Britney Spears on 'X-Factor': Awesome or tiresome?

Craig Sat, Dec 6, 2008 at 05:26 PM EST

Seriously, has anyone ever heard Britney sing live and not lip-synch??

Fri, Dec 5, 2008 at 12:04 PM EST

Love her.

bronwen Wed, Dec 3, 2008 at 01:42 AM EST

Britney is fabulous. But let me explain. So many of you are blaming Britney for the wrong things. Britney is not Beyonce, and not an R&B singer. Britney is not Bruce Springsteen, and not a rock singer. Britney is a pop singer, which means ENTERTAINMENT. We buy her music and support her because she brings some happiness and pleasure. Her songs are POSITIVE and often FUN. If you like Emo, don't blame Britney for not singing Emo. Britney is the Queen of Pop.

Shaun Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 06:10 PM EST

Not impressive at all and I'm planning to get her CD for Christmas... she is not the same as she used to be.

Troy Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 06:08 PM EST

It is infuriating to me that Britney Spears is still 'relevant' in the industry today. I recently purchased Deborah Cox's new CD 'The Promise' which is getting no airplay or fan fair. It's a solid album with great tunes and amazing vocals. Yet it's ignored. Instead we are forced to sit and listen/watch this complete trash. What the hell is wrong with you people ?? SERIOUSLY ?? Get off the lame band wagon and start listening to talent instead of trash. You might find you enjoy it.

wakeforce Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 05:59 PM EST

After reading these boards I'm beginning to think that Britney fans are as delusional as the few fans that Michael Jackson has left. You can still like Britney, but come on guys! Let's use some objective. For people who compare her with Madonna or beyonce. Those two are a million times better than Britney. AND THEY WRITE THEIR OWN SONGS!

wakeforce Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 05:49 PM EST

Saw her on GMA and thought the same thing. People have bought the comeback story wholeheartedly that if she doesn't fall on her face, we are satisfied. Her win on the VMAs solidifies this. She has made some great videos but the one she won for was totally undeserving. Bought her new album, but I think Blackout was much better. The new one is just OK.

Auroch McBasma Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 04:50 PM EST

This is the People's Britney.

Pilot Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 12:58 PM EST

Britney rocks. She never actaully sung, when she was rocking the MTV awards with that snake way back when, she wasnt singing shes back the same as she was before and all the same people hate her. and AA i agree the TWILIGHT books sucked and the movie was pointless.

BA Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 08:38 AM EST

She sucks. End of story.

Madonna in Michigan Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 07:45 AM EST

I saw Madonna in concert a couple of weeks ago, and 98% of the show was LIP SYNCHED. She was BORING. REAL TALENT does not lip synch, period. Meatloaf, Bruce Springsteen, Allison Krauss, Dixie Chicks. When you're paying hundred of dollars to see an artist PERFORM, I expect more than lip synching.

dusen Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 07:33 AM EST

Like the song and video, but man, that was lame.

I think it would be better for her, her kids and the world in general if she just called it a day.

Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 07:32 AM EST

Like the song and video, but man, that was lame.

I think it would be better for her, her kids and the world in general if she just called it a day.

Garrett Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 06:58 AM EST

Britney Spears seems to simply have a built-in network of diehard fans. No matter what she does, these people will buy her music and go to her concerts. This should not be surprising. To love her music, in the first place, you had to love her for all the wrong reasons: her dancing, the record label's marketing job, her looks, and the production job done by her team of far-more-musically-informed producers. She's always been a horrible singer, been terrible at writing/picking lyrics, and proven to be very undereducated and narcissistic, having almost no substance to any of her work. Most importantly, though...THE GIRL STILL LIP SYNCHS. If Etta James had done that back when she was Britney's age, that would have been the END of her career as a musician. People need to stop buying into the lie of so-called "artists" like Britney Spears. Madonna may hit a few out-of-tune notes when she performs, but at least she sings live and occasionally has something profound to say.

Adr Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 12:48 AM EST

Enough of the criticisms. Britney's back, whether you like it or not!

aa Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 10:06 PM EST

Britney Rocks!!!

and enough with the twilight obsession, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaassssssssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
enough is enough already!!

