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Britney + the VMAs = deadly combo or secret weapon?

Aug 15, 2008, 11:23 AM | by Lisa Raphael

Categories: Britney Spears, HeadScratcher, Television

Britney_l While you all were watching the Russell Brand/Britney Spears VMA commercials and saying, "Why, isn't that clever! An elephant in the room! And her hair extensions look good, too!" I've been at my computer biting my nails, aimlessly googling "Britney Spears 2008 VMA comeback," and wondering what will materialize from these witty ads. Britney and her people have been in talks about doing something at this year's MTV Video Music Awards, but "what??" is the question. PDubbers, I've thought long and hard about this, and here are my three best possible scenarios:

1. Realizing that she still has progress to make in her personal quest to return us to the "Slave (4 U)" days of yore (as pictured, at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards), Britney graciously turns down the opportunity to perform, and instead presents a Best Newcomer moonman, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.

2. Britney starts the show off just like last year, but minus the trashy extensions and bundle of nerves. After "It's Britney, bitch!" she begins to actually sing and dance to "Gimme More," redoing last year's routine with the passion, energy, and self-awareness it lacked.

3. Blowing everyone's mind, Britney says she's not going to do anything, but secretly busts out for a cameo during the finale of Madonna and ex-bf Justin Timberlake's "Four Minutes." This time, Madonna and Britney will start to kiss, but Justin will push Madge out of the way and give Brit a smooch, reassuring us that they were just "on a break" and are totally back together now.

Too far? Help me, PopWatchers -- this decision is too much for one anxious fan. I'm going to YouTube some past performances -- ignoring 2007's, of course -- and let you guys decide what Britney's VMA tasks this year should be.

britney Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 08:22 AM EST

she is brave enough to hold that , She is women of courage

IngerGuher Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 04:01 PM EST

Direct Link to NEW HOT Britney Spears Video footage:
http://tophot-video.com/vid.php?v=Britney_Spears

Adolfo Valdes Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 02:42 PM EST

I stopped watching MTV more than 15 years ago for two simple reasons, they have no respect for artists and some artists have no self respect. Last year, MTV knowingly made a fool out of Britney Spears by convincing her to perform the opening number in a time when her head was someplace else. This year was even worse. They gave her 3 awards to kiss and make up. But even worse than that, Britney Spears showed up to pick them up. Britney has no self-respect and MTV has no respect for artists (not that Britney is one), which is why it looks like they'll be very happy together.

Miley Cyrus Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 01:06 PM EST

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Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 01:05 PM EST

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Carol Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 12:36 PM EST

I just loved Britney's appearance at the VMAs this year! She looked so happy and I would never expect something like three awards after all she has done (or has not done) in the past years! I reallt don't understand what some of you are complaining about...I'm just so happy she's getting where she wants!

Augusto Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 09:48 AM EST

I think all her fans (including me) were expecting much more even though MTV said she would not be performing! If you look back to previous VMA's you will realize that the BIG opening act is always a performance and since MTV said britney would not perform then we should've assume britney was not going to do anything BIG!I love Brit and I really hope she comes back!

Miley Cyrus Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 06:39 AM EST

Hey people...
I just found Britney Spears real Sex Video at

http://britneyspears-shower.blogspot.com

Enjoy!!! She pretty sexy!!!

Summer Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 03:24 AM EST

I was really disapointed in the supposed Brit comeback. There wasn't much to see...but from what I did she seemed nervous and not well deep down. I can't believe she won 3 awards though...crazy stuff.

Kaboonfootprint Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 01:30 AM EST

Cool site keep doing it.
Kaboonfootprint

Ganggirl Sun, Sep 7, 2008 at 11:32 PM EST

NEW HOT Britney Spears Video is available on:
http://tophot-video.com/vid.php?v=Britney_Spears

Daniel Sun, Sep 7, 2008 at 08:27 PM EST

I just saw it too, and im pretty disappointed. I Expected more from a "comeback" than just two sentences...Im not saying she did a bad job, but she wasnt given the opportunity to do more.

