Xtina Will Always Be Cooler Than Britney

It's a question that's plagued society since the late '90s: Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera? Nothing is quite as divisive and polarizing as the debate over which of the quintessential '90s pop divas and lifetime rivals is, in fact, the best. Both released hit albums around the same time, and their sounds — though different — were constantly in competition for the top. In fact, career-wise, Spears and Aguilera (aka Britney and Xtina) have so much in common, I still don't understand why they never recorded a collaboration — but I suppose it's best not to get too friendly with your competition. Plus, the world probably isn't big enough to handle that much diva in one song.

Their careers have followed a surprisingly similar trajectory: they're both former Mickey Mouse Club members, they've both seen their fair share of controversy, tabloid drama, setbacks, and comebacks. They've both hosted TV singing competitions, and they've also both kissed Madonna.

Still there's no true comparison between the two: you're either on Team Britney, or Team Xtina, and in the ultimate battle between Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, there's never been any doubt.

Xtina is the queen, and here's why:

Britney Spears may have nailed the "girl next door" look...

(For what it's worth, Xtina literally has no effs to give about this.)

...but Christina Aguilera has attitude for days:

Hi, haters.

That voice:

With all due respect to Britney Spears, there's no comparison. Xtina has the vocal range of an angel.

She's bilingual:

It's a talent!

Xtina looks flawless in any hair color:

It's a skill.

She nails the vintage aesthetic every time:

Others try and fail, but Xtina always conquers.

Still, she always keeps her signature platinum look fresh:

YAS. KWEEN.

That famous Madonna kiss?

Yeah. Xtina was there, too. She started it.

Two words. Lady. Marmalade.

Looks like Britney Spears didn't make the team. Whoops.

Can Britney Spears do this?

Maybe.

Or this?

Possibly.

Or this?

Well, she can... but STILL, how hot is this GIF?

There can only be one:

And it can only be Xtina.

Images: refletisse/Tumblr (1); Giphy (12)