Hi, welcome. Welcome home, I guess, you might say.
BRITNEY SPEARS: I know, it's so exciting to be home, my hometown.
MusicMania: Is this cool, special for you?
BRITNEY: Yeah, oh God, yes.
MusicMania: Anything special
planned for tonight's show?
BRITNEY:
Um, not really. I'm just gonna talk to the crowd a lot, you know, 'cause my family's out there and all my friends, you know. They'll be screaming for me. I'm excited.
MusicMania: Well, as you
know, we kinda spent the day in Kentwood and delved into your past and met some family and friends. Since you grew up in a town that's pretty small by most standards, a lot of people would think that it
would be tough to really break out and do what you've done. So how tough was it?
BRITNEY:
Well, it was really strange because I was always the one telling my mom, "I want to go to gymnastics, I wanna go to vocal lessons," and people were (asking my parents), "You're taking your child to New York?" 'Cause I'm from such a small town, it was just really strange. But I'm just so thankful that they were so supportive throughout the whole time. They just knew this is what I wanted to do and they just went that extra mile to support me, you know? So, I'm just so happy for that.
MusicMania: What is the best thing and the worst thing about growing up in Kentwood?
BRITNEY:
Well, the best thing is that it's your home. It's just so laid back. But then again, everyone knows your business -- that's the bad thing about it. Everyone talks behind your back and stuff like that. And so when I do come home, I kind of have to keep it a secret.
MusicMania: So now, do (your friends in Kentwood) treat you differently after what's happened in the last six months?
BRITNEY:
No, I mean, there's a lot of "Congratulations," "I'm so happy for you," and stuff like that. But no, 'cause my friends are like my sisters, you know? When I get home, it's like, "Oh, let's go do this, let's go..." It's completely normal. I don't have to worry about them treating me any differently at all because I've known them for all my life. I grew up with them.
MusicMania: Do you think the small town environment helps you -- as opposed to growing up like a wild child in midtown Manhattan, for instance?
BRITNEY:
I think so. I think I'm more grounded, and I know what I want out of life. Also, I have major beliefs about certain things, and I think that has helped me.
