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The Britney Phenomenon! http://www.etonline.com

She's Pepsi's pop princess, MTV's queen bee, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE's #1 gal ... and did we mention, the biggest female recording artist of 2001? 

The extra-sweet and spicy BRITNEY SPEARS has conquered almost all aspects of the biz -- and is ready to take on the box office as she stars in the upcoming Paramount chick-flick, 'Crossroads'. In tonight's ET Cover Story, we'll take an in-depth look at the "lucky" starlet, who's got America under a super-spell! 

With her acting debut come comparisons to yet another super woman, musical mogul MADONNA. We chatted with "Entertainment Weekly" staff writer DAVE KARGER, who definitely thought that Britney was, in fact, "this generation's Madonna." 

"Britney Spears is so big right now that anything she does is automatically an event ... a phenomenon, " Karger told ET. "She has this quality you just can't put your finger on. Even as she's cultivated this adult, sexy image, she still has never lost that factor of being relatable." 

So how will the bubbly Britney fare in the tough world of cinema? Karger feels that the pop diva has chosen the perfect film for her debut. In the teen feature 'Crossroads', she plays a high schooler who embarks on a road trip cross-country with two girlfriends. "If MANDY MOORE can make 12 million dollars for 'A Walk to Remember' (in its opening weekend), 'Crossroads' could be a blockbuster." 

On Monday's OPRAH, the queen of daytime sat down to chat with Britney about life, love, and being a role model to thousands of girls. "You know what ... " she told Oprah, "I would like to be called an inspiration to people, not a role model -- because I make mistakes like everybody else. When I'm offstage, I'm just like everybody else." 

Maybe that is the key to her success! Look for Britney in big screen form, when 'Crossroads' opens everywhere February 15th. 

Watch ET tonight for the full story!