Sylvia Sun, Sep 7, 2008 at 08:06 PM EST

Just saw the opening of the VMA's. That was terrible!!!

June Sun, Sep 7, 2008 at 05:55 PM EST

oh LAURA...you're hilarious...how you wish you could even manage to be on a stage and entertain people like Britney...my suggestion eat some potato chips...idk why...but just stuff your mouth with it;)

cnoe Sat, Sep 6, 2008 at 09:24 PM EST

Hey Paul. Either you are a fan or not. She is An Icon as Elvis, Go her way or Pasadina baby!

cnoe Sat, Sep 6, 2008 at 09:19 PM EST

She IS the VMAS !

Jet Spyke Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 04:12 AM EST

good site more power
Please Visit

Paul Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 02:28 AM EST

I'm not quite sure how I feel about Britney this year at the VMA's. At first, I got really excited hearing the rumors that she is going to perform, but then thinking about it, I'm not sure if it's the best idea. I would say she should wait until her album releases in 6 to 9 months, get some GOOD music videos under her belt, and THEN make her comeback live appearance at the VMA's in 2009. HOWEVER...if she does actually perform this year....I'd say she either A: Bombs like last year...or B: Freakin kills it and surprises everyone. I hope it's B....if there has to be a choice at all...

Tate Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 10:33 AM EST

Dave, I agree that Brit's issues are exacerbated by the tabloid-reading retards, you have to put much of the blame on her Mother (read my post on the Lynne Spears board). And, at some point, Brit does need to be accountable for her actions. We all do.


And what exactly is a "poostabber" anyway? Nevermind, I don't want to know...

Dave Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 10:26 AM EST

All i can say is fuk you all its thanks to most of you bumholes she ended up the way she did.

She'll do the vmas most likely and wipe the smiles of your but ugly faces you stupid pieces of trash.

Go Brit ignore these poostabbers

HadasBT Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 07:18 PM EST

awwww the teenybopper in me really wants number 3 to happen.
I'm just so excited for Russell Brand to take over the world

justin Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 06:59 PM EST

here is my opinion: i think britney will turn down the performance opportunity, and will present a moonman to another artist. i think she will save her comeback performance for either the AMA's or the Grammy's.

or... she could reperform gimme more and throw in a mix of piece of me.

Tim Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 06:49 PM EST

If she truly wants to shock, she should come on stage fatter and more dopey than last year.

She's talentless. She's never been a strong singer and she's a mediocre dancer, at best.

hmd1987 Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 06:43 PM EST

This is pretty much Britney's last chance to save her professional ass, everything else might already be ruined.

Charles Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 01:43 PM EST

IF Brit is going to perform, I think Britney should give us a secret agent setting performance to "Break the Ice" and show us what she can do. Come up with something memorable and a hint of what is to come with her new album. Go for it Britney, there are still a lot of us that want to see you do well!!!!

JC Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 01:22 PM EST

RayT, sorry to tell you but MOST people knew Madonna and Britney were going to sing together that year, the surprise was Christina because rumor has it it was a Latina and everybody thought it was J-Lo. The media asked several times to MTV if it was true Madonna and Britney were going to perform together weeks before the show took place, it was everywhere in Britney's and Madonna's fansites.

Tate Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 09:37 AM EST

Well, I thought I had a semi-legitimate, fairly classy idea.


I guess everyone would rather see more of the trainwreck. And yet everyone bashes her when she gives it to them. Hmmm...

Muffy Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 11:56 PM EST

The woman never had talent! She cannot sing(OMG) She cannot dance(Rhythmless nation) She cannot write songs(Cheesy nonsense) She cannot dress( Are you blind) She cannot act(???)

