Britney

For me, my love of Britney Spears all started with my best red-headed friend in high school.

My birthday was rolling around and the pop music station had been playing "Hit Me Baby One More Time" basically on repeat. So naturally, being the bubblegum pop fan that I am, I asked for this new artists album. 

britney during her femme fatale tour

One day while we were sitting in the cafeteria with our usual group in our usual spot (don't break the mold!) my red-headed friend hands me a wrapped square that looks curiously like a cd case. Ripping open the package, I see that she gave me the gift of Britney. Elated, I couldn't wait to rush home and put the cd into my boombox in my room and memorize every.single.word.

The next day at lunch, my friend asked me how I liked the album. Was it all that I hoped for? She wanted to know. I looked at her, cocked my head to the side and said, "I like it, but there's this one song on their called 'Email My Heart'. It's horrible and who would record a song that stupid?"

My friend's response: "Well, don't blame me. You're the one who asked for the cd."

And just like that my teenage idol was formed.

britney in nashville july 2011

Britney and I have been through a lot together. I spent hours in the basement of my childhood home watching her "Oops! I Did It Again" video on repeat trying desperately to learn each and every dance move; wondering where I could get a red lycra full body suit and how my eyes could be so perfectly frosty looking.

My girlfriends and I would ride around our hometown with the windows down blaring "Crazy" and "Lucky". When Britney and Justin Timberlake got together, I knew it would last forever. Just like all teenage relationships do.

When I went to college, my love for Britney's beats came with me. I'll admit it, she was even my desktop wallpaper more than once. By now, Britney had come out with "Slave, 4 U" and I had complete Britney body envy. Have you seen her in that video? Totally attainable.

britney and nicki minaj tearing it up!

And even when Britney went batshit crazy, shaving her head and attacking the paps with an umbrella, I knew she'd be back. I was a loyal fan and I remain so.

So when Britney announced out of the blue that she would be taking her Femme Fatale tour to Nashville this summer, I didn't even hesitate at the opportunity to see my teenage idol live. I went into the concert with realistic expectations. No live singing and toned down dance moves. Just want everyone expects at a big show.

After the first song or two, Britney stopped to talk to the audience. I turned to look at my sister and said, "She's here! She's real!" Then I screamed and put my arms in the air. In no way is that behavior creepy or weird for a 29 year old.  

Finally, after all these years, I got to show Britney my dance moves I'd been practicing in my basement and in front of the mirror for the past 14 years. Only this time instead of my parents interrupting my solo Britney tribute, my dance moves ended when tons of glitter burst into the air. The way it always meant end.

Like That,
Ash