Pretty Girls (Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea song)
"Pretty Girls" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea | ||||
Released | May 4, 2015 | |||
Recorded | September 2014 | |||
Studio |
| |||
Genre | Electro-hop[1] | |||
Length | 2:43 | |||
Label | RCA | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | The Invisible Men | |||
Britney Spears singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Iggy Azalea singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"Pretty Girls" on YouTube |
"Pretty Girls" is a song recorded by American singer Britney Spears and Australian rapper Iggy Azalea. Azalea co-wrote the song with Maegan Cottone, British girl group Little Mix, and the song's producers, The Invisible Men. The single was released on May 4, 2015, by RCA Records.
The music video for "Pretty Girls" premiered on May 13, 2015, and was directed by Azalea and Cameron Duddy. The visuals were inspired by the 1988 film Earth Girls Are Easy, starring Geena Davis. The song was performed live by Spears and Azalea for the first time on May 17 at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards.[2] Later that year, it was added to the setlist for Spears' Las Vegas residency show, Britney: Piece of Me.
The collaboration peaked within the top 20 in the United Kingdom, Canada, Hungary, Scotland, and South Korea as well as the top 30 in the United States, France, and Australia. The track also received two nominations at the 2015 Teen Choice Awards.[3][4]
Background and release
On September 9, 2014, during an interview with
In December 2014, Azalea told Kiss 108 backstage at their Jingle Ball Tour 2014 that their collaborative song would premiere in 2015, "We have a song, which is going to be her first single, coming out next year." Asked how the collaboration came about, Azalea added, "She said she would like to work with me in an interview and they reached out. We recorded a few different things and then one of those just ended up being, I think, undeniably great. Hopefully I think everybody will get to hear it at the beginning of next year."[7] In February 2015, Azalea tweeted there were "epic" ongoing plans for the song.[8] For Spears's Billboard magazine cover story, published online on March 12, 2015, it was reported that despite Spears being back in the recording studio as back as in September 2014 working on a duet with Azalea, among other tracks, a proper full-length album would not be coming soon. Spears further explained, "I'm gonna do [a new album] slowly but surely [...] I'm gonna try to do my best to do an amazing album, but it's not my full priority right now".[9] Azalea confirmed the title of the track the following week.[10] Afterwards, in Spears's cover story with People magazine, it was announced that "Pretty Girls" would be released on May 5.[11][12]
On March 29, 2015, on the red carpet of the
On April 30, 2015, the single artwork, an illustration of the artists in an outer space background referring to the '80s film Earth Girls Are Easy, was unveiled online.[15] Portions of the song began surfacing on the internet later that day, and the song leaked in its entirety on May 2, 2015, two days prior to its official release.[16] On May 3, 2015, Spears announced she had teamed up with Uber to give fans an early listen of the song. For six hours between 3pm-9pm PDT on that day, requesters in Los Angeles were able to ride select Britney-themed vehicles called "Bees" while listening to the song and have a chance to win surprise gifts and tickets to her show, Britney: Piece of Me in Las Vegas.[17][18] On May 4, 2015, "Pretty Girls" was released for digital download, with anticipating fans trending the hashtag #PrettyGirls on Twitter.[19]
Critical reception
"Pretty Girls" received mixed to positive reviews from contemporary music critics and fans. Jason Lipshutz of
Lucas Villa of
Commercial performance
"Pretty Girls" reached the top 20 in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Finland and the top 40 in the United States, France and Australia. In North America, the song debuted and peaked at number 29 in the United States on the
In Europe, "Pretty Girls"'s strongest entry was seen in the United Kingdom, where it debuted at number 16 on the
In Oceania, "Pretty Girls" debuted at number 40 on the Australian Singles Chart issued for May 11, 2015,[39] becoming Spears' 31st top 50 and 32nd top 100 entry, and later peaked at number 27.[40] In a Twitter Q&A with fans in the following month, Azalea expressed her desire to have done additional promotion and television performances to support the song commercially.[41][42]
Music video
Background
While being interviewed on March 29, 2015 at the
On April 9, 2015, Spears and Azalea were shown filming scenes for the music video around the streets of
During an interview with
Release and synopsis
The music video was directed by Azalea and Cameron Duddy and was released on May 13.
