Crazy Is Really, Really Expensive

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

New bills in the Britney Spears conservatorship case -- No, she's not really crazy, but she's forced to spend like a crazy woman.

According to court documents, Britney's court-appointed attorney, Samuel Ingram, billed her for 663.4 hours over a seven-month period. Grand total -- $248,625. Who says you can't put a price on a mother's love?

In a separate filing, the attorney for Britney's dad, Geraldine Wyle, wants herself some reimbursements -- including $655.50 for photocopying and $25 for a private room at the courthouse. Every little bit helps.

Source: TMZ

Stars Align for Britney

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

After last year's disastrous performance at the VMAs, the pressure was on Britney Spears to shine like she used to. According to the assembled celebs, the Britster's star was shining as bright as ever.

Out on the red carpet before the show, attendees told OK! they were excited to see Britney perform and do well.

"I think she’s going to kill it," said DJ AM. "I’m very excited for her. I’m a fan – haven’t seen her in a while because she’s been in the gym doing push-ups and she’s going to come out and blow everybody away."

Def Jam founder Russell Simmons was also optimistic and hopeful for Brit, telling OK! the pop star deserves to do well. "I hope she blows it up. She’s worked so hard. They’re so mean to her. They’re so hard on her."

In the press room during the show, The Hills star Lauren Conrad raved over Britney's awards night look.

"She looks amazing," she said. "I was kind of hoping for a performance but that’s just because I’m a Britney fan."

As Britney accepted another award on the screen in the press room, LC got nervous that she's about to miss her performance. "Did I just miss it? I was about to do a mad sprint."

Britney walked away from the ceremony with three awards: Best Female Video, Best Pop Video and the coveted Best Video of the Year, awards that many were delighted to see her receive.

Host Russell Brand, who appeared in a number of promo spots for the VMAs with Britney, was happy she won her first three Moonmen.

"I really enjoyed it," he told reporters of the night overall. "I had a lovely time. I liked Britney winning the awards and the bit where Lil Wayne touched my legs."

Britney's former party partner, Paris Hilton, was also happy for her old friend.

"I actually just presented her an award," said Paris of the silver-clad popstar. "She looks beautiful. I’m so happy for her."

What was that Paris said on stage as she handed her the award for Best Pop Video?

"I love you. I miss you and so good to see you. She looked beautiful. I love her dress," Paris gushed.

If that kind of a night isn't a comeback, we don't know what is.

Source: OK Magazine

VMAs: The Top 10 Things You Didn't See On TV

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

1. After winning three Moonmen, including video of the year, Britney Spears got cold feet before she met the press. She peeked into the media room with personal assistants and camera crew in tow, then promptly turned around and left.

A few moments later, Chris Brown hurried in to take her place -- prompting a round of disappointed "Awwwww!" from disappointed Britney-wannabe paparazzi (a reaction that seemed to miff Brown, who maybe didn't understand that he wasn't being booed personally.) Never fear, Britney returned after Brown; she said nothing and posed for just a few quick pictures as she juggled her trophies. After the show, host Russell Brand described the event as "the resurrection of Britney Spears. I saw stigmata."

2. Impromptu "Best Dressed" MTV Awards were handed out on the red carpet -- winners included Ne-Yo for his Louis Vuitton sunglasses and blogger Perez Hilton for his pale yellow plaid suit. The awards were a far cry from a Moonman, however. They were actually wind-up toys of a kiwi bird glued to a 99-cent store-quality plaque.

3. Video game "Rock Band 2" set up shop at the end of the red carpet, where talent could get their riff on before entering the awards show. T-Pain played the game with the most gusto, taking turns on both the drum kit as well as the guitar on the Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer."

4. Tokio Hotel's gigantic four-by-four truck competed for space with, yes, the omnipresent blinged-out VMA elephant in the Paramount lot six hours before the show started. The truck was bigger -- barely. Before the show, Tokio Hotel frontman Bill Kaulitz said that he hadn't prepared any remarks because there was "no way we're going to win ... there is NO WAY we're going to win." And, in true VMA karma, the band won the Moonman for best new artist two hours later.

5. The show was filmed in Lot 16 at the 62-acre Paramount Studios; it's the furthest from the main studio entrance on Melrose Avenue, so once talent did their red carpet duties, the limos drove them through the studio's back lot to the stage. The non-famous were moved back in golf carts (ala the exit from Britney Spears and Russell Brand) or in shuttles -- or hoofed it by their own power.

