...And To All A Good Night

Just got back from Britney's album release/birthday party!!! First went to dinner at Buddakan with my friends from Jive... and yes, I was thrilled 'cause it's the same Buddakan from the Sex and the City movie. (Before you start pokin' fun, remember: Britney likes SATC, too. Ahem, Glamour article, anyone?)

Then we headed over to Brit's party at one of her favorite NYC hotspots, Tenjune. I gotta say, Britney has some hot-ass friends. (Besides moi, of course.) Heidi Klum, Ciara, Jeremy Piven, Josh Lucas — they were all there to support our girl! None were as hot as Brit though... she looked stunning. Simply gorgeous. She seemed a little nervous as she took her spot up front, biting her lower lip and fidgeting with her hands in typical Britney fashion. (It's one of the many reasons we love her... she's so endearing.) But Brit instantly relaxed as Jive President Barry Weiss approached to wish her a happy birthday and a congrats for 10 years of success. Britney looked truly blessed... and happy! Lord knows she deserves it. All in all, it was a perfect end to a perfect day. Happy birthday, Britney, and here's to many more years of success, happiness and all of your dreams coming true.

xx♥
BRITannica

Source: Britney.com

Britney Has Just Arrived!

The following Italicized article is from www.etonline.com:

New photos of vibrant birthday girl Britney Spears striding into her exclusive Birthday Party at trendy Club Tenjune in New York City -- tonight!

While photographers gathered outside, only ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT was invited inside. Coming in minutes -- our exclusive video -- Britney with her birthday cake, Kevin Frazier's one-on-one and interviews with Brit's pal and party-goer Lance Bass will be posted soon!

Source: ET Online

Is Circus Britney Spears' True Comeback LP?

The following Italicized article is from www.mtv.com:

This time last year, it was as if Britney Spears was walking around with a target on her back.

The embattled pop star was the subject of media ridicule following her performance at the 2007 Video Music Awards, and her personal travails were splashed across the pages of the nation's tabloids on an almost weekly basis. She'd just released an album that some had prematurely hailed as her comeback, Blackout, and while the LP was largely considered a commercial hit, to this day, it's yet to eclipse the 1 million-sold mark.

Fast-forward 10 months, and it's a whole new ball game. Spears is still in the spotlight, but rather than attack her, the media has been more sympathetic. Instead of delivering a shaky performance, Brit walked away a winner at the 2008 VMAs, taking home the Moonmen for Best Female Video, Best Pop Video and Video of the Year. She's the most searched topic on Yahoo, and on Sunday, more than 3.7 million viewers tuned in to catch her MTV documentary, "Britney: For the Record." On Tuesday (December 2), she appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America," the same day she released what they're calling her "true comeback" album, Circus.

These days, it seems like everything's coming up Britney. And if early sales estimates are to be believed, Circus will likely outsell Blackout, which opened at #2 with 289,700 sold, behind the Eagles' Long Road Out of Eden.

Roy Trakin, senior editor of Hits magazine, said that his sources inside the industry are predicting Circus will sell more than 300,000 units — and could even reach 400,000 — during its first week in stores, but admitted it could do even more.

"It looks like, at the very minimum, it will hit 300,000, but some people are saying it could do better than that," he said. "But this market, it's not a good market, obviously, and there have already been a couple of real disappointments coming out of the chute, with Kanye West and Guns N' Roses not performing to what they were supposed to perform even three weeks ago. I still think that's pretty good for her."

While 300,000 records might not sound like a lot for an artist as well-known as Spears, in this economic climate, it's tremendous. People are being more frugal with their cash, which could ultimately hurt sales. Then again, when Spears released Blackout, it dropped in early November — not early December, when people spend more time in stores.

Billboard senior correspondent Ed Christman said Spears' recent television appearances, the MTV special and several favorable reviews will likely help sales of the new album, even though sales are down 15 percent from last year. And while 300,000 sold is a modest number, he predicts Circus will sell more over time than Blackout has.

"The industry is telling me she'll do 300,000," he said. "That's from label sales guys, whose job it is to project sales. It's a big album, and there's a lot of goodwill toward her now. In the history of SoundScan, pop artists generally don't have big first weeks. The pop fan is more casual. They go out and get the album when they get the album. It's fans of either metal bands or rap acts who are frantic for the record — salivating — that run out the first day to get the record. So, there are plenty of big albums that have gone on to sell 6 million records that didn't sell 1 million the first week, and Britney falls into that pop category."

