Britney Spears has spoken about her “rollercoaster” two decades in showbusiness as she prepares to perform in London for the first time in seven years.
Aged only 16, the pop star became a global sensation with her debut single … Baby One More Time. It sold half a million copies in 24 hours and remains one of the bestselling records of all time.
Since then, Spears has released nine studio albums, sold 100 million records and won multiple awards.
Now 36, she is finishing a four-year residency performing in Las Vegas and is bringing her Piece Of Me tour to the O2 this month.
Reflecting on her extraordinary career with ES Magazine, Spears said she would not have achieved her success without the support of her team. “I was lucky enough to have an amazingly supportive team around me,” she said. “But I don’t think anyone can really prepare you for the rollercoaster.”
The star said she would get behind her sons Sean Preston, 12, and Jayden James, 11, if they chose to follow in her footsteps.
“I’d support whatever they want to do as long as they stay true to themselves,” she said. The boys’ father is Kevin Federline, 40, who was married to Spears from 2004 to 2007.
On bringing up her boys, the pop star said: “It’s going so fast. They’re going to school, playing sports — growing up and finding out who they are. They’re both really gifted. That’s me being a proud mom. They’re great at sports, art, playing piano.”
Despite being one of the most recognisable faces in the world, Spears said she “tries to keep a low profile” and lead a quiet family life.
“I have a pretty normal day-to-day life with my kids, their school and sports, and my own routine,” she said. “Family is super important to me. Me and my sister [Jamie Lynn] and brother [Bryan] are very close, and now our kids are growing up together and it’s amazing.
“Sometimes it’s a little embarrassing for me being recognised out in public. But people try to be as respectful as possible.”
Spears said she was excited to make her return to the capital. “I can’t wait,” she said. “I have always had a special relationship with London and I love my time there.“I like to explore and see the city each time I’m there.
It’s actually been over a year since I was last there. I am so happy to bring this show to London and to my fans there, it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Britney Spears had added a new London tour date after huge demand for tickets.
Spears will return to the UK in the summer for a string of live shows, including at Brighton Pride on August 4, as part of her Piece Of Me tour.
Spears will play the Scarborough Open Air Theatre on August 17, the Manchester Arena on August 18, the 3Arena in Dublin on August 20, the SEE Hydro in Glasgow on August 22 and London’s O2 Arena on August 24.
She will now also play at the O2 on August 25.
Entertainment company Live Nation announced the news on Twitter, writing: “Due to HUGE demand, @britneyspears has added another London show on the £PieceOfMe Tour at @TheO2.”
Fans with access to pre-sale tickets were left disappointed on Friday after they said the website crashed as they tried to purchase.
Spears ended her Las Vegas residency on December 31 with a live performance from the Planet Hollywood hotel and casino that was broadcast on US television.
Spears opened the show in December 2013, giving more than 250 performances and selling more than 930,000 tickets.