Tori Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 10:04 PM EST

lol you are so right Slezak

to heather Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 10:01 PM EST

right....just because you worship britney and her wealth doesn't mean the rest of the world does. britney is a has been who never had any talent, but shamelessly used sex appeal to make up for what she lacks. i prefer real artists: alicia keys, christina aguilera, beyonce, MJB, etc. i'm sick of talentless ppl like britney putting crap out and being applauded for it.

to heather Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 09:55 PM EST

right....just because you worship britney and her wealth doesn't mean the rest of the world does. britney is a has been who never had any talent, but shamelessly used sex appeal to make up for what she lacks. i prefer real artists: alicia keys, christina aguilera, beyonce, MJB, etc. i'm sick of talentless ppl like britney putting crap out and being applauded for it.

heather Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 09:38 PM EST

Chill out everyone!! you guys are all mad that you will never have half the things she has. obviously all of you are jealous!

Sean Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 08:15 PM EST

if beyonce can dance the way she does during single ladies and still sing live, there's no excuse for anyone anymore. lipping is so 1999 britney, get with the times.

GinaVera Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 06:40 PM EST

I love Britney and I'm cheering for her, with all the back flips JT and Beyonce do neither one of the has sold as many records and have as much money as she does. . .so at the end of day as long as people still take time to blog about her is still ching ching for Britney (and the media outlets featuring her including EW).

Kate Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 06:35 PM EST

Britney has always been "the dancer" and she's barely even trying anymore. Beyonce busts her ass dancing on stage AND sings live. Some energy in the dance moves is all I ask for with Britney, but I guess that's too much for her.

Andrea Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 06:34 PM EST

OK, I can never really respect any performer who lip synchs (coughAshleeSimpsoncough) but I think Brit deserves some credit. She has had a very rough year and she's trying to get her act back together. Sure, she's never going to be the same Britney Spears who rocked that snake in her I'm a Slave 4 U performance, but this is miiiiiiiiles better than that hot mess that was her 07 VMA's meltdown. I say good for her, even if I'm going to take a pass on her new album. I was never a huge fan.

Rachel Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 06:16 PM EST

I don't know why she is still around, & why she wants to be. She has never been a good singer, just like her mentor Madonna, GO Away! already the both of you, talentless, tired hags!

dm Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 05:58 PM EST

I can't believe that people are taking Slezak to task over his comments about this. Ok, yes, she looks a lot more coherent than she did at the VMA's (although that doesn't take much), but for a performer of her level and experience this is just LAME. Do people really enjoy watching someone lip-synch? REALLY? For me, if I am paying money to watch someone perform they better do just that - PERFORM. Watching her pose and do half-moves of simple choreography doesn't cut it - nor do I give her props for being able to remember to move her lips to a song she recorded. Sorry, I have higher expectations that that. And yes, she's had a hard time lately - boo hoo. If that is going to be an excuse for this type of performance maybe her handlers should have waited a bit longer to shove her back on the stage. Or better yet, maybe she should learn to say NO to the people who are using her. Just a thought.

BJohnson Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 05:53 PM EST

I'm 33 and I've known that Britney is not a singer. If you gonna make a comeback, I think the dance moves need to be just amazing. This isn't like a 20 year comeback, it's only been a couple of years. So Slezak, it's both. Good or bad, it's publicity and you know either one works. Yes people will cheer at anything. She just does the same thing she did in her video, just walk around while others do the dancing. I guess she's just not ready to do any dancing now, maybe after she sees how the first week's sales go.

Jack Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 04:27 PM EST

Britney is a joke! An image, a pop confection since day one. There is no more sugar in the bowl. There wasn't much to begin with. She started with a bang and will go out with a wimper....

Twist Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 04:23 PM EST

Britney has always been overated! As for her win at MTV - ugh - no more respect for MTV - could it have been anymore planned?!

Carmen Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 04:10 PM EST

She performed like an over the hill exotic dancer which come to think of it she is. Why is Britney Spears so beloved as a pop star again, because I just do not get it.

confidential Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 04:04 PM EST

Britney is simply not a singer. I'm amazed how long she's kept up this fiasco of bright lights and dance moves. She's made a heep of cash and should just fade away. Her career is total Bull$hit!

LB Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 04:01 PM EST

in full agreement with Nate

susan Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 03:46 PM EST

Your right. It is proof that people will cheer for anything. Her performance was exactly how you decribe it. If it makes you feel any better though the X Factor message boards and phone lines were beseiged with irate viewers. They couldn't believe that the contestants had to sing britneys songs live while britney herself mimed. Then she didn't even dance just pranced. She's a long way from the britney of the past. Maybe this "comeback" was rushed.