According to Trakin, this year's comeback feels more authentic than last year's supposed return.
"Certainly, it seems she's more prepared to come back," he said. "Given what went down on the documentary, I think there are still questions about her stability, her stamina and her desire, as well. Those are certainly issues that need to be dealt with. But there's still tremendous public interest in her. The media is pulling for her, and the critical reviews and word of mouth are certainly a lot better than last time. That will all help her sell records."

If Circus performs well, so will her upcoming tour, which kicks off in March with the Pussycat Dolls as direct support. According to Gary Bongiovanni, editor in chief of Pollstar, the fact that Spears didn't tour in support of Breakdown also bodes well for ticket sales.

"My initial reaction [to Spears' tour announcement] was probably negative, but the more I've thought about it and watched things go on around here, I think this one might be a risk that ends up paying off," he said. "The initial buzz around the record seems to be pretty good, so this one might actually be a winner. It's going to be one of the first tours that goes out in the early part of the year, so it will be interesting to see how well it does."

While album sales aren't currently a strong indicator of how well a tour will do, he said that in Britney's case, A could lead to B.

"There used to be a much more direct correlation between album sales and ticket sales, but it can still be a very good indicator," he said. "If the record falls flat, that would be an indication that whatever audience you thought was there is not. If the record does well, the tour will do well."

Still, Bongiovanni continued, America is experiencing one of the most uncertain economic times in decades, "and how that's going to impact any given tour is always an open question. The thing Britney has going for her is that she's been off the scene for a while. No one has seen her recently, and that could help sell tickets."

Source: MTV

Britney Spears: Inside Her New York Birthday Party

The following Italicized article is from www.eonline.com:

Britney Spears can't stop turning 27—or at least celebrating it, anyway.

Not only did she have a candle-covered cake at a London nightclub on Saturday, but just this morning she was serenaded by celebs like Hugh Jackman after her "Womanizer" performance on Good Morning America.

And as I type this, the doors are about to open for her big circus-themed bash at New York's Tenjune nightclub.

Heidi Klum, Lance Bass and Lipstick Jungle's hot guy Rob Buckley are already there, and the lady of honor should be arriving in the next hour or so. But I've already got some VIP details for you.

Inside, according to a partygoer, the place is done up like a circus tent with a hot-dog stand and popcorn and cotton-candy machines emblazoned with the pop star's name. And outside, there's a huge screen projecting circus imagery.

There's even a dude on stilts.

If you haven't heard by now, Brit-Brit's new album is called Circus.

Make sure to click back later for more details. No doubt the party will be going until the wee hours.

Source: E! Online

Britney Spears is Rockerfeller Plaza Pretty

The following Italicized article is from www.justjared.com:

Britney Spears looks fabulous in a black winter coat with a ruffled collar as tapes her appearance at Rockefeller Center for the New York City Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday night.

Later in the evening, Brit will celebrate her birthday at Tenjune.

See more pics here!

Source: Just Jared

OK! Exclusive: Inside Britney's Diva-Licious Birthday

The following Italicized article is from www.ok-magazine.com:

Is Britney Spears starting to crack under the pressure?

Following a pair of performances on Good Morning America on Tuesday morning, the superstar birthday girl was back to her some of her old diva tricks as she arrived more than an hour late to shoot her pre-taped segment for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at NYC's Rockefeller Center.

"You have no idea how many times Britney has changed things on us, at least 14 times since I got here on Thursday," a source connected to the TV special tells OK!. "It is Britney Spears and she can do that because they want her to boost ratings, but no one is happy putting up with this. I probably shouldn't say this, but guys on the crew were making bets about whether she would show up at all."

One eyewitness tells OK! that Britney had been scheduled to appear live on Wednesday night's broadcast, but that plan was ultimately scrapped in favor of a pre-taped "message."

"She was originally supposed to perform live and then she wanted to pre-tape her performance instead," the source says. "Then she didn't want to do that. She keeps changing her mind and now she's not performing at all."

Following her delayed appearance at Rockefeller Plaza, where it took multiple takes for Britney to record her "Happy Holidays" message, it was off to the Rainbow Room high atop 30 Rock.