6. As they went down the red carpet, Shwayze and Cisco Adler tried to start a number of rumors about the unannounced performances to follow: Michael Jackson was going to appear with Kanye West, Britney Spears was going to ride in on the elephant, Snoop Dogg and Willie Nelson were going to play a game of "old-fashioned Thai ping-pong." They saw rehearsals, they swore. Trust them.

7. Yep, one of the big applause lines of the night was Russell Brand's appeal: "Please elect Barack Obama, please. On behalf of the world." Sure enough, Obama gear was omnipresent on the red carpet among the entourages of stars. Alex DeLeon of the Cab wore a black-and-white wristband showing his support for the candidate, and Atmosphere arrived in car decked out with Obama swag.

8. So what do the celebrities walk off with in their goodie bags? Among other baubles, a five-day stay in a five-star resort in the Dominican Republic, a pair of Fendi sunglasses, a purse made of "woven, bronze metallic patent lambskin," a full year of Rhapsody service, enough cashmere goodies to fill a wardrobe and a Baby Quasar, "a revolutionary photo rejuvenation anti-aging and acne skincare system." Not, apparently, for use on babies.

9. The audience inside the auditorium was served several rounds of champagne during the show. This did not aid the audience in getting the correct answers to the trivia questions they showed on screens during commercial breaks. (Who's won the most Moonmen for Best Rock Video in VMA history? Aerosmith, FYI.)

10. So who won the professional categories that weren't shown on TV? Gnarls Barkley's "Run" won for best art direction and best choreography; "Honey" by Erykah Badu won for best direction; "I Will Possess Your Heart" by Death Cab For Cutie won for best editing; "Conquest" by White Stripes took the Moonman for best cinematography; and Kanye West and T-Pain won for best special effects for "Good Life."

Source: Billboard

Britney Spears Wins BIG At The 2008 MTV VMAs

OMG OMG OMG OMG … seriously, that was pretty much all I could muster last night as Britney Spears won her first ever award, Best Female Video, at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards last night. I was so fortunate to be on hand to actually watch our dear Britney not only win her first MTV VMA but two more VMAs thruout the night. After her Best Female win, she went on to win Best Pop Video and the biggest award of the night Video of the Year. I will do a proper VMAs recap post but this one is all about my girl, Britney Spears.

To get the night started off right, Brit Brit took to the stage in a beautiful sparkly silver dress and with her shy and coy manner wished the VMAs a Happy 25th Birthday and officially kicked off the night’s festivities … then she she just sat back with her steadfast manager Larry Rudolph at her side and collected awards at regular intervals thruout the night — which were all absolutely well-deserved:
It was Britney’s night! The pop star made a triumphant return to MTV’s Video Music Awards, winning three Moonmen, including the night’s big honor, video of the year, for her hit “Piece of Me.” “I’m in shock,” the grateful singer said after accepting her third award of the night from NBA star Kobe Bryant. Spears, of course, was the subject of much speculation and excitement after word spread that she would be opening the ceremony. She looked a little nervous at first, but proved to be in fighting form in a vintage silver Versace minidress. After being escorted from her dressing room, Spears took center stage, clutched the microphone tightly and announced, “I’m here tonight to celebrate a very important birthday.” Continued Spears: “This is the 25th Video Music Awards – and it starts right now.” … Moments later, Spears was back to accept her first VMA ever. Nominated for 16 Moonmen in the past, the pop star nabbed the first award of the night, best female video, for her song “Piece of Me.” Spears gave a brief speech, thanking God for “just blessing me like this,” calling out her two sons and dedicating the award to her fans. “This is for you,” she said … Spears later picked up her second award for best pop video, also for “Piece of Me.” “I’m speechless,” she chiped as she offered thanks to manager Larry Rudolph, who accompanied her to the show, and her fans.

And then, of course, she took home the last and biggest award of the night, Video of the Year. It really was Britney’s night. Absolutely everyone was talking about her from beginning to end. I just find it so remarkable how much everybody loves her … even the haters can’t stop talking about her. She was absolutely triumphant last night and it was a beautiful sight to behold.

