Phenomenally successful pop singer and dancer Britney Jean Spears (1981-) was born on this day in Kentwood, Louisiana, a small town an hour 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 blonde gained fame strutting her stuff as the opening act for super 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.

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

Her follow-up, Oops!...I Did It Again (May 2000) again broke records and featured a song written by mentor 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."

It's all forward motion for the blossoming diva who has grown up before our eyes. With a $5 million Tommy Hilfiger jeans campaign, Pepsi Super Bowl commercials, and her sweet coming-of-age film Crossroads (2002), Brit continues to fulfill her dreams.

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

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

There are no limits to what you can accomplish.