Looking elegant in a sexy black dress with her hair swept up, Brit and an entourage of 11, including her manager Larry Rudolph, her assistant, security guards, parents Jamie and Lynne Spears and her boys Sean Preston and Jayden James, sat at a table overlooking Manhattan.

An eyewitness tells OK! that the group dined on carpachio for appetizers and later ate salad, risotto and had a choice of chicken or beef from a pre-set menu.

At one point, Jayden started crying and Britney pulled the toddler on to her lap.

"Jayden kept screaming 'Daddy', it was so sad," the eyewitness tells OK!. "She asked for a high chair. Jayden was throwing a tantrum so Britney picked him up and walked outside. As she did, she literally snapped her fingers at her security guards who immediately got up and followed her outside."

Nanny to the rescue! After failed attempts to calm her son down, Brit finally handed him off to a nanny who quickly left the restaurant.

In the meantime, Britney's other son, Sean Preston, was having a great old time sitting happily next to his grandma, Lynne. Towards the end of the night, servers brought out a giant triple layer chocolate cake with berries and everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to Britney. The table then enjoyed a round of celebratory bellinis.

"Britney ate only the smallest bite of her birthday cake!" the eyewitness tells OK!. "She must be on a strict diet."

Source: OK Magazine

My 2 Cents

Lately I’ve been noticing that a lot of people are saying: ‘Where is the Britney from 2002’? ‘Where’s the girl with bubbly personality’? ‘We want her, we need her!’

But what if the Britney from 2002 does no longer exist?

The Britney from 2002 was destroyed by everyone who wanted something from her.

By her fans who wanted more albums, more performances…just more Britney…By her managers who wanted her to make them more and more money…By Alli Sims who used her for fame…By Sam Lutfi who used her for money and even drugged her for that….By Kevin who admitted to never really loving her…

Most of the persons she knew, love and trusted used her…the people who were supposed to adore her used her.

And what did that result in?

As a result we got Britney 2008. A woman who has been through hell…who has been through things I hope you never have to go through.

And yet she is still trying to please us, give us what we want…but at the same time she knows that she needs to come first….she comes first and then us.

And lately I’ve been also noticing that the fans are criticizing her more then the press. And that makes one wonder…

Here we have a woman who’s doing her best to rebuild her career, who’s pushing herself to the limit to please us again…But guess what?

It still isn’t good enough for some of you.

In fact, we’ve come to a point where nothing is ever good enough anymore.

She’s making music video’s, doing performances, giving interviews, doing photoshoots, releasing a new album…you name it…and it still isn’t good enough…so what is good enough?

When she’s not being the bubbly personality you want her to be you call her sad and depressed..saying that that isn’t the true Britney…

But what if…

What if that Britney in the interviews and photoshoots is the real Britney?

Like I said, Britney has been through hell…and that makes a person harder, less bubbly…it makes you realise that the world isn’t such a nice place…it makes you into what Britney now is.

And what if she’s happy being the person she is right now? What if she’s happy with the way everything is going now? Isn’t that the most important thing? Isn’t how she feels the most important thing?

And then who are we to push her again, criticize her for getting a Starbucks or not wearing the outfit that you like? Look what happened the last time people pushed her…

You can state your opinion, that’s fine…but there’s a fine line between stating your opinion and breaking someone down…and some of you are crossing that line.

You don’t kick a dog that is down…and you also don’t kick a dog when it’s trying to get up.

-Tom.

Britney’s 27th ‘Circus’ Birthday

The following Italicized article is from www.accesshollywood.com:

Britney Spears celebrated her 27th birthday doing what her fans love to see her do most — performing.

The pop star continued her comeback with an appearance on “Good Morning America” Tuesday morning at the Big Apple Circus tent at New York’s Lincoln Center.

Britney, who was dressed as a ringmaster, made a grand entrance on a circus wagon with jugglers, clowns and performers in animal costumes accompanying her, before performing her hit single, “Womanizer.”

The pop star’s festive appearance coincides with the release of her sixth studio album, “Circus.”
“GMA” host Robin Roberts noted that Brit’s appearance was “our concert event of the year.”
Robin’s co-host, Diane Sawyer, agreed, saying, “There are about a gazillion people [here].”

The “gazillion” people included Brit’s sons, Preston and Jayden, and her mom, Lynne Spears and brother Bryan.

