From Frenemies to Icons: Untangling Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera’s Epic Journey”

Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera have had a history of tension between them over the years. However, Christina Aguilera, the "Beautiful" singer, is now looking to mend their relationship. They first met as cast members of The All-New Mickey Mouse Club in the early 1990s, and since then, they have always been compared and pitted against each other as they entered the pop music scene later in the same decade.

"It's difficult to hear oneself being subjected to derogatory labels," Aguilera stated in her interview with Cosmopolitan in September 2018. She recalled feeling hurt by the MTV commercials that portrayed Britney as the virtuous girl and depicted her as the troublesome one. Aguilera expressed that she could accept being modest and innocent, but if she wanted to be true to herself, she was automatically seen as trouble.

Amidst these comparisons, both artists publicly criticized each other. In a 2004 interview with Blender, Spears remarked, "After enduring numerous instances of rudeness from you, Christina, I have decided that I am no longer interested in all the fakeness." Aguilera, on the other hand, referred to Spears as a "lost little girl" in her own interview with the same publication that year.

In the subsequent years, the pop stars appeared to have reconciled their differences. Aguilera expressed her utmost satisfaction in January 2022, following the termination of Spears' 13-year conservatorship, which had been the subject of a prolonged and widely-publicized legal dispute. Continue reading to delve into the evolving dynamics between Spears and Aguilera throughout the years.

Credit: Suzanne Plunkett/AP/Shutterstock

Friendship? Feuds? Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera's Relationship Through The Years

Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera have had a long-standing feud, but Aguilera is now looking to reconcile. Both singers first met as cast members of The All-New Mickey Mouse Club in the early 1990s and were subsequently pitted against each other as they embarked on their respective pop careers in the late 1990s.

"It's difficult to hear derogatory names being directed towards oneself," Aguilera disclosed to Cosmopolitan in September 2018. "I distinctly recall feeling hurt by the commercials on MTV that portrayed Britney as the virtuous girl and me as the rebellious one. It's as though, if I choose to be meek and innocent, that's acceptable. However, if I choose to embrace my true self, I am deemed trouble."

Amidst these comparisons, both individuals took jabs at each other publicly. "After enduring countless instances of rudeness from someone, it reaches a point where, Christina, I no longer tolerate the fakeness," Spears expressed to Blender in 2004 while discussing her relationship with the "Fighter" vocalist. On the other hand, Aguilera characterized the star of Crossroads as a "lost young girl" in her own interview with the same publication that year.

Throughout the years that followed, the pop stars appeared to have resolved their differences. In January 2022, Aguilera expressed her utmost joy upon learning about Spears' emancipation from her 13-year conservatorship, which had been the subject of a prolonged and extensively publicized legal dispute. Continue scrolling to delve further into the rollercoaster relationship between Spears and Aguilera over the course of time.

Credit: Suzanne Plunkett/AP/Shutterstock

Friendship? Feuds? Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera's Relationship Through The Years

Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera have had a tumultuous relationship over the years, but Aguilera is now looking to put the past behind them. Since their time on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club in the early 1990s, they have been rivals in the pop music industry.

In September 2018, Aguilera shared with Cosmopolitan that it is difficult to endure being called derogatory names. She recalled feeling hurt by MTV commercials that portrayed Britney as the good girl and herself as the bad girl. Aguilera expressed that she would be fine with being demure and innocent, but when she chooses to be true to herself, she is labeled as trouble.

Amidst these comparisons, both artists publicly criticized each other. Spears expressed in a 2004 interview with Blender that after experiencing repeated rudeness from Christina, she no longer wanted to engage in fake interactions. Aguilera, on the other hand, described Britney as a "lost little girl" in her own interview with the same outlet during that year.

In the subsequent years, though, the pop stars appeared to have reconciled their differences. In January 2022, Aguilera expressed her utmost joy upon learning that Spears' 13-year conservatorship had finally come to an end, concluding a long and extensively publicized legal dispute. Continue reading to delve deeper into the fluctuating dynamics between Spears and Aguilera throughout the years.

