Surprise! Britney's Big Fan of Madonna

NEW YORK — – Britney Spears is a big fan of Madonna, and vice versa.

Spears expressed her admiration for Madonna in the October issue of Elle magazine: "I remember I read this harsh review about my show, and one of my friends told me that this was the exact same stuff people said about Madonna. And it's like, she didn't care. Madonna just came out and was herself. I respect that a lot."

In the magazine's February issue, on newsstands Jan. 16, Madonna returns the compliment.

Madonna, 42, told Elle: "Can I just say that I find it really irritating that everyone beats up on Britney Spears. I want to do nothing but support her and praise her and wish her the best. I mean, she's 18 years old! It's just shocking. ... I was so gawky and geeky and awkward and unsure of myself."