A PBS program called "Frontline" has an episode called "The Merchants of Cool" which talks about how artists like Briteny Spears get created, and why. The show is going to be rebroadcast on May 1, 2001. I saw the original broadcast, it was a very good show. They have a website concerning the episode and transcripts if anyone is interested.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/