Few Pop divas can say they’ve spent as much of their careers fielding comparison to a peer as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera have.
Mostly fueled by purported similarities in their images, early sound, proximity in their respective rises to fame, and on-and-off again rivalry, the chart titans – now both in their 40s – have endured over 20 years of being pitted against each other, a positioning that seems to show no signs of slowing.
Case in point? Spears taking to Instagram recently to show off her vocal chops.
The glowing newlywed, who has dodged mixed reviews in the past for her vocal showings on the platform, garnered favorable commentary this time when she belted a stunning rendition of her breakthrough 1998 hit ‘Baby One More Time.’
Highlighted with growls and soaring melisma, the contralto showcase – which for many was reminiscent of Xtina’s signature style – was the latest of Britney embracing her true singing voice (the opposite of the thinner and more nasally-driven vocal showings that line her biggest hits).
Look inside to hear the 40-year-old show you what she’s got “one more time.”