Two women dress up in '80s fashion and drive in a bright yellow jeep to a car wash, where Spears and backup dancers break into dance. Meanwhile, Azalea's alien powers cause a television to explode, water to turn pink and an ATM to begin shooting cash, which Spears dances around. Soon, two women hop into a convertible with Spears' friends, where Azalea turns Spears' retro handheld telephone into a Samsung Galaxy S6. Nightfall arrives and two women head to a club where Azalea raps and Spears and dancers choreograph a synchronized dance break. Suddenly, the nightclub begins to shake and an unseen force proceeds to abduct Azalea and Spears, to the latter's delight. The screen fades black before two women appear laughing and doing arm movements in the yellow jeep and the credits roll.[56]
Reception
The video received positive reviews from critics, observing the chemistry between Spears and Azalea as well as praising Spears' dancing and noting a nod to her past music videos. Mike Wass for
Francesca Bacardi commented for
Live performances
On April 22, 2015, Billboard and Dick Clark Productions confirmed Spears and Azalea would be performing "Pretty Girls" for the first time on television at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 17.[65] Azalea described the performance as a kind of a continuation from the music video, with both Spears and Azalea going to Azalea character's planet, along with other creatures.[66] The performance received mostly positive reviews from viewers and critics. People said that Spears and Azalea proved they are more than just "pretty girls". Stating "From the moment they touched down on stage, the duo kept the crowd cheering with a fun, colorful performance."[67] Entertainment Weekly also said that "Spears gave one of her most energetic televised performances in years."[68] On May 13, Spears confirmed that she would be adding the song to her Las Vegas residency show Britney: Piece of Me.[69] The song was officially integrated into the set list on August 5, 2015. It was later replaced by "Make Me..." and "Do You Wanna Come Over?" on August 17, 2016 following the show's revamp.[70]
Awards and nominations
Year | Award | Work | Results |
---|---|---|---|
2015 | Billboard Mid-Year Music Awards | Most Buzzed-About Moment | Nominated |
Teen Choice Awards | Choice Song: Female | Nominated | |
Choice Music: Collaboration
|
Nominated | ||
Vevo Certified Awards
|
Videos With Over 100 Million Views on Vevo | Won |
Track listings
|
|
Charts
Weekly charts
|
Year-end charts
|
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Poland (ZPAV)[100] | Gold | 10,000* |
South Korea ( Gaon )
|
— | 20,679[101] |
United States (RIAA)[102] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
* Sales figures based on certification alone. |
Release history
Country | Date | Format | Label |
---|---|---|---|
Worldwide[72][103][104][105][106] | May 4, 2015 | Digital download | RCA |
United States | May 5, 2015 | Mainstream radio[107][108] | |
Rhythmic crossover radio[109] | |||
Italy[110] | May 8, 2015 | Mainstream radio | Sony Music
|
Germany[71] | June 5, 2015 | CD single | |
United Kingdom[111] | June 14, 2015 | Digital download | RCA |
See also
- List of number-one dance singles of 2015 (U.S.)
References
- ^ a b Lipshutz, Jason (May 4, 2015). "Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea Stay Fancy on 'Pretty Girls': Single Review". Billboard. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea work the Billboard Music Awards 2015". Archived from the original on 2019-12-09. Retrieved 2019-12-09.
- ^ "Teen Choice Awards 2015: One Direction Up Against Zayn Malik in First Round of Nominations". Us Weekly. 2015-06-09. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
- ^ "Teen Choice Awards 2015 Nominations: Taylor Swift, One Direction & More Lead Second Wave of Noms". Billboard. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears working on new album, wants Katy Perry duet". Digital Spy. September 10, 2014. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Iggy Azalea Says Working With Jennifer Lopez Was "Surreal," Teases New Secret Collaboration – Watch Now!". E! Online. September 22, 2014. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears records 'undeniably great' new single with Iggy Azalea". Digital Spy. December 15, 2014. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears Has Some 'Epic Plans' For Her New Single... Iggy Azalea Says So!". MTV News. February 4, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears: I'm 'Slowly But Surely' Working On a New Album (Exclusive)". Billboard. March 12, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ Peterson, Jacques (March 15, 2015). "Britney's New Single With Iggy Azalea Is Called 'Pretty Girls' And Little Mix Wrote It". Popdust. Archived from the original on May 20, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "At Home with Britney Spears and Her Boys". People. March 25, 2015. Archived from the original on May 25, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears Reveals Iggy Azalea Collab 'Pretty Girls' Release Date". Fuse. March 25, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Iggy Azalea Reveals Britney Spears' Album Is 'Ready' And Will Feature Their Collaboration". MTV. March 30, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ a b "Britney, Iggy team up for 'Pretty' duet". USA Today. April 26, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea Debut Space Age Cover Art for 'Pretty Girls'". Instyle.com. May 1, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Hear Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea's New Song 'Pretty Girls'". Time. May 2, 2015.
