The Britney timeline: In the beginning

Young Britney on "Star Search," via YouTube.

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Britney Spears' first publicity photo from Jive Records labels her "the newest addition to pop music's cult of youth," adding, "Her blonde hair, big brown eyes, and innocent yet sexy girl-next-door image makes her the Sandra Dee of the ’90s."
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The Britney timelines

In the beginning

The music

The trouble begins

The meltdown

Hoping for a comeback

Dec. 2, 1981: Britney Jean Spears is born in McComb, Miss.

1982-on: She’s raised in Kentwood, La., eventually performing gymnastics and singing in her church choir.

1992: Young Britney wins the first round of competition on TV talent show and “American Idol” forerunner, “Star Search.”

1993-94: Britney is a cast member on the Disney Channel’s “The New Mickey Mouse Club.” Some of her fellow Mouseketeers: Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Christina Aguilera, actor Ryan Gosling.

1995-96: Britney goes back to high school.

Early 1997: Britney joins an all-girl pop group called Innosense with fellow Mouseketeer Nikki DeLoach. She left after a few months, replaced by Veronica Finn.

Late 1997: She records a solo demo, which gets the attention of Jive Records. The label signs her and immediately puts her on the road as an opening act for the Backstreet Boys.