And it wasn’t only just family wishing Britney a happy birthday. During the broadcast, a slew of stars, including Taylor Swift, John Travolta, Nicollette Sheridan, Teri Hatcher, Reese Witherspoon and Hugh Jackman – who sang “Happy Birthday” to the pop star – sent well wishes to Britney via taped greetings.

“You look great,” Reese said to Brit, “and I hope you have a great day.”

Robin and Diane ended the celebration by surprising Brit with a circus-themed birthday cake.

Source: Access Hollywood

Britney Spears Plots 'Circus' Tour

The following Italicized article is from www.billboard.com:

As first tipped here in October, Britney Spears will embark on her first arena tour in five years next spring. The "Circus Starring Britney Spears" jaunt begins March 3 in New Orleans, with support from the Pussycat Dolls.

Spears will start rehearsals next month with longtime choreographer Wade Robson. In addition to the North American dates, which run through April 28 in Chicago, Spears will play London's O2 Arena on June 3-4.

Tour promoter AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips says online registration to buy presale tickets for the O2 shows are "huge. We haven't even run an ad yet and we've sold over 100,000 tickets."

The artist's new album, "Circus," is out today (Dec. 2) via Jive. First single "Womanizer" has already set a record for biggest jump to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 after rocketing 96-1.

Source: Billboard

Britney Spears Wows Fans, Family With 'Good Morning America' Birthday Performance

The following Italicized article is from www.mtv.com:

Britney Spears kicked off her 27th birthday Tuesday (December 2) not just with the release of her Circus album, but with a performance on "Good Morning America." Fans lined up in Times Square, where the mini concert was held, hoping for the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Britney in person.

The performance found Britney decked out in her Circus gear: midriff-baring shirt, a ringmaster jacket and top hat, and she alternated between hot pants and a pair of body-hugging leather pants. Brit and a group of dancers, jugglers and performers dressed as circus animals performed two songs from the album: the title track and "Womanizer," which also were featured in the singer's documentary, "For the Record," which premiered on MTV Sunday night and is re-airing throughout the week.

Spears also announced her world tour dates, which will begin in her home state of Louisiana on March 3, 2009. The Pussycat Dolls will be the supporting act.

Fans were cheering so loudly that Britney said she couldn't hear a thing. "That's so sweet," she said. "Thank you!" During the show, celebrities including Hugh Jackman, Reese Witherspoon, John Travolta and Taylor Swift sent the pop star birthday wishes, and "GMA" hosts Robin Roberts and Diane Sawyer presented her with a birthday cake.

Also in attendance were Britney's young sons, Jayden James and Sean Preston, and her mom, Lynne.

"They were cheering her on, they were excited! They were so cute," said fan Emily Rehm, who, along with friend Giffy Rahini, was seated two rows behind Britney's family at the performance. "[Britney's set] was so amazing. It was awesome."

"It was incredible, better than what I expected," said Dayna Caerafice, who was with her friend Jessica Mullen. "It was hot. It was amazing."

"[She looked] better than she's ever looked before," the friends said. "She just looked amazing." The duo, who got there at 6 a.m., even made special T-shirts to show their support for Britney, although they were less than pleased with the results. "Well, my printer was having a mishap," Mullen joked, displaying the shirt. "This was her face, but it's not anymore."

Three other fans, who traveled from Maryland and Washington, D.C., to attend Spears' big "GMA" performance, told MTV News that the experience was well worth the effort. "It was great. It was my first time ever seeing her live," said Jamal Jolly, who was with friends Anthony Johnson Jr. and William Jefferson. "Britney's back!"

Source: MTV

Guess Who's #1 On iTunes...

Britney Performing 'Circus' On Good Morning America

Britney's North American Tour Dates Revealed!

The following Italicized article is from www.ok-magazine.com:

The Britney Spears comeback train just keeps gaining momentum!

On the eve of her 27th birthday, the singer unveiled a huge present for her fans--revealing twenty new North American tour dates for her 2009 world tour to promote her album, Circus.

This is Brit's first major tour in years---and her first live shows since performing a handful of random, critically panned concerts at the House of Blues in 2007. The Pussycat Dolls will open on the new tour, which starts March 3 in New Orleans and ends on April 28 in Rosemont, Illinois.

Brit will also perform two London, U.K. shows in June.

Source: OK Magazine

Stream Good Morning America Live

'The Circus Starring: Britney Spears' Commercial

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