Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Will Come Out on Jan. 7

Next week, Britney Spears will give the first taste to her new album via its lead single "Hold It Against Me". The news was revealed by Sharon Dastur, program director for New York's Z100, in an interview featured in the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly.

"It's produced by Dr. Luke and Max Martin," Dastur spilled the beans.

"And the beat that they give her is really unique compared to other artists - this infectious bass beat beneath the song. Plus, the hook is just amazing. It will be out on January 7."

Lyrics of the song have been circulating on the web, and audition for dancers in the music video has been held. On top of that, Dr. Luke revealed on Twitter that one of the instruments used to record the single has been donated for good cause. He wrote, "The guitar donated for charity in sweden was used on britney's 1st single."

Britney is eying to release the new album, which is yet to be titled, in March next year. The latest music maker who is rumored to join Danja, Darkchild and Sean Garrett as her A-list crew reportedly is production and songwriting team Xenomania. They have previously worked with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Sugababes and Cher.

Gwyneth Paltrow's Character in 'Country Strong' Inspired by Britney Spears

Gwyneth Paltrow's new movie "Country Strong" about a washed-up alcoholic singer is based on the real-life troubles of pop star Britney Spears, according to the film's director. The Oscar-winning actress plays a fallen country performer battling personal problems who attempts to resurrect her career in the acclaimed new film from writer/director Shana Feste.

Feste admits she was inspired to write the story after Spears hit headlines with her highly-publicized meltdown, during which she shaved her head and attacked a car with an umbrella, before being forced into a psychiatric ward in 2008. Feste tells the Los Angeles Times, "That's where this movie came from. I mean, I was seeing what was happening in the media to Britney Spears."

The director also reveals the plot was partly inspired by Michael Jackson's love/hate relationship with the press, adding: "I finished the script when Michael Jackson passed away. I think it's tragic how we treat people who give us so much, and we love to see them knocked down to build them back up again, to knock them down again. It's a weird fascination."

Britney Spears

Britney Jean Spears (born December 2, 1981) is an American recording artist and entertainer.