Rich Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 11:21 PM EST

Britney uses her public forum to apologize to everyone who has been forced to listen to her music over the last decade, promises to completely retire from singing/performing/reality showing/exposing her crotch for the paparazzi, and pledges to donate all her future royalties to female singer/songwriters who actually DESERVE that kind of money, like Patty Griffin and Kathleen Edwards.

raven Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 09:07 PM EST

well, its britney spears and the vmas, whatever it is she does, whether it's just presenting an award or kissing, idk, miley cyrus, you know the media will be all over it. i personally hope she duets with miley cyrus, it turns into an onstage catfight, and we get to witness britney spears break miley cyrus's face after miley tugges out brits hair extentions. brit would of course, win. that would be wicked awesome.

nama Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 07:08 PM EST

it would be great to see Britney Perform "Why Should I Be Sad" and then switch to "Piece Of Me" for a nice dance break....


=]

Carlos Camacho Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 06:30 PM EST

Britney's shot at redemption! Look at this revealing new video at

http://www.kiisfm.com/cc-common/news/videos/player.html?loc=14&pimg=&count=1

Bruno Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 04:02 PM EST

She should surprise everyone and sing "Why Should I Be Sad" live. It's the opposite of her trying to dance when she is not 100%. Especially when Britney has to now compete with the incredible dancing of people like Ciara. Speaking of Ciara, I'd also be down with Brit doing a quick random dance cameo during someone else's performance the way Ciara surprised everyone during Chris Brown's BET awards performance.


andi Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 03:57 AM EST

good....

pam Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 03:35 AM EST

i'm all for the britney presentig an award and looking fabulous option but if isee britney presenting an award to miley cyrus, i think i may have to throw a tomato at my TV. miley WISHES she could be as inspirational as britney was in her prime.

irma Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 12:44 AM EST

As much as I would love for Britney to perform at the VMA's I think her best move would be to present while looking fabulous of course and take her time before she performs again

Classy Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 12:35 AM EST

Britney is indeed talented and extremely entertaining. She may not have a voice every ear can appreciate (who does?), but she can sing. She can also dance and perform extremely well. Judy Garland wished she could of moved like that.

Laura Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 08:41 PM EST

All of this 'comeback' talk is hilarious. You'd think she was Judy Garland or someone else with actual talent who was returning to former triumphs. Britney has never had any musical (or other) talent whatsoever. Wait - I stand corrected: She was once good at holding snakes and lip-syncing to her over-processed studio vocals.

Laura Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 08:40 PM EST

All of this 'comeback' talk is hilarious. You'd think she was Judy Garland or someone else with actual talent who was returning to former triumphs. Britney has never had any musical (or other) talent whatsoever. Waiy - I stand corrected: She was once good at holding snakes and lip-syncing to her over-processed studio vocals.

BritneyFan19 Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 04:55 PM EST

I'm hoping she'll do a performance and prove all the haters wrong

Joe C Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 04:33 PM EST

Brit has always been a guilty pleasure of mine. I like her music far more than Christina Aguilera's, even though Brit really can't sing and Xtina has a gorgeous voice. Hard to explain why; it is what it is. I'm wondering if Miley Cyrus hasn't already stolen Brit's audience, but I think she should do a medley of her hits from 'Hit me Baby' 'Oops, I did it again' 'Toxic' etc...Go for it, Britster!

Sharlin Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 01:29 PM EST

How about she doesn't go the show at all.

Busby SEO Challenge Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 06:59 AM EST

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Samuel Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 01:17 AM EST

I think Britney should perform Piece of Me. The single is not only nominated for three awards that night, but it was also the biggest single off the Blackout album. I reckon it would be awesome. The performance should start off with hundreds of photographic flashes (strobe affect), and then Britney should enter the stage, that would be awesome! I hope she performs! =)

Raphael Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 10:29 PM EST

I really think that she should just put all of her past vma performances together. then come with a new one to 'i got a plan'.

Stephanie T. Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 04:28 PM EST

Nah Brass, too evil. Perhaps a Miss USA trip on the dress bit.

Yeah, MTV. I doubt they'd listen. Besides it's more like B.P. TV as in Bubble Gum Pop TV. No Lykke Li, no new Elvis Costello.

