Top 10 Best Britney Spears Collaborations

In 2011, Britney had us all rushing to the dance floor with this upbeat Euro dance-pop jam. We’d just barely caught our breath by the time she followed up with several remixes, including one featuring Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha. Incidentally, the latter co-wrote the original track saying, “I’ve never been more proud of anything in my career.” This version features a slower tempo, heavier bass, Minaj’s insane rap skills, and a more dubstep vibe. It was already one of Spears’ biggest hits, but thanks to this memorable collaboration, the song peaked at number three on the Hot Digital Songs chart.

Now here's an earworm that's hard to shake off! Initially written for Little Mix, "Pretty Girls" soon became the highly-anticipated collaboration between Britney and Aussie rapper Iggy Azalea. The electropop number is almost hypnotic thanks to its steady beat and chant-like lyrics that we still can't get out of our heads. The duo followed up with a bright and effervescent music video, parodying the 1988 film "Earth Girls Are Easy." "Pretty Girls" had all the ingredients to become the song of the summer but, unfortunately, according to Azalea, it wasn't given the promotion it deserved. Still, it peaked within the top 20 in several countries and received two Teen Choice Award nominations in 2015.

While, today, we can’t imagine anyone but Rihanna leading this track, did you know that Ester Dean actually wrote it with Spears in mind? However, once Riri heard it, she wanted it for herself. After the song’s initial success, the singer asked her followers to vote on who they’d most like to see her collaborate with on the remix, and guess who came out on top? If you’re familiar with the song’s lyrics, you’ll know it’s steamy, sensual, and at times explicit; yet, Britney’s verse turned up the heat even more. If that wasn’t enough to get you all flushed, check out their 2011 Billboard Music Award performance. It’s alluring, magnetic, and very hot.

The story behind this collaboration is plain and straightforward: they share management. However, for Cyrus, it goes even deeper. A longtime Britney fan, she knew that someday she’d love to join forces with the Pop Princess. And, when Britney called to say how much she loved “We Can’t Stop,” the opportunity finally arose. Britney’s involvement in the track is relatively brief, but even so, she packs a significant punch. “Bangerz” almost feels like the prelude to what could be one of the greatest collaborations in modern music. We certainly wouldn’t say no to a follow-up duet, perhaps featuring a little more Britney this time. Any song headlined by these two is bound to be a “Banger”!

In 2016, Britney and Tinashe hosted a sensual and playful “Slumber Party,” and we were all invited. As the second single from her “Glory” album, this number deviates from her typical pop sound, incorporating reggae and R&B. Tinashe and Spears’ vocals complement each other wonderfully. Plus, when they’re dancing together, they’re an unstoppable force. Their innuendo-filled song is fun, cheeky, and provocative, as is its attached music video. It reminded some critics of Spears’ earlier hits, calling back to her “Slave 4 U” era. The singer also met her now husband, Sam Asghari, while shooting the music video, but that’s a collaboration for another list. “Slumber Party” is captivating, exciting, and titillating yet unjustly underrated.

The first single from Brit’s “Glory” album was also a musical partnership, this time with American rapper G-Eazy. The pair shares a sensuous repartee, where the singer clearly has just one thing on her mind. Unsure what we mean? Check out the overtly sexy music video. The “slinky” mid-tempo song infuses pop and R&B to create a ballad that’s all about sexual gratification. Co-written by Spears, it was met with positive reviews and charted well globally, reaching number one on Billboard’s US Dance Club Songs. For many, this marked Britney’s return to “Glory” after the lackluster reception of “Pretty Girls.” “Make Me…” is seductive, enthralling, and “Makes Us” want to listen to it on repeat.

When Britney released “Boys,” Pharrell Williams was primarily known as a songwriter and producer. But, he stepped out of the shadows to join her for a duet and revamp the song’s overall sound. Their remixed version still incorporates R&B and hip-hop but at a slower tempo and with the inclusion of funk influences. Williams’ vocals bring a new tone to the already banging melody, while the duo’s flirty lyrical exchange creates a fun and fresh dynamic. The song was a hit, especially after appearing in “Austin Powers in Goldmember.” Britney’s unforgettable performance, paired with Pharell’s unrivaled songwriting skills, reminded us that she was all grown up and “not that innocent.”

Finish the lyrics: “You are now, now rocking with will.i.am and…” Britney and the former Black Eyed Peas frontman collaborated on several numbers, but this was by far their biggest hit; it was Britney as we'd never heard her before. Her highly synthesized vocals and will.i.am's pulsating beats work together flawlessly. The animated electronic dance-pop sound is almost hypnotic, and we can't help but dance along whenever we hear it. The number doesn't take itself too seriously, which is likely the key to its success. It's all about having a good time, which is exactly the sentiment it evokes.

Let us start by saying how criminally unappreciated this song is. Brit actually considered releasing it as a single but chose “Toxic” instead. Joining forces with Spears was an unexpected yet welcome surprise for the Ying Yang Twins, and “(I Got That) Boom Boom” helped the Spears show audiences the full range of her talents. Unlike everything she’d released before, “Boom Boom” had an edgier sound, leaning into pop-dancehall and crunk, yet, it was just as captivating as her best-known hits. The trio appeared together on TRL, cementing the brilliance of this partnership, from their well-matched vocals to Britney’s unparalleled dance moves.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“I Feel So Free with You” (2019), Britney Spears feat. Pitbull & Marc Anthony
This Fun Feel-Good Number Deserves More Recognition

“(Drop Dead) Beautiful” (2011), Britney Spears feat. Sabi
Found on the Femme Fatale Album, This Song Would Get People Running to the Dance Floor

Her Opening Performance with Madonna & Xtina, “20th MTV Video Music Awards” (2003)
As Great as It Was, the Music Isn’t What This Performance Is Remembered For

“I Will Still Love You” (1999), Britney Spears feat. Don Phillip
One of Britney’s Earliest Collabs, It’s an Oldie but a Goodie

“Tik Tik Boom” (2013), Britney Spears feat. T.I.
A Fun Dance-Energy Song to Jam Out To

This is arguably Britney’s most iconic duet and one of the best pop collaborations of the aughts. But would you believe that it was originally written as a solo? Apparently, Brit played Madonna the track while backstage at the 2003 VMAs. The “Vogue” singer liked it so much that Britney asked her to record it with her and Madonna rearranged it into a duet. Thus, a powerhouse banger was born! The track’s exciting and invigorating, playfully exploring the power dynamic between two members of pop royalty. Its accompanying music video is electrifying, utterly fierce, and exhilarating. It’s peak Britney and an iconic part of her legacy from which we will never tire.