Ambitious pop singer and paparazzi magnet Britney Jean Spears (1981-) was born on this day in Kentwood, Louisiana, a small town just north of New Orleans.

Her mom, Lynne, revealed that young Britney was "always singing," loved to perform in front of the bathroom mirror, and "would never hush."

A four-year old church soloist, by 11 "Brit" was on the Disney Channel's Mickey Mouse Club. Just a few years later, the talented entertainer gained fame strutting her stuff as the opening act for the pop group 'NSYNC.

“I want to be an artist that everyone can relate to, someone who is young, happy, and fun," said the hard-working star whose 1999 debut album, Baby One More Time entered the Billboard Charts at #1.

At the time, she said, "I was just gonna be happy if it went on the charts at, like, number 47. I was completely overwhelmed."

Her follow-up, Oops!...I Did It Again (May 2000) again broke records and featured a song written by her friend Shania Twain. "It's so awesome just to hear your song on the radio and see your video on MTV," Spears said. "When you're famous, you can't go back."

Known for her comebacks and controversies, the blonde bombshell has a loyal fan base. In 2008, she was Yahoo's most popular search term, the fourth year in a row, the seventh time as the list topper. In October 2009, her new single, 3 debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

An advocate for literacy, she has provided outreach to children in need. She launched a recreation room at Shriner's Hospital and created a performing arts camp to help others to "heal and fulfill."

"I think God has plans for everyone, and I'm just thankful this is His plan for me," she said.

There are no limits to what you can accomplish.