Top 10 Celebs Mentioned in Britney Spears Memoir

You might not know his name, but trust us, he’s a big deal and instrumental in turning Britney into an overnight pop sensation. But before working together on any music, they met for a meal in NYC to get acquainted. Britney recalls an amusing anecdote involving an accident with a candle, a table set ablaze, and a speedy getaway. But the (professional) spark had been lit, and she flew to Sweden to work on her debut track, “...Baby One More Time.” In her book, she praises the songwriter and producer, saying, “Max listened to me.” She told him she wanted her sound to be more rhythm & blues, and he helped her realize her vision. And, as we now know, it was a hit!

At just 11, Brit snagged her big break on “The Mickey Mouse Club.” In her memoir, she called it “Boot camp for the entertainment industry” due to non-stop rehearsals, lessons and school. Yet, she also recalls it as “a kid’s dream— unbelievably fun.” Dressing room assignments created friendship groups, and she buddied up with one Christina Aguilera. They both admired the older kids, but Britney hit it off best with Justin Timberlake. She revealed they had their first kiss at a sleepover during a game of Truth or Dare, with Janet Jackson’s music providing the soundtrack. And as we now know, she nearly reunited with Mouseketeer pal Ryan Gosling in “The Notebook” in the next decade. Talk about full-circle moments!

In the ’00s, many young stars like Britney were done incredibly dirty by the media. In “The Woman in Me,” she recalls painful interviews with hosts like Ryan Seacrest and Matt Lauer, questioning her abilities as a mother. However, it was her 2003 interview with Diane Sawyer that marked her “breaking point.” Britney felt blindsided and set up to be humiliated as Sawyer probed into her personal life, from her public image to her breakup with Timberlake. This incident cast a shadow over her, leading her to describe it as a watershed moment where she felt transformed into a “Bad Person.” Looking back, she recognizes she wasn’t in the right mindset for such a personal conversation.

Did you know Britney's first professional gig was in the off-Broadway musical “Ruthless!” where she understudied Laura Bell Bundy? When Britney left to pursue other projects, Natalie Portman took her place. Of course, with both pursuing showbiz careers, their paths would cross again. As Britney recounts in her book, after her breakup with Justin, she became more secluded. But she still tried being more social while working to move past her heartache. Britney shares an unexpected story about throwing a New Year's Eve party with Portman in her memoir, marking a turning point in her journey toward healing and social reconnection.

In 2019, the pop star announced “an indefinite work hiatus.” Her memoir revealed that returning to the studio hadn’t crossed her mind until a call changed everything. She recounts how Sir Elton John sent her “the sweetest video message” proposing a collaboration. Honored and inspired by his industry struggles, she agreed, resulting in the memorable duet “Hold Me Closer.” Britney cherished her deep connection with John, reminiscing about their instant bond at an Oscars party years prior. Also, the track’s sample of “Tiny Dancer” flooded her with nostalgic memories from childhood car rides. Britney describes the recording experience as “fantastic,” emphasizing that “It didn’t feel good. It felt great.” Do we dare wish for more future collaborations?

Britney and Paris became friends during the peak of their limelight. But as we learn in the book, their friendship was much more than the wild party animals the media made them out to be. Spears calls her friend “one of the people who was kindest to me” and details how Hilton was there for her during the lowest moments of her life. While she says that Hilton did encourage her to go out and have a good time, she says their nights out were never as outrageous as they were made out to be. She also noted how Paris helped her behind closed doors, coming over to her house and offering support when she needed it the most.

After hearing that JT had apparently moved on, Britney decided to re-enter the dating scene. Her eyes landed on Irish heartthrob Colin Farrell. After a friend helped connect them, Britney drove to the set of his movie “S.W.A.T” to make her move. She’d been watching him in action when Farrell came over and asked if she had “any pointers.” What followed was a whirlwind romance Britney vividly described as a “two-week brawl.” She added, “We were all over each other, grappling so passionately it was like we were in a street fight.” Still, the singer says she cautiously avoided becoming “too attached” as she was still mending a broken heart. Yet, she fondly remembers their “fun time together.”

As Britney’s friend and mentor, Madonna’s name pops up perhaps more than any other celeb throughout the book. She details how the singer was there for her during her breakup and how she offered invaluable advice about navigating the industry. Of course, she also addressed that kiss from the 2003 VMAs. According to Brit, they’d only ever practiced it as an air smooch, but shortly before showtime, she decided to create a buzz-worthy moment and just go for it. Still, Britney credits Madonna for providing a blueprint for women in the biz, encouraging them to own their power. Reflecting on their relationship, she said, “She modeled a type of strength that I needed to see.”

After their respective pop debuts, the media fueled a rivalry between Britney and Xtina, churning out rumors of a feud. Aguilera didn’t necessarily want to be featured in the memoir, but the pair have too much history for Brit to ignore. She called back to the “Dirrty” singer’s 2003 Rolling Stone cover with her ex, and well, she wasn’t happy, especially as Christina referenced the breakup in the accompanying article. She also talks about when the singer partied with their shared dancers while her conservatorship prevented her from joining certain activities. But it’s not all bad press! She did talk about their friendship during their Mouse House days and praised Xtina’s confidence in front of the cameras.

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

Donatella Versace
Following Her Breakup with Justin Timberlake, She Found Solace in the Company of the Designer While Hanging Out in Italy

Mariah Carey
She Had Her Photo Taken with the Singer at an Award Show; Just Don’t Ask Her What She Won - She Only Remembers that “ Perfect Photo”

Robin Williams
A Short & Sweet Anecdote About Running into the Actor in an Elevator

Oprah Winfrey
She Praised Oprah for Reminding Her That Her Intimate Life Is No One’s Business

Michael Jackson
Brit Recalled the Way Performing with the King of Pop Made Her Feel

Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake were the ‘it’ couple until their 2002 split, sparking rumors of infidelity. Britney confessed to kissing choreographer Wade Robson, but she insisted Justin was unfaithful too. However, public scrutiny unfairly fell on her— not helped by Justin seemingly thriving off the attention. Britney also recalled the painful moment when, just before shooting the “Overprotected (The Darkchild Remix)” music video, she reportedly received a curt text from Justin reading “It’s Over.” Perhaps the biggest bombshell revealed from the memoir is that she’d become pregnant during the relationship. However, they decided to terminate after Justin insisted they weren’t ready to take this step. In another shocking confession, Britney shared how Justin visited her post-breakup and gifted her a framed breakup letter, which she stores under her bed.

Which celeb story from Britney’s book surprised you the most? Tell us in the comments.