Washington - Through bad times and good times Britney Spears has climbed her way to the top of USA Today's 2008 Celebrity Heat Index, which measures media exposure in print and online entertainment news.

The 27-year-old popstar was boosted by the December 2 release of her comeback album "Circus." The album has topped charts and hit the number one spot in record sales in its first week.

Earlier in the year, she gained intense media attention over two visits to alcohol and drug rehabilitation clinics as she coped with the split from now ex-husband Kevin Federline and a nasty custody battle for their child.

Angelina Jolie, 33, came in second in the ranking, while Jennifer Aniston, 39, placed third. (dpa)