Overview
Pop star Britney Spears has reportedly been working on new music, her first album in over six years. Several news outlets stated this week that Spears is collaborating with prominent artists Charli XCX and Julia Michaels on a top-secret 10-track album.
Spears herself has denied these reports, stating on social media that she will “never return to the music industry.” However, conflicting information has emerged from confidential sources about Spears potentially releasing new music this year.
Background
Spears, 42, has not released a studio album since 2016’s Glory. She began the early stages of planning a comeback in 2018-2019, but her career was put on hold when she entered a contentious legal conservatorship battle with her father Jamie Spears over control of her finances and personal life.
The #FreeBritney movement of fans and advocates brought international attention to Spears’ situation over the next few years. The conservatorship was finally terminated by a judge in November 2021, freeing Spears to make her own decisions and manage her estimated $60 million estate.
Developments This Week
On January 3, several entertainment news sites reported that Spears is working with Charli XCX and Julia Michaels on new music. Page Six and Rolling Stone cited anonymous music industry sources who claim Spears has recruited the two artists to co-write songs. The sources stated that Spears plans to release the album this year on RCA Records.
However, later that same day, Spears posted on social media that “I’m pretty traumatized for life and yes I’m pissed as fuck and no I won’t probably perform again just because I’m stubborn and I will make my point.” In a follow-up post, she added “I’m a ghostwriter for myself these days…keep your pretty little heads up high ladies and gents life’s about to get good!!!”
Response
Spears’ posts have cast doubt on the earlier reporting about her comeback album. While music industry insiders assert that she has been in the studio with top collaborators, Spears herself has repeatedly said she is done with the music business and does not intend to release new songs, let alone perform live.
Some observers wonder if Spears is being pressured or manipulated to return to recording and touring against her will so soon after exiting an oppressive conservatorship.
At the same time, other sources have said Spears “sounds better than ever” and that her team is hopeful they can convince her to put out new music given the high anticipation from fans. They contend she has written over 20 potential songs in recent years with A-list producers that could yield enough material for a chart-topping comeback.
What’s Next
It remains unclear if Spears is truly working on an album with Charli XCX and Julia Michaels or if she was involved at some point but has now backed out. The conflicting reports have sparked debate among fans online.
Some believe Spears deserves the freedom to leave music behind if she chooses, while others desperately want her to release the “lost album” she has hinted at recording over the last several years. They argue that new music would be cathartic for Spears and energize her fanbase.
In the coming days and weeks, further evidence may emerge to prove whether Britney Spears is planning a major musical comeback with top industry talent or if she is standing firm on her decision to walk away.
Key Points
- Entertainment sites report Britney Spears making album with Charli XCX, Julia Michaels
- Spears denies reports, says she will “never return to music industry”
- Insiders claim Spears has been in studio, “sounds better than ever”
- Debate arises around whether Spears is being pressured to record/tour
- Unclear if Spears comeback album will materialize as reported
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