy.
1. Her Dance Moves Are Flawless
You know how some people become less coordinated with age? Nope, not Britney. Her choreography will always be on fleek.
2. She Stays In Touch With Pop Culture
Recently, Spears uploaded a video dancing to Adele's "Hello." Ballet moves were an unexpected choice, but she still rocks it.
3. Her Cameo On Jane The Virgin Was Perfect
An already great show was made even better, thanks to Britney Spears' cameo.
4. And So Was Her Role On HIMYM
Remember when Spears played Abby, the dermatologist's assistant? She was easily one of the best guest stars in How I Met Your Mother history.
5. Fans Freaked Out Over A Possible Crossroads Sequel
Last year, Spears hinted at a Crossroads sequel and understandably fans got pretty excited. (Sadly, there's been no updates or any actual confirmation.)
6. Even If There's No Sequel, The Movie Is A Classic
It may not have gotten the best reviews, but that doesn't matter. There are plenty of loyal fans of this movie (myself included).
7. She Can Turn Any Song Into A Hit
Give the girl a microphone and magic happens.
8. She Overcame A Major Meltdown
Let's just say that 2007 was not her best moment, but regardless, she bounced back and made a major comeback.
9. And Returned Stronger Than Ever
The lyrics "stronger than yesterday" have never been more fitting.
10. She Made Pigtails & Feathery Scrunchies Stylish
Before Britney Spears, pigtails were so elementary school. She made them cool again.
11. "Oops! I Did It Again" Will Never Get Old
From the catchy song to the memorable music videos, everything about "Oops!" makes it a classic.
12. Her Red Leather Jumpsuit Is Iconic
Seriously, nothing will ever top this outfit!
13. People Still Dress Up As Her For Halloween
She even dubbed the holiday #Britneyween and held a costume contest. Looks like Chanel from Scream Queens isn't the only one super into Halloween.
14. She Set The Standard For VMA Performances
Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke's VMA performance was tame compared to Britney Spears'. She set the bar high, performing with snakes and making out with Madonna.
15. Her Denim-On-Denim Look Was Unforgettable
Why else would Katy Perry copy the look years later?
16. She's Still Performing
Since 2013, Britney Spears has been on residency in Las Vegas with her "Piece Of Me" show. She even extended her stay until 2017.
17. She Has More Than 6 Million Instagram Followers
Whether posting cute photos of her kids or inspirational quotes, people care what Spears is doing with her life.
18. She's Sharing Her Moves
If her recent Instagram posts are any indication, it looks like Britney Spears has been busy teaching dance classes. What a great way to give back!
19. She Hasn't Stopped Making Music
The word "retirement" just isn't in her vocabulary. Spears is still hitting up the recording studio.
20. She's Always Raking In Awards
At the 2015 Teen Choice Awards, Brit Brit took home an award for Candie's Choice Style Icon.
21. She's A Humble Southern Belle
Don't worry, all these years of fame haven't gone to her head. The Louisiana native is as down-to-earth as ever, posting an entire Instagram about how grateful she was to receive bread at a restaurant.
22. She's Raising A Whole New Generation Of Talent
Based on the video above, she's passing on her dance moves and skills to her two sons.
23. She Has A Sense Of Humor
Proving she doesn't take herself too seriously, Britney Spears knows how to joke around.
24. She Had Her Own Dolls
Not going to lie, I was the proud owner of the "Oops! I Did It Again" Britney doll. (If you're feeling nostalgic, Britney Spears dolls are for sale on eBay. They're only around $25!)
25. She Has Released 8 Albums (So Far!)
Eight! That's incredibly impressive.
26. She Received MTV's Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2011, Spears received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award at the VMAs — a true testament to her talent.
27. She's Been Working Since Age 11
As a preteen, Spears was cast on The All New Mickey Mouse Club . She starred alongside Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling, and more.
28. She Perfectly Summed Up Adolescence
"Not a girl / not yet a woman" is the perfect summary for those angsty teenage years.
29. She Has Her Own Holiday
Mark your calendars! Nov. 5 is officially Britney Day. She was even given the key to Las Vegas.
30. She's Famous On A First-Name Basis With The World
Remember the quote "It's Britney, b*tch"? Yeah, everybody knew who she meant. No last name necessary.
31. Her Reaction Faces Are Everything
During her stint on The X Factor, she gave some of the best facial expressions in the history of the show.
32. Her Lyrics Are Clever
Oh, Britney! In "If You Seek Amy," the singer showed she's witty with words. Who didn't have a mini epiphany (and blush) when they finally figured out the song's meaning?
33. She's Landed Many Magazine Covers
Over the course of her career, Britney Spears has starred on tons of magazine covers. From the teen-friendly ones in the early '00s to more grown-up mags like InStyle, Cosmo, and Rolling Stone, she's the definition of a cover girl.
34. She'll Be A Star "Till The World Ends"
Like the song says, she'll probably be dancing and performing the remainder of her life.
In case anyone doubts Britney Spears' talent and staying power, look no further than this list! She'll be the Queen of Pop forever.
Images: Giphy (6)
