The Evolution of Britney Spears

America’s favourite pop teen queen was barely sixteen when she first hit the charts with her first single ‘Baby one more time’.
In 2007, Young, happy and fun Britney Spears had a downward spiral which tarnished her reputation.

The image on this front cover of Britney Spears has been framed as a mid-long shot. The editor has chosen to use a mid-long shot to highlight that part of the image, which infers that the part of the image that has been cropped is the most important, also because this section of the image is what the reader is most likely to be drawn to.
‘Rolling Stone’ is an American rock magazine; however it also includes other aspects such as politics and national affairs and publishes other music celebrity stories.
This magazine is usually purchased by men in their 30’s; therefore this magazine front cover has been audited for the majority/target audience.
Britney’s costume consists of her dressed in underwear-light pink cotton knickers with black polka dots matched with a black bra. However she is covered with a short sleeved hooded jumper. This clothing suggests that although she is a young teenage girl, she still has a sexy, seductive image and style. This type of image on the front cover is most appealing to a male audience. Spears is holding on to a purple ‘teletubby’ on her right arm which connotes her youth. In her left hand she holds a corded telephone to her ear. Both of these prop items are typical of every teenage girl of her age. Therefore, capturing aspects of her youth and characterises what she may enjoy doing (talking on the phone perhaps).
The setting of the background in this image is a metallic bright pink silky bed cover with hints of creases, which Spears lies down on. The image of Spears and the setting of the image is an inter-textual reference of the story/image of Lolita. Lolita was a 14 year old who was able to seduce an older man in his 30’s. The idea of this young girl seducing an older man has been used on this magazine front cover, basically copying Lolita’s image. The fact of who this magazine is aimed as (30 year old men & older) and Britney Spears’ age and her image on the front cover reiterates Lolita. The message that is being portrayed to the audience here is that although she is a young teenage girl she is still accessible to this type of audience and that it is not particularly a ‘bad’ thing. It also tells us that hence her youth she is not ‘that innocent’
The colours that have been used on this page are white, grey, black and metallic-pink. The editor has chosen colours which corroborate with each other; they are very dissimilar therefore creating the effect of them standing out against each other. The majority of these colours used on the front cover are typical of a teenage girl-stereotypically their favourite colour tends to be plain pastel pink. On this front cover a different shade of pink has been exploited-bright metallic pink causing a more highlighted attraction. The anchorage text, puffs are white which brightens up the page and makes the cover stand out.



In comparison to the previous issue here Britney Spears has a totally different image; she has a different hair style and a different hair colour - possibly altered to indicate her maturity from youth and making a statement of change through the image she is portraying. By making this statement the audience gets the impression that she is now a young independent woman, not a teenage girl.
Britney Spears’ costume is luring and promiscuous. There isn’t much clothing involved in her costume – she is dressed with one item of clothing- her bottom underwear. Her costume, surroundings and appearance are all white, which was configured deliberately in order to make Britney Spears stand out and appear brighter and makes her body seem . Additionally, although she does not have a lot of clothes on her lack of costume is actually more appealing to the Rolling Stone audience of men in their 30’s. The lack of costume could connote that she is going to unravel herself to the reader in the magazine about herself and is not ‘hiding’ under her clothes and she is being open and upfront about herself and her image. The lack of costume also suggests risk taking evoking the climax of her life at that point, things were falling into place - she was a famous and successful pop star in the spotlight.
Britney reveals a partial smile which portrays a hint of cheekiness towards her appearance. Her pose on this cover is again quite seductive as on the previous cover. She is enclosed between two walls and seems to be leaning or pushing against the wall in front of her. The setting of this image is significant as it may reflect entrapment in her life at that point, her being caught up in the ‘limelight’ or trapped in the music business.
Spears’ pose and facial expression present an alluring invitation towards the audience, with the bland white background and surroundings the cover appears illuminated. Bright lighting is used on this image because the background and the objects in the image are white, it is hard to distinguish between them which is a good technique used in order to make Spears’ have a healthy and radiant look, because of the background and lighting all focus and attention remains on her.
The colour scheme that has been used on this cover is blue, black, white and red. The editor has specifically chosen bold colours to highlight the text on the front cover against the white background. The colours red, white and blue cleverly connote the American flag, which signify her nationality. The editor includes the colour black in the colour scheme to highlight the buzz words on the cover enhancing a bold effect on the cover.
The main puffs are blue which are placed specifically around the front cover, separated across the page in order to stand out and catch the readers eye with its bright colour.