Classy Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 03:39 PM EST

This wasn't Britney at her ultimate level, but it (along with her other 2 uk performances)was still the best performance I've seen from a pop star since she performed with that snake. She's the only young starlet that really keeps me mesmerized the whole time. And really, that clip is the weakest of her 3 performances overseas. The other two were longer, more intricate, energetic and her costumes were much better. You chose the weakest link in her string of performances, which I would expect of such a devout Britney-basher/Beyonce-butt-kisser. Oh well, she's back and she's just going to keep getting better. This is her season. Everybody else might as well fall back.

Nate Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 03:32 PM EST

See more "give the girl a break" why?? She is supposed to be a professional entertainer. If she wasnt ready to come back then why didnt she wait till she is fully recovered. And her being on "brain meds is another excuse? Well like I just said if the girl isnt ready no one is supposed to talk about her lackluster performances because she is "trying to get healthy?" She is promoting an album, just like anyone else promoting an album we critique their performances. This is a grown woman in a very tough industry where she KNOWS she will get critiqued.

Auds Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 03:28 PM EST

She's horrible. She just needs to stop already. She can't dance, she can barely lipsynch. Boring boring boring.

john Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 03:08 PM EST

This is ridiculous. Give the girl a break. It seems that the only thing EW praises these days is Twilight. If Robert Pattinson or Kristin Stewart would have made a cameo appearance with her, EW would have adored it.

MSR Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 03:05 PM EST

The X-Factor performance was 1,000x better than her first one at the BAMBI awards in Germany. With each one, she's loosening up a bit more and getting more into the routine, as well as more comfortable being in front of a large audience.

I'm crossing my fingers for an amazing performance tomorrow on GMA.

Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 03:04 PM EST

I just think we should give the girl a break. I mean, she spent the first part of THIS year in a mental hospital. She's come a long way since then and she'll keep getting better.

Tim Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 02:58 PM EST

Um... she's also on a couple different brain meds to help her contiue her recovery. She's not likely to be fully hardcore until she's weaned off. it takes a year or two before they'll try, so patience people! She's trying to get healthy.

LB Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 02:54 PM EST

I'm fascinated with all the fascination. An earlier poster stated that her die hard fans keep giving her passes. But the most amazing thing about Britney is that it's not just her die hard fans giving her a pass. EVERYONE gives her a pass. She's lip syncing? Yeah, that's b/c she can't sing (like we'd reasonable expect our singers to sing). She's not dancing up to par with a person worthy of the moniker "princess of pop?" Well, that's b/c she's frail and needs to build her confidence. Sure Britney has her haters, but overwhelmingly the masses don't seem to see that the emperor has no clothes! She'll have a comeback one way or another, with or without talent to back it up. All she needs to do is look reasonably sane.

LB Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 02:54 PM EST

I'm fascinated with all the fascination. An earlier poster stated that her die hard fans keep giving her passes. But the most amazing thing about Britney is that it's not just her die hard fans giving her a pass. EVERYONE gives her a pass. She's lip syncing? Yeah, that's b/c she can't sing (like we'd reasonable expect our singers to sing). She's not dancing up to par with a person worthy of the moniker "princess of pop?" Well, that's b/c she's frail and needs to build her confidence. Sure Britney has her haters, but overwhelmingly the masses don't seem to see that the emperor has no clothes!

Michael Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 02:27 PM EST

Yeah it wasn't her greatest, but I'm a big fan but I could care less about her performances. I'm more into her music, it's not too deep but it's great for the car

Eric C Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 02:25 PM EST

Why are u picking this performance over the one on Star Academy? or Bambi Awards? this performance was clearly the least complex of the three. the other 2 had a great finale and entrance. this one has just flatter.

chris harlow Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 02:18 PM EST

who cares she is nothing but a boring old has been that not really that many people likes only reason why guys "fall"for her is because of her money she is really not that good. oh and in case anyone is interested i ain"t no fan that's why i say what i say

chris harlow Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 02:13 PM EST

brit?

David Duffield Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 02:11 PM EST

One of the contestants, Alexandra, performed Toxic and sang live. She did the original Britney routine (the choreographer on the show also did the original), and was amazing without all the training Britney has. This is why EW go on about Beyonce, she has the goods to back it up. Britney wasn't ready for a comeback.

Nancy Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 02:05 PM EST

I agree. If you're going to lip sync, at least dance until you're out of breath. I was also annoyed that she couldn't even say "It's Britney, b i t c h" at Madonna's show. Really? You had to lip sync three words? Hold her accountable, Slezak. Nobody else is doing it.

Eric Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 02:03 PM EST

I really think she's just nervous. On her documentary last night, they showed her in rehearsals and they were awesome. I think she's just timid at first, the more she does it, the better it'll get.
Also, I sort of ignore Slezak's comments about Britney and Beyonce. They're both way to colored by his personal opinions, that Britney sucks, and Beyonce is God.

