Began dance lessons at the age of five

Trained as a gymnast at age seven

Auditioned for the Disney Channel series "The Mickey Mouse Club"; at eight was considered too young by producers

Moved with mother and sister to New York City to pursue an acting career

Starred in the Off-Broadway production "Ruthless," a comedic remake of "The Bad Seed"

Competed on the syndicated talent series "Star Search"; won for her debut performance, but was defeated the following week

Was a cast member on "Mickey Mouse Club"

Returned to Louisiana

Signed with Jive Records

Went on a promotional shopping mall tour

First single, "...Baby One More Time"

Released multiplatinum debut album ...Baby One More Time

Guested on an episode of the sitcom "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch" (ABC)

Lent her vocal talents to an episode of "The Simpsons", playing herself

Followed up with the successful sophomore effort Oops!... I Did it Again

Appeared in a McDonald's commercial filmed in Canada but refused to film a non-union United States-produced commercial for Clairol's Herbal Essence shampoo during the commercial actors' strike; donated $1 of each ticket sold at a concert in California to the SAG Foundation

Hosted the American Music Awards telecast on ABC

Feature film acting debut in "Crossroads", directed by Tamra Davis

Started production company called Britney Spears Productions

Opened restaurant called NyLa in New York City; terminated her relationship with the restaurant, citing mismanagement and management's failure to keep her fully updated

Recieved Star on the Hollywood walk of Fame

Released fourth album In the Zone, which featured Madonna on it's first single "Me Against the Music"

Signed a five year deal with Elizabeth Arden to develop fragrance, cosmetics and skin care products

Received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording for the song "Toxic"

Released Greatest Hits: My Prerogative featuring three new songs, including "My Prerogative" and "Do Somethin'"

Starred in a six-part reality series titled "Britney and Kevin: Chaotic" (UPN), which mixed footage shot during the pair's whirlwind engagement in 2004

Guest starred on an episode of "Will & Grace," (NBC) as a Christian conservative sidekick to Sean Hayes' character, Jack, who hosts his own talk show

Appeared on Dateline NBC to discuss tabloid rumors about an impending divorce from her husband, future career plans, her emotional state and motherhood

Opend the MTV Video Music Awards with her new single "Gimme More"