Of all the years that Britney Spears has been nominated for MTV VMAs and after all the amazing, landmark performances she has turned in for the awards show … last night was Britney’s first night on the winning end of the VMAs. In my estimation, she won the night’s top awards and did so with style and cute grace, a far cry from the sad days when Britney had hit rock bottom. Here is Britney accepting her award for the Best Female Video for Piece of Me:
Here is a pic Brit accepting her Best Pop Video award for Piece of Me:
And Britters accepting the Video of the Year award, again, for Piece of Me:
I thought it was very fitting of Britney to thank and dedicate her awards to her fans. She has so many loyal admirers, I’m glad she realizes how much she is loved. I was in the VIP green room for the duration of the show and was standing near Wayne Isham, the famed video director who also directed Piece of Me and he looked very pleased that his video had won so many awards but I heard him explain to his friends how proud he was of Britney that she was finally honored for her accomplishments. Additionally, I’m pretty sure that Larry Rudolph, Britney’s long-time on-again-off-again manager was pretty proud himself, he was beaming from ear to ear all night long:
Honestly, the Britney faithful were out in force last night. As I said, everyone was talking about her before the show and all night after the show in celebration of her wins. As soon as Brit won her first award, I started getting emails from Pink readers in jubilation … it was such a great night for her. I’m thrilled that this is where her life is again … back on top, where she belongs. Hopefully, the best is yet to come!

Source: Pink is The New Blog

Britney Steals Show At Drama-Free VMAs

No Madonna kiss. No Michael Jackson cameo. No flying Howard Stern. Not even a Kanye tantrum.

MTV has set a high standard for the unexpected at its Video Music Awards, but on the show's 25th anniversary, the network instead settled for throwing its full support behind Britney Spears' comeback. Spears won a leading three awards, including video of the year for "Piece of Me."

Any spontaneity was left to host Russell Brand, the British comic whose rock star style and outlandish candor gave the Los Angeles show a pulse.

But at the end of the night Sunday, even the manic and mangy Brand -- a confessed former sex addict -- could only summon a comic semi-feud with the young Jonas Brothers over their premarital celibacy.

But while Brand was unpredictable, witty and offensive, Spears was resolutely careful, determined to set right her pop star image.

She was, after all, returning to the scene of the crime, so to speak. At last year's VMAs -- Britney Comeback 1.0 -- her unpolished performance was roundly disparaged.

In each acceptance speech Sunday, Spears spoke briefly, thanked God and dedicated the awards to her fans. Even while opening the show, she was all business, zipping through her few lines of introduction.

"Thank you so much," she said flatly as the crowd greeted her with a standing ovation. "Thank you for all the love."

MTV has a habit of reengineering the VMAs every year, and, true to form, took this year's show to the Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles. After last year's awards, splashed throughout a Las Vegas hotel, MTV re-centered the action to a more traditional main stage.

The performances, though, often traveled back into the reaches of the Paramount lot. The Jonas Brothers played their song "Lovebug" on a fake building's stoop, before the set fell away and throngs of screaming fans ran down fictional city streets to surround them.

Unwittingly, the Jonas Brothers -- one of the hottest young acts to the MTV audience -- became the night's biggest talking point. Brand repeatedly joked about their purity rings, which each wears as a symbol of their vow not to have premarital sex. At one point, Brand brandished one as if he had won it from a Jonas brother.

"American Idol" champ -- and fellow promise ring wearer -- Jordin Sparks defended the brothers while presenting an award: "I just wanna say, it's not bad to wear a promise ring because not every guy and a girl wants to be a slut, OK?"

Brand was happy to apologize for any hurt feelings, but only to such a degree. After the show, he told The Associated Press, "I feel a bit bad that I kept talking about their vows to chastity and I'd like to take this opportunity to say no one ever have sex again. It's a mad idea. What a way to spend an evening."

A celebrity in England but relatively unknown in the States, Brand proved an interesting mix with the VMA crowd, who seemed unsure of how to react to his lack of political correctness. In his opening monologue, he joked about Madonna, virgins and President Bush, whom he called "that retarded cowboy fellow."

He pleaded, "Please, America, elect Barack Obama. On behalf of the world." Some in the star-studded crowd cheered, while others -- like Spears -- sat quietly.

The rest of the evening was mostly given to performances, many of which paired performers in unusual combinations. The prim and proper Leona Lewis joined Lil' Wayne, who later joined Kid Rock. Lil' Wayne took home the best hip hop video for "Lollipop."

T.I., who is currently serving 1,000 hours of community service and will afterward serve a year in prison for federal weapons charges, performed with Rihanna.