This final magazine cover highlights and reveals the end of the climax in Britney Spears’ evolution. After a few years of experiencing the ‘good life’ in 2004 (on this front cover) she spears to have come to a standstill.
Here,
Her facial expression displays an extreme contrast to the previous magazine covers and portray calamity and sadness.
The use of the black & white image depicts her past, and also implies her current colourless life. The black & white image also infers her attempting to revert to the past - before exposure. It may also depict ageing- developing into maturity.
The image has been framed as an extreme close-up shot which helps to
dramatise the cover by overtaking the whole front cover. Britney appears lifeless and glassy-eyed insisted the reader to acknowledge her inner pain/sorrow. Also, With this image, through Britney’s facial expression the editor has attempted to use pathos in order to make the audience experience an emotional connection. Hence the size of the photograph-a close-up shot to appear ‘closer’ to the audience reinforcing the initial message.
The anchorage text ‘BRITNEY SPEARS Inside An American Tragedy’ the word ‘inside’ corroborates with the central image –the image is extremely close-up in bold text
The puffs inflict un-seen tears, the editor has position the puffs in a descending pattern which could possibly connote/portray crying.

800 Word Article

3 Kickz are a new girl band recently formed by Martin Ruth. if you haven’t already heard of them They first emerged when the music producer saw their potential at a club in Wandsworth. Ayanna, Godda and Elizabeth were not an official group. Fortunes arose when the three hopefuls just happened to be at the right place at the right time. Martine Ruth and Daisy Fletch arrived at club cooly’s on a celebratory night out, little did they know what was around the corner waiting to pounce.
Ayanna Moreese started off as a hair-dresser in Pimlico. Life was plain and simple, a hairdresser by day, singer by night. Goda Zchechysvie spent her life teaching street dance to youths in her local community. Her singing life was kept secret from friends and family, until now. Elizabeth Rebeyio was simply a library assistant in Streatham-she too, kept her double life quiet. All three girls are of the youthful age of 19, who led very diverse lives yet possess one thing in common - the rare ability to sing. Ayanna is the lead singer in the group and named their stage group ‘3 Kickz’. since signing up to work with Martin Ruth he has pledged to keep the name for the girl band. He claims that he didn’t want to change anything about them - everything was perfect, the only alternative was a chance for more of a variety of people to hear their music.
However, critics have already made an attempt to hinder 3 Kickz career by discrediting their band name and music:

‘A new girl band cannot be successful by simply copying another. The ‘new’ girl band ‘3 Kickz’ clearly used a similar band name to ‘U Chickz’ and have imitated songs by ‘U Chickz’. this is a discusting act on jealousy, thus attempt of jeopardy will backfire!’

After the girls’ first single release last week hit the roofs at record stores across the Uk with a booming 21,000 sales. ‘Love is’ is just the first of many other songs by this newly formed group. The momentum is unstoppable as their popularity begins to increase day after day.
3 Kickz are have been caught roaming around, creating quite a stir with surprise performances in a variety of clubs and pubs around south-west London. It has been reported that the stunt was organised by their former co-agent Daisy Fletch, who believed that this practical approach of publicising is authentic and original. A technique of ‘gaining face’ and introducing themselves personally to their fans, plus giving people a deeper insight into what ‘real pop stars’ are like. These sneaky performances also give the impression that they are not ‘money-grabbers’ or ‘one hit wonders’ - it shows a clear difference in their values and aims which is why success is expected through their acts of determination.
‘3 times 3’ their first official album to be released on the 15th December 2009 is expected to be such a knock-out Ministry of Sound has vouched to spend £10,000 to fund extra CD copies of the album - A risky act of confidence that will hopefully pay off - literally.
Their up-coming tour in October was announced publicly yesterday by their agent Martin Ruth:

‘3-Kickz have burst through the charts to the top 10 , an outstanding achievement for a newly formed band in the space of 2 weeks-you can be sure to see them at the O2 arena in London from the 16th-21st December 2009 at 7-10pm, Don’t miss out, Ticket prices start at £20.00 at the box office from the 5th July.’

Ruth was adamant that the girls performance will be world-class and an ’explosive’ experience. The response and support received from all their supporters have been immense. The building blocks for a successful girl band, this is only the beginning - keep them ears opened.


1. After the storm-breaking sales of your first single ‘Love Is’ I’m sure you must be ecstatic about your album release in December?
Ayanna: Without a doubt! Its been an exciting time, hectic and wild. I speak for all of us when I say that we never thought that the response from people and the gaining of fans would come this quickly. We get recognised on the high street and people have claimed to love our music Like wow! Its crazy. I couldn’t believe the sale-rates of our single, I mean its not even an album and people have rushed out to buy it. We’re all anxious about our album release if its anything like our single, then were in for a treat.

