Would you want to be a pop girl of 1999 or 2025?

Dear JAMMers,

Watching the femininomenen that was the 2025 Grammys made me hopeful for the future of representation in music, celebrating differences, and perhaps - for even a moment - ending the age old trope of female rivals in pop music.

I came of age during the iconic 1999 rise of not one, but FOUR blonde bombshells. They bared not only their abs, but also their dance training. Britney, Christina, Jessica, Mandy.

It was 26 years ago and I was only about 10. Here is a now v. then recap of my impression of their debut singles.

• “...Baby One More Time” - OMG she’s just like me. She wears a school uniform, plays basketball AND loves to dance. I want to be her best friend. Today, I feel the same + a tinge of devastation at how poorly she was mistreated by literally everyone in her life and the media.

• “Genie in a Bottle” - I want to go to the beach. My sister has that turquoise sparkly eye shadow. Wow, she is even skinnier than Britney. I do not feel great about myself. Today, I feel about the same.

• “I Wanna Love You Forever” - I don't remember having any other thought but, "Wow she is pretty." Today, I watch it and it’s giving Whitney and Celine light.

• “Candy” - I remember loving the ballet-style ties she had on her arms and her hair braids. Today, I know that it was quite literally bubble gum pop that altered my brain chemistry.

I remember vividly that one night at Hot Skates, the local roller rink, the take your skates off and dance moment was “...Baby One More Time.”  Talk about 10-year-old girls in their glory.  For this die-hard Britney fan who was VERY clumsy on skates, this was my moment.

Pop girls of the 00s were compared in the media, sexualized by older men, and battled for the top spot on TRL.  At times they were not only sexualized but infantilized, which is even worse.  Rarely, if ever, were they granted the opportunity to make creative calls and own their IP.  Britney is clear evidence that they were treated as products and not humans. It was not fair to the point of criminal behavior.

Chappell, Raye, Shakira, Sabrina, Olivia, Billie, Taylor, Ariana, Miley, and Charli.  An insane range of talent. Note: Beyonce not included in that list because she is now and will always be a class all her own. Bow down, bitches.

Today’s world is not perfect (see Kendrick Lamar's poignant and perfect Super Bowl sermon), but it is markedly different in this aspect for women. So hopefully in another 25 years it will be even better.

There is room for everyone. The performances are not carbon copies of each other like in the 00s.  They all fit their skills and vibe.  It is a master class in believing in yourself and holding the power of your voice and image in the media.

The women stand and cheer for each other.  They proudly sing every lyric during each other's performances.  They have diverse bodies, styles, identities, voices, and public persona approaches.  If they are sexualized, now it is by their own accord - in their own way (ala Madonna). 

Many days of 2025 may feel like American progress is too slow - and it is. But this one small win gives me hope for female role models, encouraging standing in your power, and promoting self-love for our daughters. They are watching.

No worries,

Jaclyn