Closing the night was Kanye West who, like Spears, was hoping for a second chance after a disappointing VMA experience last year. In Las Vegas, he had a Kanye-sized hissy fit backstage and vowed never to appear at the VMAs again after he didn't get a Moonman trophy despite several nominations.

West again went home without an award this year; there were only eight awards in total. Videos from Chris Brown ("With You"), Linkin Park ("Shadow of the Day") and the Pussycat Dolls ("When I Grow Up") took home awards for best male video, best rock video and best dancing in a video, respectively.

Best new artist went to Tokio Hotel, while Spears' "Piece of Me" won for best female video, best pop video and video of the year.

Source: CNN

Brit Wins Big at VMAs

The following italicized article is from www.extratv.warnerbros.com:

The pop princess has been restored to the royal house!

A sparkling Britney Spears took home three "moon men" at Sunday night's Video Music Awards -- proving that her reign in the music world is far from over -- by nabbing honors for Best Female Video, Best Pop Video and Best Video of the Year for her hit, "Piece of Me." Just seven months ago, she was hospitalized with a psychiatric disorder, and her father became her conservator.

A shocked Spears, who won her first MTV VMA award ever last night after 16 nominations, said, "I'm speechless. Oh, my goodness, thank you! I first wanna thank God for blessing me like this, and my family -- my two beautiful boys for inspiring me everyday."

Host Russell Brand brought the laughs to the stage -- but some felt he crossed a line when he poked fun at the Jonas Brothers for their purity rings. After being blasted by Idol Jordin Sparks later in the evening, the Brit comic apologized onstage.

Source: Extra TV

Britney Scores Redemption—And Three Moonmen—At VMAs

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

In the end, all that buzz for the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards was more or less for naught.

Britney Spears showed up. Michael Jackson did not. Russell Brand did, though if the early reactions of bloggers and Jordin Sparks are any indication, he may wish he hadn't come tomorrow's more formal reviews of his emceeing skills.

And in between the edgy banter and star-studded performances, a few awards were even handed out along the way.

Most of which seemed to go to Spears, the night's official comeback kid.

"Thank you so much," she said, taking the stage at the show's start to a standing ovation from the much more pared-down than usual audience.

"Thank you for all the love. I'm here tonight to celebrate a very important birthday, the 25th anniversary of the VMAs."

While the pop star clearly made good on her promise to open the VMAs—doing so in seemingly record time and on the briefest of cue card-reading technicalities—she did not end up performing at the awards bash, but did manage to score redemption in another way, taking home her first ever Moonmen.

A spiffed and toned up Spears bagged three awards in total over the course of the night, winning Best Female Video, Best Pop Video and the top prize of the night, Video of the Year, for her single, "Piece of Me."

"I first wanna thank God for blessing me like this," she said of her first win, before dedicating the award to her fans. "This is for you."

She was equally succinct in her Video of the Year award acceptance speech.

"Wow. I'm in shock right now. I was not expecting this!"

To kick off the show, Spears appeared in a pretaped segment with Superbad's super randy Jonah Hill, who, as coincidence would have it, is next set to costar alongside host Brand in a sequel to Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

Source: E! Online

Chris Brown Britney Spears Songs

The following italicized article is from www.popcrunch.com:

R&B heart-throb Chris Brown has written two new songs for labelmate Britney Spears’ eagerly-awaited “comeback” album.

Chris, who has already successfully penned the smash hit “Disturbia” for girlfriend Rihanna, says Jive bosses have enlisted him to work his magic on Madam Spears.

“I actually wrote a couple songs for her now. We’re on the same label, so all the executives heard the records and they love the records, so hopefully she’ll cut it. But if she doesn’t, oh well, we’ll go back in the studio and still do some more records for her.”

Source: Pop Crunch

Brit in Snit with Mama Over Book

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

So as we told you yesterday, all that dish you've heard is in the Lynne Spears book about sex and drugs –- ain't really there.

But Britney is still PO'd about the book because it blames everything on Brit's ex-managers, says the New York Post and makes Lynne look like a saint. The paper says she's only talking to her daddy Jamie, who's got her on an even keel, as everyone could see last night at the VMAs.

Spears' rep says the report is "false."

Source: TMZ

Brit Still Celebrating Her Wins!

