As she fought to break away from the 14-year conservatorship that saw the superstar lose the right to make decisions on her estate, health and childcare, fans and fellow celebrities were relentless in their support for Britney Spears. Finally, it has ended and we have reached the post #FreeBritney era: the star is liberated.
Now, Spears is using social media to share her life with millions of followers on Instagram. From freestyle routines in the foyer of her LA mansion, to fashion shows for her favourite outfits, and her wedding to model Sam Asghari. Resplendent in a white silk Atelier Versace gown, Britney has Paris Hilton, Drew Barrymore, Selena Gomez and Madonna on call to celebrate in grandiose Beverly Hills splendour. So what's next on her journey?
British fans were in for a surprise last night when the songstress posted an image of Regent Street lined with Union Jacks flags to her Instagram. Announcing her first return to music since 2016, she teased a collaboration with one of Britain's biggest stars: Sir Elton John.
‘You can bet your bottom dollar that THIS collaboration will heighten my year by joining your brilliant hands of play. Thank you for your generosity and just thinking of me to join you on such a brilliant song,’ said Spears in a typically emoji-filled caption, ‘How cool is it to be a background voice on YOUR song!!! Sir Elton I did it thanks to your genius, creative, and legendary mind!’.
John confirmed the duet on his page, posting a 15-second clip of the upcoming single, Hold Me Closer, with a graphic of a rocket ship, an Elton John staple, flying into the sky before revealing both of the star’s names.
While fans need not wait too long for the release, with the track set to debut this Friday, eagle-eyed anglophiles were quick to speculate about Spears' caption. ‘Maybe we should have tea time, oh and let’s invite Queen Elizabeth too!’ she quipped. ‘I bet she’s a brilliant study of behaviour!’. While some chalked it up to the hitmaker’s fun-loving rapport with social media, others considered it a hint that the star might be crossing the pond sometime soon - it would be her first time in the UK since her Brighton Pride performance in 2018.
To add to the mystery, Spears deactivated her account mere hours later, following up with a tweet. ‘I’m learning everyday is a clean slate to try and be a better person and do what makes me happy,’ it read. ‘Yes I choose happiness today. I tell myself every day to let go of the hurt bitterness and try to forgive myself and others to what may have been hurtful.’ Perhaps a fresh start in the UK is just what the star needs. That and tea with Her Majesty!