Credit: Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock

1993

Spears and Aguilera, along with other future A-listers like Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling, and Keri Russell, were all part of the 1993 kid's variety show called The Mickey Mouse Club. According to the fragrance mogul, "It was a really good time, a great time. It was probably one of the most special times in my life." Aguilera later expressed similar sentiments, mentioning that there was a talented and magical atmosphere on set.

Credit: Suzanne Plunkett/AP/Shutterstock

1999-2000

Both singers soared to fame in the late 1990s after releasing their debut singles, prompting many to compare the two young, blonde artists. "It was quite evident back then, you know? Britney and I were definitely seen as rivals," Aguilera shared during her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2018.

Credit: Julie Jacobson/AP/Shutterstock

2003

The rivalry between Aguilera and Spears truly began in 2003 when they joined Madonna for a performance at the MTV VMAs. During their rendition of "Like A Virgin," Madonna kissed Spears, and the cameras immediately shifted to capture the reaction of her ex-boyfriend, Justin Timberlake. This overshadowed Aguilera's own kiss with Madonna, making her feel ignored and slighted. Aguilera described the incident as strange, explaining that the producers deliberately cut away to focus on Timberlake's response. She viewed this as a cheap shot and couldn't help but notice the media's lack of coverage on her involvement in the performance.

Credit: Shutterstock (2)

2003-2004

In 2003, the feud between the pair became public when Aguilera expressed her dissatisfaction with the "Everytime" singer's distant attitude during their rehearsals for the VMAs. She mentioned in an interview with Blender that whenever she tried to initiate a conversation with her, the other singer appeared nervous the entire time. Aguilera portrayed her as a lost little girl in need of guidance.

Spears responded to Aguilera's comment in the same year, expressing disbelief and alleging that Aguilera had tried to kiss her at a club. Spears recounted the incident, stating, "I greeted her by saying, 'It's good to see you,' to which she responded that I was not being authentic. I asked her, 'Well, Christina, what do you consider real? Approaching girls and kissing them after not seeing them for two years?'" The tension between them escalated further in 2004 when Aguilera stated in an interview with We magazine, "I am aware of Britney. She may not come from a low socio-economic background, but her behavior often resembles that of someone who does."

Credit: Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

2005

Despite the continuous exchange of words through media outlets, Spears expressed her strong desire to reignite her friendship with the renowned singer of "Ain't No Other Man". "Britney is yearning to have a close bond with Christina again," stated a blog post on Spears' official website in 2005. "In fact, Britney recently penned a heartfelt letter to Christina, conveying her immense joy and admiration for Christina's current glowing and captivating appearance."

Credit: Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock

2008

In November 2008, Aguilera reflected on her past comments about Spears and expressed remorse for her behavior. She acknowledged that when they both entered the music industry, there was a sense of competition between them. However, Aguilera revealed that behind the scenes, they shared a special bond from their time on the Mickey Mouse Club. She described their journey as two young girls growing up in the spotlight and expressed her admiration for the path both of them had taken.

Credit: Ray Mickshaw / FOX

2012

As Spears geared up for her debut as a judge on The X-Factor, there was anticipation that her long-standing rivalry with Aguilera, who was a judge on The Voice, would reignite. However, the "Lady Marmalade" performer expressed nothing but support for her former co-star. "[We were in the] Mickey Mouse Club. We were really close, and our paths have always converged and, interestingly, they will continue to do so," Aguilera informed reporters at a press conference in 2012. "I extend a warm welcome to her as she joins this family of fun, entertainment, and the search for new talent."

Aguilera firmly dismissed any connection between her and Spears, stating to journalists that she had "absolutely no interest" in fueling rivalry speculations. "I'm not in favor of pitting women against women," she emphasized, "especially not at this stage of my life ... It's an enjoyable experience to be a part of, and I believe she will also find it enjoyable."