The following italicized article is from www.x17online.com:

Brit's STILL inside the VMA's after-party at Paramount Studios. Some celebs have started to trickle out and a big bash is planned at the Chateau Marmont.

Let's see where Britney heads next! Congrats, Queen B!

Oh, and it wasn't JUST Britney winning awards ... here's a list of all the artists who got Moon Men tonight:

Video of the year - Britney Spears, "Piece of Me."
Female video - Britney Spears, "Piece of Me."
Male video - Chris Brown, "With You."
Rock video - Linkin Park, "Shadow of the Day."
Hip-hop video - Lil Wayne, "Lollipop."
Pop video - Britney Spears, "Piece of Me."
Dancing in a video - The Pussycat Dolls, "When I Grow Up."
New artist - Tokio Hotel

Source: X17

It's Britney Spears' Night At The VMAs

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

Britney won her first (and second, and third) Moonman, the Jonas Brothers flooded the fake streets of New York with screaming fans, Pink tossed a dude down a flight of steps, Weezy nearly lost his pants and host Russell Brand told a bunch of jokes you're probably still trying to untangle, which, we can assure you, were very, very, very dirty. It was a historic night for rehabbing pop star Britney Spears, who not only picked up the first VMA of her career, but capped her hat trick with the ultimate prize: Video of the Year.

The 25th annual MTV Video Music Awards were full of those kinds of firsts, but perhaps the one people were looking forward to the most was the first VMA appearance by Spears since last year's notorious onstage debacle. And, to the delight of her fans, Spears knocked it out of the park, opening the show by repeatedly turning down some not-so-slick advances from "Superbad" funnyman Jonah Hill. Showing off some of her "How I Met Your Mother" comedy chops, Spears then shimmied to the stage, looking amazing in a silver, shimmering flapper dress, and welcomed the crowd to the show.

Wearing his signature skintight trousers, black jacket, assorted shiny baubles and a bemused look, Brand introduced the show by ticking off a list of the night's guests, which he said included some of the "world's most famous stars ... and me." Assuring the audience that he's famous in his native England, Brand gave proof by saying that without that fame, his electric-shock haircut "could be mistaken for mental illness."

A quick rundown of the not-even-close-to-appropriate-for-prime-time references Brand made over the course of the night: something about Madonna, Alex Rodriguez and baseball equipment; a bit about how his nether regions are well-lubricated by cherry ChapStick; a pledge to masturbate more that was inspired by Lil Wayne, who he appeared to invite to join him in the bathroom, or not; a cringe-worthy R. Kelly reference; and a string of jokes at the expense of the chaste Jonas Brothers, including some very unclean references to their purity rings.

It wasn't all randy English jokes, though. There were plenty of musical highlights as well.

Rihanna opened the show with a spooky take on "Disturbia," preceded by a procession of zombies as she was rolled onto the stage in what looked like a giant metallic wedding cake, wearing a black bustier and looking like a robot from the postapocalyptic future. A short time later, T.I. returned to the VMA stage to perform "Whatever You Like." Escorting a fine young lady in a hot-pink dress, the dapper rapper walked his friend across the Paramount backlot, taking her to a fur shop, a club and in a ride in his Phantom, all the while explaining the lengths of his largesse, which included, in order, stacks of cash, Patrón on ice, popped bottles and a private jet.

There were also some awards handed out. Picking up her first Moonman, for Best Female Video — which she won over another VMA lady-in-waiting, Mariah Carey — Britney called the moment "an honor" and thanked God, her fans, her family and her "beautiful boys." She repeated those thanks later in the show, when she took the Best Pop Video, also for "Piece of Me," professing to be "speechless" but saying, "This means a lot. Thank you."

But by the end of the night, when a truly surprised-looking Brit picked up Video of the Year, also for "Piece of Me," she professed to be "in shock right now." Saying she wasn't expecting the award, Spears again thanked her family, adding, "I just want to dedicate this to all my amazing fans out there for all of your support."

Source: MTV

Britney Bounces Back With Three VMA Wins

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

Britney Spears returned to the MTV Video Music Awards in a major way tonight (Sept. 7) in Los Angeles, getting the last laugh after a disastrous 2007 appearance by winning the first three awards of her career: female video, pop video and video of the year for "Piece of Me."

Spears was the talk of the 2007 VMAs for all the wrong reasons following her lethargic performance of "Gimme More" as part of the opening segment. But she was a picture of professionalism and poise this time around, as she introduced the show and appeared in a comedic pre-show sketch with actor Jonah Hill. She also guested in several promo ads with host Russell Brand.

