Since 2000 the singer has received more online hits than world leaders and royalty, according to Ask Jeeves. Spears, who shot to fame with her 1999 debut album Baby One More Time, topped the poll above celebrities such as Madonna and Brad Pitt.
Ask Jeeves spokeswoman Nadia Kelly said: "Britney Spears began the decade as a fresh-faced new superstar on the block and has remained as high profile ever since." The 28-year-old, who has sold more than 85 million records worldwide, has in recent years been surrounded by controversy. She recently hit the headlines by divorcing her ex-husband Kevin Federline, fighting for custody of her two children and being admitted to a psychiatric ward.
Osama bin Laden takes second place on the list after a flurry of hits following 9/11, followed by David Beckham. Princess Diana is fourth, followed by Tony Blair, Madonna, Simon Cowell, Jade Goody, Madeleine McCann and Brad Pitt.
Source: news.sky.com
This article was originally posted on December 22, 2009
