Why is Britney Spears Still Famous?

Why is Britney Spears still famous?

I don't ask this because I dislike her as a person (please don't take this to mean that I in any way appreciate her music), I ask this as a consumer of music. Why is she famous? Our media is obsessed with a singer who hasn't actually sung anything in years. Her "greatest hits" album was out in 2004, her last album of original material was out in 2003. Is she actually working on new material? When was her last tour? The last great performance I remember her giving was kissing Madonna on MTV.

These days, we're obsessed with Britney's marriage, with whether or not she's a good mother, and the attention grabbing things she does. She wants to be left alone, but no, she's posing nude (while pregnant) for this magazine or that, she's talking to Matt Lauer, we're supposed to feel bad for her - no! - we're supposed to hate her. Aren't we?

I really don't care about Britney Spears. In fact, she really has nothing at all to do with my point, except that she is a fine example of a trend. Why do we care about "celebrities" who don't actually have a function, or who have lost their place in the spotlight?

Why did Britney's reality TV show flop when so many others just like it succeeded? The Newlyweds worked until that couple decided that they were happier divorced. Hulk Hogan has a show that exists pretty much solely to promote his daughter's fledgling musical career. Even Paris Hilton cashed in on being ignorant while America watched before she decided she wanted to be a singer.

Why do people exploit their stupidity on television? Do they see how others are mocked and decide they want in on the deal? Do they think they can do better, perhaps contribute something to society by showing the world how wealthy they are how incapable they are of having a grasp on reality?