Nate Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 02:01 PM EST

I know her diehard fans want to keep giving her a pass on everything but come on. Slezak is right. If she cant get one routine for one song down how is she supposed to sustain a full tour for this album. She isnt singing, which is fine we all know her vocal limitations, but if you arent gonna sing you gotta be bringing it with the dancing. And she just is not at all. Its OK sure, but coming from her VMA disaster anything is ok

Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 02:00 PM EST

Simon Cowell was on Ryan Seacrest's radio show today where he raved about Britney's appearance and what went on backstage...and yes, they talked. So, no, she didn't ban anyone from talking to her.

Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 01:55 PM EST

I think the EW writers have been pretty negative about most things lately...not just Britney Spears. It's annoying.

Jade-UK Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 01:52 PM EST

I'm British and a fan of the X-Factor and the fact that the contestants, that have been performing for 12 weeks are giving better performances than Britney Spears is not goo.

She's had a 10 year career and has sold millions of records, she should be knocking them out of the park. Her mini interview with presenter Dermot was also lack-lustre. Mariah carey was there a couple of weeks back - at least she spoke to the contestants and gave advice. Apparently Britney banned anybody from talking to her. Nice woman eh?

jimi Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 01:37 PM EST

i think that the performances were ok. A little flat, and a little stiff.. not a whole lot of passion. (and no, i can't do it.. but i KNOW she can). In my opinion, I think it's a lack of confidence.. I'm sure her confidence is wrecked after the disaster that was the VMAs (not to mention the disaster that was her personal life). I think after a few more performances, she'll find her dancing feet again and be ok.

mehere Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 01:30 PM EST

Well it was ok for what it was. What it was, to me, was that same little girl who's been told she's special since day one (when not being denigrated by others close to her, since day one) trotting about in Madonna's wardrobe, doing basically a Gypsy Rose strip show without the reveal. When she walks up the catwalk and poses, hip jutting, gives me the creeps. I still feel I'm watching a kid acting out someone's soft porn fantasy. The choreogrpahy was just harsh, nothing fluid there. Then I remember this woman had a nervous breakdown and hope for the best. Show biz is a cruel vicious monster, with its psychic fangs and dollar bills. Want to save yourself, Britney? Back out gracefully. Tell all the hangers-on you're not their meal ticket anymore. Get real. Find something other than applause to give your life meaning. Buy a farm, meditate. Find yourself. Best of luck. Show biz sucks.

AP Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 01:25 PM EST

ummm have you all seen the youtube vid of what she really sounds like in concert...while she's lip synching to her songs? no...well you should totally check out the link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ak1cpi74RM&feature=related

you hear what Brit really sounds like in concert while she's lip synching...someone recorded it and I bet they're all shaking their head or the producers are saying to themselves...how did she ever make it this far???

Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 01:20 PM EST

bottom line: if your a singer who does not sing then you're a fraud. And I can't believe I live in a generation where people are fans of bad singers who don't sing during live shows. Go buy every prince album and discover a true artist. Peace

Nanda Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 01:13 PM EST

I think it was amazing. She looked fantastic and did a great job.

Lets see how well *you* do on a stage, dear.

SH Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 12:42 PM EST

It looked sad. I can't criticize her dancing because I can't do it, but I can tell that it lacked passion. After I watched that documentary on her last night, I didn't come away with feeling like she has her stuff together. She's coherent because people are behind her spoon-feeding it to her. Unfortunately, I don't think she gotten the real psychological help that she NEEDS. After her dad and all the people are gone, what with she do next? For her mental health, I want her to go away for a few years or the public to stop gawking at the train wreck so she can get help.

bruno Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 12:37 PM EST

eaaasy sleezak,
i give her total props. she wasn't drunk (or on "happy pills), she remembered all her moves and words, AND she looked like she was actually having fun....and at least she wasn't wailing abut being a boy (ugh)...

tyler Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 12:35 PM EST

Man, you should have seen Mariah Carey a couple of weeks ago. Robotic, lethargic, she was like a robot running low on batteries.

By the way, GIRLS ALOUD RULE. Ah.

Rasha Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 12:19 PM EST

When it comes to Britney, people will cheer for anything. If she’s coherent, she gets a standing O. I have nothing against Britney, The Person who is trying to put her life back together and raise her kids. I have A LOT against, Britney, The Entertainer who was never that talented to begin with.

