During the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards , Lady Gaga said that Spears " taught us all how to be fearless , and the industry would n't be the same without her . " Gaga has also cited Spears as an influence , calling her " the most provocative performer of my time " . Miley Cyrus credits Spears as one of her influences , and has referenced the singer in her song " Party in the U.S.A. " ( 2009 ) . Spears 's hounding by paparazzi and personal breakdown contributed to inspiring Barry Manilow 's album '' 15 Minutes '' . Manillow said : " She could n't have a life without them pulling up next to her car and following her and driving her crazy to the point where , that was around the time she shaved off her hair . ... We all looked at it in horror ... So it seemed like a thing to be writing an album about . " Spears has also influenced many other contemporary artists , including Katy Perry , Meghan Trainor , Demi Lovato , Kelly Key , Kristinia DeBarge , Little Boots , Charli XCX , Marina , Tegan and Sara , Pixie Lott , Grimes , Selena Gomez , Hailee Steinfeld , Tinashe , Victoria Justice , Cassie , Leah Wellbaum of Slothrust , The Saturdays , Normani , Cheryl , and Ava Max . Before Spears joined '' The X Factor '' , Simon Cowell explained that he is " fascinated by Britney . The fact that she 's one of the most talked about – not just pop stars – but people in the world today , means that you 've got this star power . ... She 's still hot , she 's still having hit records and she 's still controversial , there 's a reason for that . " Marina named Spears as the main influence behind her album '' Electra Heart ''
2011 MTV Video Music Awards
2011 MTV Video Music Awards
Britney Spears