Credit: London Entertainment/Shutterstock

2018

"During the time when people compared me to other artists, I always wished for the opportunity to resolve any conflicts before going into interviews," Aguilera shared in September 2018 on Jimmy Kimmel Live! She was reflecting on the positive impact that social media can have in ending feuds. "If we had social media back then, maybe we could have collaborated on a song or something and put an end to it."

Furthermore, Aguilera mentioned that the possibility of a duet with Spears is still open. "It's never too late," the New York native remarked, expressing her willingness to perform alongside Spears.

Credit: Shutterstock (2)

June 2021

After an emotional court hearing, during which Spears made allegations of feeling "enslaved" by her"abusive" conservatorship, Aguilera expressed her support for the singer on Twitter. In June 2021, she wrote, "Lately, I've been contemplating Britney and the challenges she is facing. It is completely unacceptable that any woman, or any person for that matter, should be denied the opportunity to control their own destiny and live their life according to their own wishes. To be silenced, overlooked, harassed, or denied support by those who are supposed to be close to you is extremely draining, devastating, and degrading. The negative impact this can have on a person's mental and emotional well-being should not be trivialized."

Though I wasn't privy to the private aspects of this complex and deeply personal public conversation, as a musician called "Reflection," I was deeply moved by Spears' emotional testimony. It made me realize that the person I used to know has been subjected to a complete lack of empathy or decency from those in positions of power.

In light of this, I firmly believe that this remarkable woman, who has endured unimaginable conditions and pressures, deserves the utmost freedom to live her life to the fullest. My heart truly goes out to Britney. She deserves genuine love and support from every corner of the world.

Credit: Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock; Eric Jamison/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

November 2021

However, Aguilera's statement didn't sit well with Spears, who felt that the singer failed to come to her defense when she needed it. Expressing her frustration on Instagram Story in November 2021, the former Glee guest star stated, "After enduring 13 years in a corrupt and abusive system, why is it so difficult for people to address this issue? It was me who experienced it firsthand! To all the supporters who spoke up and stood by me, I am grateful for your support. I do matter!"

Credit: Shutterstock (2)

January 2022

Following the termination of Spears' conservatorship, Aguilera expressed her joy over her former friend's newfound freedom. During an interview on The Enrique Santos Show in January 2022, the former reality TV judge shared that she and Spears could truly comprehend and appreciate the significance of such a moment.

Aguilera expressed her unwavering support for the musician from "Circus" and expressed her desire to reconnect with her in the future. She mentioned that she would love to speak to Britney and emphasized the importance of being cautious when discussing someone she deeply respects and admires. Aguilera also shared her happiness for Britney.

Credit: Shutterstock (2)

September 2022

After Aguilera caught wind of Spears comparing their dancers' weights, she decided to unfollow Spears on Instagram. The controversial incident unfolded when Spears posted a quote suggesting that one can only appear thin by surrounding themselves with overweight people. Her accompanying caption, shared in September 2022, garnered significant backlash. She voiced her desire to have chosen the nannies for her children, as well as her dancers, insinuating that having Aguilera's dancers would have made her look slimmer. She questioned why this topic wasn't discussed openly. The next day, in response to the backlash, Spears attempted to backtrack, insisting she meant no harm towards Aguilera. She clarified that the intention of her post had been to express admiration and gratitude towards Aguilera's performance. She acknowledged the stark difference in their respective stage personnel but emphasized that she had never directly mentioned Aguilera. Encouragingly, Spears credited Aguilera as a powerful and beautiful woman who inspired her. The former How I Met Your Mother actress further clarified that her post was not meant to criticize anyone. Rather, it was her way of projecting the insecurities she constantly grapples with, resulting from the way her parents and the media have treated her. She made it clear that she would never intentionally body shame anyone, as she understands the pain associated with it.

Credit: Getty Images(2)

October 2023

Ahead of the release of Spears' memoir, The Woman in Me, Aguilera was asked during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! if she'll be mentioned in the book.

"I'm hoping that everything is all good with her and everything's beautiful. The future should be celebrated," Aguilera said.

In this article

Britney Spears

Christina Aguilera