My first dalliance with English pop was the final single Criminal, from Britney Spears’ seventh studio album titled Femme Fatale. And then, there was no looking back. Having shaped not just mine, but the music palate of several millennial and Gen Z gals, her indomitable reign over the pop realm beckons a deep dive, really.
From her over-the-top choreography, and pulsating dance routines to elaborate costumes, her on-stage performances were only a small window into the the surplus of capabilities she graced the entirety of Hollywood with, despite the unfortunate mistreatment of her talents. Nevertheless, she’s still iconic, and the yellow python stunt during the 2001 VMAs still lives on, with Megan Thee Stallion’s homage only corroborating the enduring tenure of Britney Spears’ timeless star quality.
Twenty-four years ago this week, she shocked audiences with a jungle-themed version of I’m a Slave 4 U, with a massive serpent wrapped around her body, a melanistic Burmese python to be specific. Every aspect of that performance is embedded in pop culture history, from her glittering navel piercing to her fearlessness holding the python. The snake handler who helped make that iconic moment come to life was quoted saying that he had no idea who Britney Spears was initially, despite her being one of the most famous pop stars at the time.
At the 2024 MTV VMAs, Megan Thee Stallion embraced her inner 2000s pop icon as the host for the evening as only a minutes into the show, she paid homage to Britney Spears with one of her costumes. Following a commercial break, Megan appeared on stage wearing a teal skirt linked to metallic shorts and a green bikini top. Even though she wore a pair of eye-catching gold boots, the most spectacular part of her outfit was the yellow, actual python that was encircling her neck.
Why It Still Lives On
The OG performance was…unexpected. Cinematic. Revolting. Curtains opened halfway through the awards show, revealing a jungle-themed stage and support dancers decked out in what one could call, ‘seductive’ animal costumes. Spears came out to reveal a shimmering two-piece bra and short set as she began singing, All you people look at me like I’m a little girl… She wore a custom-made leaf green bra by the renowned design team Kurt and Bart, who would go on to create many more items for Spears.
While the entire ensemble was very Y2K, her accessories really made the outfit a typical Britney ‘fit.’ From head to toe, the opulent embellishments extended, commencing with glitter ink skilfully applied across her chest. Then there was the enormous bejewelled wrist cuff and her knee-high boots with a poisonous green snake stitched in sequins. She also wore her signature belly button ring in full regalia. Talk about exemplary costume design – today’s stylists really need to take notes because this IS IT. Britney Spears, you’ll always be that girl.
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