The secret behind Britney’s incredible comeback
It’s been over ten years since the singer suffered her well-publicised breakdown – and insiders say she’s back to her best
They were the T images that sent shockwaves around the world when Britney Spears was pictured wide-eyed and with her head freshly shaved as she attacked a paparazzi’s car with an umbrella.
It was February 2007, and the singer was struggling after her split from husband Kevin Federline, and became embroiled in a bitter custody battle over their sons, Sean, now 12, and Jayden, 11.
Things then came to a dramatic head just a year later when the singer refused to hand over her sons to Kevin, and was sectioned and wheeled out of her LA home on a stretcher.
Britney lost custody of the boys, had her career put on hiatus and was placed under the conservatorship of her father James – which gave him full control over her finances.
But fast-forward over a decade and the now-36-yearold has transformed her life. Last week, reports surfaced that Jamie wants to end the conservatorship after Britney recently finished a hugely successful four-year residency in Vegas. She’s also a doting and devoted mum to her sons – whom she now co-parents with ex, Kevin.
DIFFERENT GIRL
A source says, “Britney’s a completely different girl to who she was over a decade ago. She’s finally back to her old self after years of torment and troubles. She’s the Brit everyone knew and loved back in the early days. Her family have felt like she’s ready to be fully back in control of her life, so her dad’s prepared to hand over the reins.” Opening up last year about her road to recovery, Britney revealed, “I think I had
to give myself more breaks through my career and take responsibility for my mental health. There were many decisions that were made for me and that I didn’t make myself.”
She also recently wowed with a snap on Instagram showing off her incredible body in a pair of skimpy white shorts – proving her famous figure is back.
And she gushed about being the “luckiest girl in the world” in a loved-up picture with boyfriend Sam Asghari, 24, as the pair celebrated their one-year anniversary.
Pals say the star credits her relationship with the personal trainer – who’s not only helped her get into the best shape of her life, but also introduced her to the world of meditation and self-healing – for getting her back on track.
The insider says, “Sam’s been an incredible influence on Brit, after years of going from one bad relationship to the next.
“He overhauled her diet and exercise plan. He encouraged her to take up yoga, meditation and Tai Chi, plus acupuncture and Reiki, to help her stay balanced, calm and focused amid any stress that comes her way.”
TURBULENT YOUTH
The Louisiana-born singer shot to fame aged 16 in 1999 with her first single Baby One More Time, propelling her to international stardom.
She was marketed as a virginal, God-fearing pop princess, but accusations from her mum Lynne’s 2008 book painted a more turbulent picture. She claimed that Britney lost her virginity aged 14 to an 18-year-old high school football player, started drinking at 13 and experimented with drugs at 15.
At 16, Lynne claims Britney was caught with cocaine and marijuana on a private jet.
The Toxic singer’s career was also blighted by a turbulent love life. She suffered a high-profile split from boyfriend Justin Timberlake in 2002, and broke down during a TV interview about her heartache.
In 2004, she had her 55-hour marriage to childhood sweetheart Jason Alexander annulled. She then divorced the father to her sons, Kevin Federline, in 2007, and suffered failed relationships with TV producer Charlie Ebersol, law intern David Lucado, paparazzi Adnan Ghalib, and an ill-fated engagement with her agent Jason Trawick.
The insider reveals, “In Brit’s early career, it was all about performing and the pressure of fame. She now feels she’s found the right balance between work and family life – making more time for her relationship with Sam and her boys.
“She is extremely strict with her team about ensuring she’s never away from any of them for long periods.”
BACK ON TRACK
The source adds, “Brit has endured her fair share of heartache, which took its toll on her and it all got too much – making her breakdown inevitable.
“It’s taken her a long time to turn it all around, but she’s worked incredibly hard to get her life back on track, find her Mr Right and focus on what makes her happy. She’s excited for what her future holds and knows she’s a survivor.”
❛SHE’S THE BRIT EVERYONE KNEW AND LOVED IN THE EARLY DAYS❜