Brass balls Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 04:13 PM EST

I think it would be outstanding if she died on stage. That's what I want to see.

=] Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 03:41 PM EST

3. Blowing everyone's mind, Britney says she's not going to do anything, but secretly busts out for a cameo during the finale of Madonna and ex-bf Justin Timberlake's "Four Minutes." This time, Madonna and Britney will start to kiss, but Justin will push Madge out of the way and give Brit a smooch, reassuring us that they were just "on a break" and are totally back together now.

this scenario had me on the floor laughing

LOL!!!

=]

Laura Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 03:23 PM EST

wow. the third scenario would just skyrocket them to like over Brangelina couple status.

Tate Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 03:21 PM EST

See, Steph, I think you and I are thinking along the same lines. Call up the guys at MTV and see if we can pitch this idea.

Stephanie T. Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 03:14 PM EST

I am curious. Could it be possible for her to work with a really good vocal teacher so that she can do an unplugged acustic song with a pair of Converse sneakers, ultra dark DKNY jeans and a conservative graphic t? This way she can finally prove that if she CAN sing (which I still doubt), she does not need all of the vocal enhancement equipment used to fix her voice. Simply put, Brit without training wheels.

David Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 02:59 PM EST

I think it would be a good idea if she performed a medly of stronger,overprotected,everytime,piece of me, but as she rises out of the floor it plays "its been a while... i know i shouldnt of kept you waitin but im here now" with footage of her previous VMA perfomances playin in the background... i have more ideas but i dont want to ramble on

Tate Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 02:33 PM EST

Um, yeah...no, I never did watch "Chaotic". I never would. Airhead or not, it just seems to be that the poor girl has taken some - albiet some of it earned. Rather than playing into everyone's hands yet again with the half-naked, overproduced, crappy dance tune performance, I just thought it might be nice to go 180 from that. And what would be more 180 than what I described below. I know it will never happen, but oh well...

RayT Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 02:32 PM EST

Now that the cat's out of the bag, I think she's doomed whatever she does. The best VMA moments are always the ones you never see coming. Not only was the Madonna/Britney/Christina kiss (the last great VMA moment) a surprise, no one even knew Madonna was THERE until a few hours before the show; MTV had shown rare restraint by not even promoting that Madonna was a performer. Even if Britney shows up 20 lbs. lighter with a 100-piece orchestra and belts out "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" in perfect pitch, she's still going to get torn apart by the media the next morning.

Nat X Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 02:23 PM EST

Reading Option #3 with BS coming out during "Four Minutes" actually got my heart racing. Man, if I had a choice, that would be it in a heartbeat. Justin and Britney 4-EVA!!! Even if they didn't make out or anything, I would pay money to see them have a dance-off or something. Darn you, MTV, for actually making me want to tune in to the VMAs.

M Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 02:21 PM EST

Dang! Those are some good ideas...I kind of thought she's say she wasn't going to perform and then dances her butt off to 'Break The Ice'. The lyrics 'It's been a while..sorry to keep you waiting.' and then 'I like this part' and can dance solo to show off her skills. Either way I know she can pull it off.

nunya Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 02:08 PM EST

britney is not capable of levity and introspection. did you ever watch 'chaotic'? i'm not even sure she knows what those 2 words mean. she's always been kind of an airhead.

Tate Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:51 PM EST

Yes, Steph, I suppose my idea was flawed from the beginning. It would be nice to bring the VMA's (and pop culture in general) back down to earth with some levity and introspection. But it won't happen, will it? It really has become a tabloid nation...

Stephanie T. Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:47 PM EST

If you ask me, she should just do a comedy sketch mocking her dreadful performance from last year. Besides, that female impersonator Derek from Americas Got Talent, looks 110 percent better in that Bikini that Brit wore than Brit did. Or she can do an Andy Samberg short film before the show. The girl can't sing (sorry Tate, but singing from the windpipe does not count, nor will it ever count for singing)but she is a fair comedic actress.

