Britney Spears Shares Her Admiration for the Strong and Wise Madonna

Britney Spears and Madonna in August 2003.
Credit:

Frank Micelotta/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Britney Spears shared a photo of Madonna on Instagram on January 19.
• She described a “spiritual animal awakening” in her caption.
• Spears expressed her admiration for the Queen of Pop.

Britney Spears, 44, recently showcased her long-standing admiration for Madonna, 67, by sharing a photo of the pop icon on Instagram. The post, dated January 19, included a thoughtful caption reflecting on what she termed a “spiritual animal awakening” and the reasons for her admiration.

In her caption, Spears alluded to Madonna’s work by referencing “The beast within … I prefer to call it the spiritual animal awakening.” This statement relates to Madonna’s “The Beast Within” remix of her hit song “Justify My Love,” featured on the greatest hits compilation, The Immaculate Collection.

Britney Spears and Madonna in November 2008.

Kevin Winter/Getty

Spears elaborated on her experiences, stating, “It’s been a long time for me. I know the wild ones more than anyone! Yet, we’re honestly all the same under our masks.” She emphasized the complexities of human emotion, mentioning vulnerability, fragility, and the mental struggles many face.

“We go through all of these, and sometimes the spiritual animal is the only way to cross to the other side,” she continued. “This picture is clearly an understanding ‘DO NOT PISS HER OFF’ … Name XILA RIVER RED ROSE.”

Shifting focus back to Madonna, Spears asserted, “I admire and look up to Madonna more than anyone.” She described the pop legend as “wise, incredibly strong and has remained gentle and genius,” reinforcing the depth of her admiration with a playful warning: “Again … DO NOT PISS HER OFF!”

The bond between the two artists spans decades. In her 2023 memoir, The Woman in Me, Spears recounted how Madonna provided guidance following her breakup with Justin Timberlake in 2002. “Madonna’s supreme confidence helped me see a lot about my situation with fresh eyes,” Spears reflected. “I needed a little guidance at that time. I was confused about my life. She tried to mentor me.”

Britney Spears and Madonna at 2003 MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo by Scott Gries / Getty Images

Spears also highlighted Madonna’s influence on her professional outlook, stating, “I was in awe of the ways Madonna would not compromise her vision.” She acknowledged that learning to demand power was a crucial lesson she absorbed over time.

The two have shared memorable performances, including their infamous kiss at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards and their collaboration on the song “Me Against the Music.” Madonna attended Spears’ 2022 wedding to Sam Asghari, further solidifying their friendship.