- ^ "The Britneymobile? See the Crazy Way Fans Can Hear Her New Single 'Pretty Girls'". people.com. May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Uber LA Riders: Britney Spears Wants You To Hear 'Pretty Girls' First". uber.com. May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea's 'Pretty Girls' Headed for Top 40 Debut". billboard.com. May 8, 2015.
- ^ Lipshutz, Jason (May 4, 2015). "Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea's 'Pretty Girls' is a breezy, summer song that will get stuck in your head: single review". Daily News. New York. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
- ^ Spero, Jesse (May 4, 2015). "Brit & Iggy Drop 'Pretty Girls'". Yahoo!. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
- ^ Phull, Hardeep (May 4, 2015). "Iggy and Britney release tragically bad collab and other music reviews". New York Post. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
- ^ "Listen: Britney Spears, Iggy Azalea join forces for 'Pretty Girls'". Los Angeles Times. 2015-05-04. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
- ^ "Review: Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea call out 'Pretty Girls' on club banger". axs.com. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears Returns With Iggy Azalea-Assisted New Single "Pretty Girls"". Forbes. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
- ^ "Here's The Britney Spears X Iggy Azalea Single We've Been Waiting For". papermag.com. 2015-05-04. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
- ^ "Britney's Back". vmagazine.com. Archived from the original on May 5, 2015. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
- ^ "Listen to Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea's "Pretty Girls"". nylon.com. 2015-05-04. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears And Iggy Azalea's "Pretty Girls" Sounds Like A Killer Club Banger: Listen". idolator.com. May 2015. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea Bring The Noise With 'Pretty Girls': Single Review". popcrush.com. May 2, 2015.
- ^ "Worst Songs of 2015". Time. December 1, 2015. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
- ^ Hammp, Andrew (May 17, 2018). "Here are the best (and worst) diva duets of the last 20 years". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
- ^ "Britney Spears". Billboard.
- ^ Trust, Gary (July 6, 2015). "Chart Highlights: Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea's 'Pretty Girls' Tops Dance Club Songs". Billboard. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
- ^ a b "Canada CHR/Top 40 - Jun 13, 2015". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2015. (subscription required)
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100 | 21-06-2015 - 27-06-2015 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
- ^ "Irish Chart Track > 7 May 2015". Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
- ^ "GFK Chart-Track - Top 20 Downloads, Week Ending 7 May 2015". Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on 4 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
- ^ "ARIA Australian Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. May 11, 2015. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
- ^ "ARIA Singles: Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea – Pretty Girls".
- ^ Strecker, Erin (June 29, 2015). "Iggy Azalea Blames Britney Spears for 'Pretty Girls' Not Being a Hit". Billboard. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
- ^ Stutz, Colin (June 30, 2015). "Iggy Azalea Responds to Britney Spears Beef Reports: 'Women in Music Are Not the Same as a Teen Drama'". Billboard. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
- ^ "Iggy Azalea Talks About Collaborating With Britney Spears For 'Pretty Girls'". Access Hollywood. March 30, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ Menyes, Carolyn (March 30, 2015). "Iggy Azalea Talks Britney Spears Collaboration 'Pretty Girls' & Music Video at iHeartRadio Music Awards". Music Times. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- Ryan Seacrest. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears Talks 'Pretty Girls,' Iggy Azalea's Accent and Salads in Z100 Interview". popcrush.com. 4 May 2015. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
- ^ a b "Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea Take a Jeep Ride Back to the '80s". Yahoo!. April 9, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears teases lyrics for her new track with Iggy Azalea". NME. April 10, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears Is '80s Glam in Music Video Featuring Iggy Azalea". Us Weekly. April 9, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea flash the flesh as they film video for Pretty Girls duet". Daily Mirror. April 10, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Are Britney Spears And Iggy Azalea Sharing A Kiss On The Set Of 'Pretty Girls?' Check Out The Pics". MTV News. April 9, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Iggy Azalea: 'I didn't dance' in new video with Britney Spears". USA Today. April 23, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "So, Britney Spears And Iggy Azalea's 'Pretty Girls' Video Is Like, Totally Out Of This World". mtv.com.uk. 13 May 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
- ^ "Here's The Origin Of Iggy Azalea's New 'Pretty Girls' Video". mtv.com. 13 May 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears, Iggy Azalea Have Campy Fun in 'Pretty Girls' Video". Rolling Stone. 13 May 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
- ^ "This Week's Fresh Music Top 20". 21 June 2015. 4Music.