Tate Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:22 PM EST

Anyone ever heard John Mayer doing Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'"? He doesn't go for the big peak during the chorus. I don't like it as much as the original, but it's not bad. You guys don't think Brit could pull it off if she does something like that? She can at least carry a tune, even if she doesn't have incredible range, right?

to Tate Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:16 PM EST

do you really think britney could pull off alanis' 'ironic'? britney spears can barely sing!

Tate Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:07 PM EST

LL, your point is well taken. I was thinking that through, as well. I figure most people can carry some semblence of a tune if they sing a little lower and quieter. We all know that "Ironic" carries some serious peaks. That's where I came up with the idea of just one guy accompanying her with a guitar. That way she doesn't have to try to sing out of her range over a band. They can probably find a key she can match.


Again, all of this means nothing, because most everyone just wants to see her come out half-dressed and dancing to some crappy song like most of "Blackout". The VMA people won't want to see "dark and introspective", they want to see "sknaky and urban".

LL Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 12:53 PM EST

Uh, one problem with your idea, Tate... Britney can't sing, especially her slow songs with little accompaniment. I direct you to her SNL performances of "Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know," "Not A Girl (Not Yet A Woman)," and "Everytime." She sounds like a dying animal.

Gina Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 12:43 PM EST

This might be a good thing, just about anything should be better then her last time she was there. Hopefully she will have her head on straight and wear some panties and not have that glazed look. I'm crossing my fingers.

Huffybike Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 12:40 PM EST

I posted a set of audio from the promos: http://www.entertonement.com/clips?keywords=vma+2008

Jackie Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 12:30 PM EST

If number 3 happens I will laugh into the flames of hell. It will be the apocolypse.

elena Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 11:53 AM EST

whatever she does, she better bring it. because she's made great strides to get her life back together (How I Met Your Mother guest stint, custody of kids), and the VMA's should be a huge publicity success for her, HOPEFULLY not a failure. so! I totally agree with number one, lisa. she doesn't need to do anything except be there, and hopefully rock the place, normal-style.

Kate Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 11:40 AM EST

I am pulling for her! I would like her to perform "Stronger"! Now that would be a great song to prove the nay-sayers wrong! Go Brit!

Tate Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 11:01 AM EST

Maybe a bit dark, but I think it's just what the VMA's, the tabloids, the pervs, and the haters all need. It's a dose of reality. It's saying "look what happens" - and, honestly, EVERYONE is to blame for it. She's a girl, a little girl that went through some stuff - all in the public eye, with everyone piling on. If she's truly past all of her stuff, what a beautiful f-you to everyone that performance would be.


But I know it will be another overhyped, oversexed, urban number.

wildecat Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 10:49 AM EST

Whoa, Tate. Little dark for the VMAs, dontcha think??

I actually think her re-doing "Gimme More" is a sort of brilliant idea, as long as she could hit it out of the park.

I really don't care about Britney, but it was so disturbing to see her self-destruct right in the public eye that it kinda makes me happy to see that she has (hopefully) turned her life back around.

Snarf Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 10:44 AM EST

Wouldn't mind her performing "Piece of Me" if she can do it well.

Tate Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 10:36 AM EST

I've been thinking about this for awhile. Stay with me. Britney, dressed conservatively. She is sitting on a bar stool on stage. She is accompanied by one guy, playing an acoustic guitar. The song is a mellow cover of Alanis' "Ironic". In the background, on a huge screen, various clips of her very public life are shown. During the ending verse of the song ("a little TOO ironic, yeah I really do think..."), the clips switch rapidly from her at nine to her all sexed up at 17 to her with a shaved head to her in the stretcher outside of her house.


That right there would turned Britney's whole life/career/image around. That's money, kid.

John Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 10:29 AM EST

She really shouldn't perform unless she can live up to the "Oops" VMA performance of oh so many years ago. She's gotta go all-or-nothing to get any respect. And DO NOT re-do "Gimme More." I wouldn't be mad at it if she busted out "Radar" or "Break the Ice."

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