The King and Princess of Pop: shared traits of two performers

Humble origins

Both of them grew up in times of economic hardship.

Britney's parents were affected by recession. Their car was repossessed. Britney's father even hunted squirrels and rabbits to feed his family. Their phone was cut off. Shortly before Britney's huge success her family declared bankruptcy. Her first earnings went to clearing the family's debts.

MJ grew up in a small house consisting of three rooms and shared a bedroom with his brothers. His father saw music as a way to keep his boys from the growing crime and gangs affecting the neighborhood. When the brothers first performed, people threw coins at them and Michael filled his pockets to buy candy.

Both families made financial sacrifices to get them microphones, instruments, vocal coaching, practice time and performing opportunities so they could perfect their craft. This behavior is recurrent in stage parents, who use their children as breadwinners.