5 Surprising Facts About Britney Spears You Probably Didn’t Know

• 2025-04-13
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Britney Spears is a pop culture icon whose life has been as eventful as her chart-topping hits. Beyond the headlines and viral moments, here are five lesser-known facts that shed light on the multifaceted life of the Princess of Pop.​

1. She Almost Starred in The Notebook

In her memoir The Woman in Me, Britney revealed that she auditioned for the role of Allie Hamilton in the 2004 romantic drama The Notebook. Ryan Gosling, who played Noah, acknowledged her impressive audition. However, the role ultimately went to Rachel McAdams, leaving fans to imagine a different cinematic pairing.

2. Britney Inspired Barry Manilow's Music

Surprisingly, Britney's personal struggles inspired Barry Manilow's 2010 album 15 Minutes. The album delves into themes of fame and its challenges, reflecting the media's intense scrutiny of Britney during that period. ​

3. She Was Nearly in a Space-Themed Pepsi Ad

In the early 2000s, there were discussions about sending Britney into space for a Pepsi commercial. The plan was to film her in zero gravity, capitalizing on the burgeoning space tourism industry. However, safety concerns grounded the project before it could take off.

4. The Iconic "Oops!... I Did It Again" Spacesuit Was Real

In the music video for "Oops!... I Did It Again," Britney wore a genuine NASA spacesuit, filmed on a soundstage designed to mimic Mars. The astronaut in the video, Eli Swanson, was a real NASA employee at the time. He later became an orthopedic trauma surgeon in Arizona.

5. Britney's Personal Life Inspired Hollywood

Britney's experiences have influenced various works in entertainment. Her life and struggles inspired Barry Manilow's album 15 Minutes and the 2010 film Country Strong, starring Gwyneth Paltrow as a troubled country music star.