{{cite episode}}
: Missing or empty|series=
(help) - Idolator. 22 May 2015. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea Go Full 80s in "Pretty Girls" Music Video". Vanity Fair. 13 May 2015. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears, Iggy Azalea have '80s flashback fun in 'Pretty Girls' music video". New York Daily News. 13 May 2015. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
- E! Online. 13 May 2015. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea's 'Pretty Girls' Video: Watch The Awe-Inspiring Alien Invasion". Billboard. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
- ^ "Watch Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea's Video for 'Pretty Girls'". Time. 13 May 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea's video for 'Pretty Girls' is totally here (totally)". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea's 'Pretty Girls' wins Fuse's Top 40, Named No. 1 Video of 2015". Fuse. Retrieved December 20, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea To Perform 'Pretty Girls' at 2015 Billboard Music Awards". Billboard. April 22, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ Music Choice (16 May 2015). "MC at BBMAs: Iggy + Britney Beaming to Outer Space" – via YouTube.
- ^ Mcafee, Tierney (May 17, 2015). "Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea Perform 'Pretty Girls' for the First Time at Billboard Music Awards". People. Retrieved May 18, 2015.
- ^ O'Donnell, Kevin (May 17, 2015). "Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea perform 'Pretty Girls' live for the first time at Billboard Music Awards". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 18, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears on Twitter: "Been so busy today rehearsing..."". twitter.com. May 14, 2015. Archived from the original on September 1, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears Performs "Pretty Girls" In Las Vegas For The First Time: Watch". idolator.com. 7 August 2015.
- ^ a b "Pretty Girls Single". Amazon.de. Retrieved May 11, 2015.
- ^ a b "Amazon.com: Pretty Girls: Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea: MP3 Downloads". Amazon. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea – Pretty Girls". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea – Pretty Girls" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved May 13, 2015.
- Ultratip. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea – Pretty Girls" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
- ^ a b "JAAROVERZICHTEN 2015: Urban" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
- ^ "Canada Hot Ac: Jun 20, 2015". Billboard. Retrieved 16 September 2015. (subscription required)
- ^ Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea — Pretty Girls. TopHit. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 201522 into search. Retrieved September 16, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea: Pretty Girls" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
- ^ "Iggy Azalea,Britney Spears: Pretty Girls" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
- Les classement single. Retrieved May 13, 2015.
- GfK Entertainment. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
- ^ "Greece Digital Songs - May 23, 2015". Billboard. Retrieved May 14, 2015.(subscription required)
- ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
- ^ "Chart Track: Week 25, 2015". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved May 18, 2015.
- ^ "italiancharts.com - 2015 FIMI/GFK Digital Download - Classifica settimanale WK 19 (dal 2015-05-04 al 2015-05-10)". italiancharts.com. Retrieved May 14, 2015.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201523 into search. Retrieved September 16, 2015.
- Canciones Top 50. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
- Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved June 7, 2015.
- ^ "DigiListan 2015-05-17 - DigiListan - Sveriges Radio". Sveriges Radio. 17 May 2015. Archived from the original on June 28, 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) Archived from "the original". 27 January 2024. on 17 May 2015 - ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 14, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
- ^ "Britney Spears Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 14, 2015.
- ^ "2015 Year End Charts – Dance/Club Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
- ^ "Wyróżnienia – Złote płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2015 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
- ^ "Circle Monthly Download Chart - May 2015 (See #29)". Circle . Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on February 11, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
- ^ "American single certifications – Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea – Pretty Girls". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- ^ "Pretty Girls: Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea: MP3 Downloads". France. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Pretty Girls: Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea: MP3 Downloads". Amazon Germany. Germany. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Pretty Girls: Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea: MP3 Downloads". Italy. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Pretty Girls: Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea: MP3 Downloads". Spain. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "FMQB: Available for Airplay". FMQB. Archived from the original on May 4, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "HITS Daily Double: Pop Mart - Hot New Releases". hitsdailydouble.com. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "HITS Daily Double: Crossover - Hot New Releases". hitsdailydouble.com. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "Pretty Girls (feat. Iggy Azalea) - BRITNEY SPEARS". Radio Airplay FM. Archived from the original on May 6, 2015. Retrieved May 6, 2015.
- ^ "Pretty Girls — Single by Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea". United Kingdom: iTunes Store (Apple Inc). 4 May 2015. Retrieved May 4, 2015.