2. Tell us about your up-coming tour in London, rumour has it that you’ll be performing at the O2 arena?
Elizabeth: Yes (they laugh) the rumours are correct. We’re really looking forward to out London tour, its going to be an utmost honour to begin our tour in at the heart of where we all began. There will be performances all over London including the Excel centre, Wembley arena, London Arena and the O2 arena. The O2 arena performances are open for 6 days and already tickets have been reserved!

3. Just out of interest, what’s the story behind your band name ‘3 Kickz’?
Ayanna: I named the band from the first time we sang together, we were known in club cooly’s in Wandsworth for 1 year. I saw that we had a spark from the first time on stage each one of us gave 100% and showed true desire. The name simply portrays our equality and loyalty to one another as we stick together and can break through anything.

4. Who are/were your inspirations to follow your dreams?
Ayanna: I Wouldn’t say as a whole we had an inspirtion but individually. Being in a group we were already living our dream, making it to the ‘big time’ was never our plan. Mariah Carey is my inspiration a successful youth that has progressed so much over the years, and even now in her maturity she is still a striving, successful woman who doesn’t give up.
Godda: My Inspiration is Alicia Keys, a dedicated singer and musician who combined both talents that led her to success, relating to my dance skills and singing potential.
Elizabeth: Girls Aloud are my inspiration, a unstoppable band that is not afraid to try new styles. Each band member possess’ their own image and link together their individual voices, which make them unique.

5. Recently, critics have described your band as ‘copying’ your rivalry girl band ‘U Chicks’, what are your reactions to their comments?
Godda: All of us, including our agents were ‘gob smacked!’ wrong bold statements were made and personally I was quite angry, they had no right falsely accusing us of copying U Chickz and announcing that we are rivals which is not true. In all honesty we didn’t even know who U Chickz were until all this commotion started.

6. Critics also say: ‘3 Kickz can’t think of their own songs to write resulting to them imitating ‘U Chicks’ how did those opinionated comments make you feel?
Godda: I’m too angry to answer this question! Anny take over please.
Ayanna: Well its obviously annoying and frustrating that people make time to write this rubbish. I wish people would take the time to actually find out the truth instead of attention seeking just to make a bit of money. Although, we are definitely not going to retaliate to childish acts. But one thing I will say aimed at those critics is that was a pathetic attempt to create a dispute, I’m sorry you failed miserably!

7. Sticking to the topic of U Chicks, last month they have publicly said that they genuinely dislike you and have nothing in common and are certain that you won‘t be successful - what are your thoughts about that?
Elizabeth: You know what most of all were all quite disappointed at them (if they actually said it at all). it’s a dangerous thing wishing bad on other people so I would be careful in what I say. People are entitled to their opinion, it all just makes me laugh how they busy themselves in making bitchy statements aimed at us. Its actually quite sad, but I’m not angry life’s for living and I’m enjoying the ride. These comments don’t affect me.

8. On a brighter note, I hear you’re just in the middle of recording a duet with teen favourite Chris Brown?
Ayanna: Oh Yes! Were definitely extremely excited about the outcome. Chris brown is like a total legend in our eyes.
Elizabeth: (laughs) Its just so weird singing not only in the same place but together with someone we look up to, Do you Know What i Mean? Its crazy, it feels like a dream that I never wanna wake up from (all laugh).

9. Will we be expecting that track on your new album in December?
Godda: umm its hard to say but I really hope so, who wouldn’t? Were still putting together the album content at the moment. Its really unpredictable which is the best thing about us. Don’t be surprised if there are other duets of some kind on there (she winks at the other two).

10. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk to us, just one final question - 3 Kickz have been seriously ‘Kicking!’-why did you decide to organise secret performances?
Ayanna: Your very welcome, whenever, wherever. The surprise performances was Lizzy’s (Elizabeth) idea that she took up to our agent Daisy. After consideration we all decided to go for it, it really was successful and worked both ways.
Elizabeth: we had nothing to loose, we just wanted to show a variety of people who we are and what we’re capable of.
Godda: performing in front of people in clubs is all we knew a few months ago and we wanted to show that we haven’t lost that same spark we had from the very first day. We also wanted to show that we haven’t changed and we’ll never discard where we started from.
3 Kickz: We are good singers and its what we enjoy doing, we gained much support and response from the people of London which is much appreciated. We don’t want to hide who we are.