Halsey Says She ‘Shared Everything’ With Britney Spears Leading Up to ‘Lucky’ Release

Halsey is reflecting on communicating closely with Britney Spears throughout the process of making her new single “Lucky,” which interpolates Spears’ 2000 song of the same name, as well as Monica’s “Angel of Mine.”

The star sat down with BBC Radio 1, where they said they sent everything to Spears along the way. “I shared everything with her, every step of the way — down to even the first demo of the song and I sent her a shot for shot treatment of the music video just because I wanted to make sure I was totally nailing it,” Halsey recalled. “We traded merch. She sent me ‘Lucky’ merch for the ‘Lucky’ anniversary and I sent her some merch and stuff like that. It’s definitely a pinch-me thing. I didn’t even know she knew who I was. Every day, I’m looking around being like, there’s a six-year-old girl in my heart that’s freaking out.”

Of her decision to pay tribute to Spears — who personally approved the “Lucky” sample, Halsey previously revealed — the “Closer” artist tweeted, “I remember the first time I heard her sing lucky and it hitting me at such a young age that I had no idea what her life was really like.”  

However, after the music video went live, a statement went up on Spears’ X profile claiming she felt “harassed, violated and bullied” by the visual’s portrayal of her as “a superficial pop star with no heart or concern at all.” The message also noted that Spears was planning to pursue legal action against the “Without Me” artist.

That same day, the “Toxic” singer deleted the post and tweeted, “Fake news !!! That was not me on my phone !!! I love Halsey and that’s why I deleted it !!!,” to which Halsey replied, “and I love Britney!!!! I always have and always will … you were the first person who ever made me realize what it means to feel inspired. And you continue to inspire me everyday.”