David Bishop Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 12:11 PM EST

Awesome - that's American for average, right?

Princess Sophia Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 12:04 PM EST

I watched Brit's performance and I must admit that it was mediocre in terms of her singing (none) and dancing (weak). This album has been months in the making, what has she been doing the past few months, obviously not in the dance studio. If you want the title of "Princess of Pop", you need to bring your A-game and she did not.

jae Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 12:04 PM EST

I blame the choreographer too, lackluster and unimaginative moves -- and i'm a dancer. But she still looks like she's asleep most of the time. Like she's not having any fun.

mark in nyc Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 11:58 AM EST

I am willing to cut her some slack, she has been trying to redeem her image and reputation but, if she is not singing (she is lip synching) and she is not dancing (just moving around) what exactly is she doing? Is it really entertainment?
If you are going to perform, perform. If not, get off stage and practice till you are ready.

donner Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 11:49 AM EST

I think the poor thing is being forced into a comeback before she's ready, and her performances are reflecting that...what's with the 'documentary' of her whining about going to bed before 9:30pm? what's with all the magazine covers, Europe tv shows, and the 'surprise' guest at the Rockefeller tree lighting this Wed? She needs to stay home and get better...really better...less than a year after her massive meltdown and she's being pushed out on the circuit again...leave her be...let her be a mom, let her have a life...is she really that low on cash?

B- Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 11:46 AM EST

Slezak, unless you have formal dance training, you could not pick up an entire routine in 48 hours. Even if Robson coached you intensely. So stop the nonsense homeboy. It sure wasn't my favorite performance from her, but I think that the blame is mainly on the choreographer Andre. She needs someone who will give her more pop. We all know it's not because she can't dance. She can. She just needs better coaching. But the performance was the 1st in a series that she has done since the infamous VMA debacle of 2007. Since then we have seen her private parts, seen her shave her head, and seen her act crazy ridiculous. Did it ever occur to you that Spears is probably nervous with regards to how she will be received by the audience? Give her a chance and I'm sure she will only improve. Also the choreography in the circus video looks improved.

Stanley Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 11:34 AM EST

I think she was Awww-sommm -ee!
http://hidensneek.com/2008/11/30/britney-breaks-ratings-record/

ben Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 11:32 AM EST

This was better than her performances in Germany and France. Although she did have the flaming hoop and the rolling globe in the others, the X Factor routine had more energy. The dancing is still not up to par with her routines during her heyday but definitely better than the VMAs. And please Slezak, cut her some slack. Tons of journalists say "Oh if they give me the chance I could do better". I'd like to see one who actually could do better!

joe Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 11:29 AM EST

her performance on Star Academy was much better. And come on, please give her a break. The girl's come light years in the last few months. She's a completely different person from who she was a year ago and her album's hot.

Now if you could just shut up about Beyonce for one minute...

Ar Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 11:06 AM EST

I agree. She is just walking around! She must have an amazing marketing machine behing her to call this a comeback. She needs to put a bit more effort in!

Mike Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 11:00 AM EST

Yeah, I agree - her performances are lackluster at best. I always accepted that she didn't sing live - I didn't care as long as the show was fun, the dancing was great. But if you aren't going to put 110% into the dancing when you aren't singing, what's the point? But even in her video, notice she doesn't do much dancing either - its everyone around her. She's got the sane look about her again, she seems to have her body back, but she still isn't putting in the work required to put her dancing back to where it used to be. She's just posing now.

Stacey Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 10:58 AM EST

I think she was excellent on XFactor. It takes alot to go back to the stage after a disastarous VMA's. And to perform; it take even more confidence. Slowly, I think she is getting back her confidence of the stage. During "On the Record", she seemed pretty focused in rehearsals. I just think she's slightly afraid of the stage but it's coming back.

So what if she was lip synching. That is what she usually does. And if you're doing a dance routine; it's hard to dance and sing.

X Factor was the best performance of her mini European tour. She was alot more into the performance and added to it. The fire seemed back.

LB Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 10:53 AM EST

And yes, let's talk about the documentary!!

LB Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 10:52 AM EST

Everyone wants her to make a comeback that they're cheering harder and louder than she deserves. Has she made vast improvements from where she was a year ago? Absolutely. Is she where a mega-star should be (in respect to performance quality and performance quality only)? Nope. But we're all so fascinated with her. I keep wanting something deeper or more revelational from her...need to stop expecting that from her. Not sure even why I do expect it.

stephanie Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 10:48 AM EST

um, why don't we talk about the documentary last night instead?? come on, slezak!