Britney Spears

As a child, Britney Spears used to sing along with the music of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey at home in Kentwood, Louisiana. When she was eight she won the Star Search competition in New York-and repeated her success the following year. By 11 she had won a place in the cast of the new Mickey Mouse Club. And at age 16 she had signed with a major record label. Britney, whose parents and school teachers recognized and encouraged her talent early on, burst on the pop music scene with her ... Baby One More Time album and video. Both album and single quickly went to number one on the charts. Britney's popularity keeps on growing, and her future seems bright, with tours, songwriting, and even acting on her agenda. And in spite of the challenges that fame can bring, this sunny teen star keeps her feet firmly on the ground. She is proud to serve as a role model for young people, whom she encourages to always follow their dreams.