BRITNEY Spears has revealed that she will not be releasing a new album or returning to the music industry.
Instead, Britney, 42, has been keeping a secret from her fans.
The pop star posted a picture of a painting – Salome Bearing the Head of St. John the Baptist by Guido Reni – to her Instagram Feed.
The painting shows a woman holding the head of St. John the Baptist’s head on a large platter, according to Monticello.
In the caption of the post, she wrote: “Just so we’re clear most of the news is trash!
“They keep saying I’m turning to random people to do a new album… I will never return to the music industry!!!”
After she made the shocking announcement, Britney revealed that she’s been writing songs for other people.
She said: “I’ve written over 20 songs for other people in the past two years!!!
“I’m a ghostwriter and I honestly enjoy it that way!!!”
She also made it clear that her memoir, The Woman in Me, was released with her permission.
She concluded her Instagram post by saying: “I’m so LOVED and blessed!!!”
20 YEARS OF MUSIC
Britney’s fans on X, formerly known as Twitter, shared their emotional reactions to her recent announcement.
One said: “She never wrote about ghostwriting in her book… read that s**t cover to cover.”
Another wrote: “Britney Spears, I will still be a mega Stan and supporter of you. I will still keep up with you because your legacy is superior.
“Keep taking care of yourself and always stay vigilant of those around you.”
“Do you think RCA is gonna sue her since she owes them some albums on her contract,” asked a third.
An emotional fan said: “I am not even kidding guys, I am actually crying at work I am not ready for never hearing @britneyspears music ever again!”
“She might delete the post. Maybe there’s still hope,” commented a fifth.
Others said: “I am dying to know which songs Britney Spears has ghostwritten” and “Leaving my denial in 2023. Thank you for 20+ years of greatness.”
RUMORS OF AN ALBUM
This year will be 25 years since Britney’s debut album, and she was supposed to be planning on celebrating with her first record in eight years.
It was revealed she has enlisted Brit pop star Charli XCX to write for the eagerly-anticipated project.
It was said that while the two are yet to meet, Britney gave pointers on what she wants the music to be about.
A music insider said: “The Britney album is being kept top secret.
“Work has been going on behind the scenes for quite a while to gather a series of killer songs to bring Britney back with a bang.
“She is known as one of the biggest pop stars of the 21st century so there is pressure for the music to be great.
“Charli has a great track record when it comes to writing clever pop songs.
“She went into the studio earlier in the year to make some songs using Britney’s guidance of what she is after.
“She came up with a really strong track that is expected to make it onto the album, which Britney’s team hopes will be out in 2024.”
As well as six Top Ten hits of her own, Charli has become known as a prolific songwriter.
She has penned music for Selena Gomez, Raye, Blondie, Gwen Stefani, and, most notably, Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello’s 2019 hit Senorita, which spent six weeks at No1.