Britney or Christina? Do your remember the debate?

It really wasn't so long ago when those two names and all they encompassed -- talent, looks, personality, piercings, etc. -- could actually be stacked up and argued.

(True, not by anyone with a membership in MENSA, but argued nonetheless.)

Today, though, it seems like a lifetime ago, and there really isn't much debate going on, even as Christina gets set to release a double-CD later this summer and Britney gets set to C-section another bad PR move into this world. What happened? Well, many people point to the MTV-sponsored kisses between Madonna and the pair as the beginning of the divergence, with the veteran singer's lingering lip-lock with Britney originally seen as a passing of the spittle-soaked pop star torch, now in hindsight acting more as a Mafioso career kiss of death.

Soon after that moment, Christina was set off on a path to respectability -- undergoing an image makeover, marrying a homely looking guy and stepping out of the spotlight.

As for Britney -- well, every new day seems to bring another embarrassment for the woman, whose chaste and virginal early persona has been hillbillified and soiled to the point of no return,

Christina or Britney?

Well, unless the first part of the question is "Who just signed a sponsorship deal with Skoal?" there's only one side you can come down on.

CHRISTINA AGUILERA

Started out: At only 18-years-old, Aguilera became known as one of the best singers in the U.S. after recording the song Reflection for Disney's Mulan. She then bested Spears by taking home the Best New Artist Award at the 2000 Grammy Awards.

Peaked: Her single Beautiful went to No. 1 in Canada and earned Aguilera the award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 2004 Grammy Awards.

Turning point: Unlike Spears, Aguilera was respected for her talent, so when she went from teeny-bopper duds to leather chaps in her 2002 Dirrty video, the world was shocked.

Marriages: In 2005, the pop diva settled down with music executive Jordan Bratman and did away with her trashy ways.

Tattoos: "Xtina" on back of her neck, a flower on her left wrist, an abstract design on her inside left forearm, Hebrew words on the small of her back and an unknown tattoo below the bikini line.

Worst phase: When she made out with Madonna and no one noticed because Spears did it first.

Our prediction: Aguilera starts a family, puts her Dirrty days behind her for good and goes back to the Disney ballads.

BRITNEY SPEARS

Started out: In 1999, after the release of her first album Baby One More Time, Spears told a German magazine: "I don't believe in sex before marriage and I don't believe in drugs or smoking."

Peaked: At just 18, in 2000, Britney peaked with her second album Oops! I Did it Again and single of the same title.

Turning point: Spears' wholesome image took a pounding when it was widely rumoured her relationship with Justin Timberlake ended due to her infidelity. But it was her quickie marriage in Vegas that sealed her fate.

Marriages: In January 2004, she made a 55-hour commitment to childhood friend Jason Alexander while purportedly intoxicated in Sin City. In perhaps another alcohol-induced blur later that year, she said 'I do' to back-up-dancer/ wannabe rapper Kevin Federline.

Tattoos: Spears has a meaningless Hebrew tattoo on her neck, a incorrectly spelled Chinese tattoo on her back, pink dice on her inner wrist (K-Fed has matching blue dice), a fairy on her lower back, a daisy on her right toe, a butterfly on her left foot and a Japanese flower "down there."

Worst phase: Right now. She can't seem to leave the house without almost killing her newborn, she's pregnant -- again -- and a new 'Save Britney' campaign aimed at getting the pop diva to dump her equally trashy hubby has been launched by New York's waxwork museum Madame Tussauds.

Our prediction: She and K-Fed will divorce. She'll go on to have five more children by four different men and play the Coca-Cola Stage at the 2009 Stampede to a handful of die-hard fans. There she'll meet husband No. 3 when he asks her, "Do you want to go faster?"

And on the subject of former or aspiring Mouseketeers-turned-stars and their futures ...

JESSICA SIMPSON

Started out: Simpson broke onto the scene in 2000 as a virgin with a powerful voice.

Peaked: When Newlyweds debuted on MTV.

Turning point: Soon after filming began on Dukes of Hazzard, rumours began to circulate of problems with husband Nick Lachey.

Marriages: She is in the midst of divorcing Lachey.

Tattoos: None.

Worst phase: The best is yet to come.

Our prediction: Her boots walk over a few more guys.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

Started out: He joined *NSYNC when he was 14 years old and became a mop-top teenage heartthrob.

Peaked: After parting with the mega-successful boy band, Timberlake cut his golden locks and released his hugely successful solo album Justified in 2002.

Turning point: Cry Me a River.

Marriages: None.

Tattoos: He has a cross on his arm, a large angel on his back, a band around his calf and one on each ankle.

Worst phase: Ripping off Janet Jackson's clothes at the Super Bowl.

Our prediction: Everything he touches continues to turn to gold.