"Wow. I'm in shock right now. I was not expecting this!," Spears said after accepting the video of the year trophy, the biggest prize of the night. Chris Brown won male video of the year for "With You," while the Pussycat Dolls won for best dancing in a video with "When I Grow Up" and Linkin Park took home best rock video for "Shadow of the Day."

Source: Billboard

Britney Poses With Paris Hilton & Jonas Brothers Backstage

After posing with her new Moon Man awards in the press room, Britney took some time to snap pics with the Jonas Brothers (and Taylor Swift, girlfriend to Joe Jonas). "We really hope we get to meet her," Kevin Jonas told Usmagazine.com following their rehearsal at Paramount Studios for the VMAs this morning. "That would be an honor," Kevin added. Kevin's brothers agreed saying "I wanna meet her." "She was the first CD I ever bought, so it would be cool," Joe revealed. Looks like they got their wish!

Source: Breathe Heavy

Britney Poses With Her 3 VMA Moon Man Awards In Press Room

Britney is seen here (in a new dress) holding her newly won Moon Man awards after sweeping the award show with THREE wins including "Best Female Video," "Best Pop Video," & the coveted "Video of the Year" award! Congrats!

Source: Breathe Heavy

The Brit's Eye View from Backstage

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

The red carpet of the Video Music Awards was its own kind of eye popping spectacle, but during the show I couldn't take my eyes off Britney Spears. And I wasn't the only one, She had at least two bodyguards watching over her the whole time. At one point a fan tried to approach her but one of the guys gently told him to beat it.

Taylor Swift got better treatment, however, and just walked over to chat with Brit, who then posed for pics and gabbed with the Jonas Brothers. Britney gave a hug and kiss to her former bodyguard, Big Rob, who now works for the Jonas Brothers.

Even though Britney won her first VMA early in the show for best female video (and two more later) she seemed pretty mellow over all.

After the show, Britney took a walk through the lot to Stage 11 where the press was waiting for her. As she walked through, she was like the piper piper....press and fans were following her like mice...and more and more people kept joining the herd that was following her. If was a like a fairy tale, but one that ended abruptly.

One moment she was getting touched up in a make up mirror just outside the press area…and then she was gone, whisked into a photo-only area where no pesky questions could be asked.

Who could blame her for that (besides me, of course). She looked fab, kept it together and seems like she's getting her career back on the good foot.

Brava Britney!

Source: E! Online

Britney’s Comeback: Three VMAs!

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

Moments after kicking off the 25th annual MTV “Video Music Awards” on Sunday night, Britney Spears returned to the stage – to claim her first Moonman!

Brit, looking stunning in a silver mini-dress, took home the award for Best Female Video for “Pieces of Me.” The pop star went on to win all three of her nominations.

Brit also picked up the trophies for Best Pop Video and the VMAs’ biggest award, Video of the Year.

She had been nominated for 16 VMAs over the years, however, these were her first wins.

“First I want to thank God,” she said as she took the stage to accept her the trophy for Best Female Video. “[And] my two beautiful boys for inspiring me every day and my fans, this is for you. Thank you so much!”

Source: Access Hollywood

Britney Wins First Video Music Award

The following italicized article is from www.people.com:

Britney was back in fighting form at MTV's Video Music Awards Sunday night – opening the show and nabbing her first win.

A nervous Britney Spears opened the 25th edition of the VMAs, live from Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, in a vintage silver Versace mini-dress after being escorted from her nearby dressing room.

Spears took center stage, clutched the microphone tight, and announced, "I'm here tonight to celebrate a very important birthday." Continued Spears: "This is the 25th Video Music Awards – and it starts right now."

With that, the pop star was gone, ceding the stage to a futuristic-looking Rihanna, who launched into her hit "Disturbia" with a goth-themed entourage touting glow sticks and leather.

Moments later, Spears was back to accept her first VMA ever.

Nominated for 16 Moonmen in the past, the pop star nabbed best female video for her song "Piece of Me." A grateful Spears gave a brief speech, thanking God for "just blessing me like this," calling out her two sons and dedicating the award to her fans. "This is for you," Spears said.

And her fans were everywhere Sunday night. Haley Williams from Paramore saw Spears backstage and was overheard remarking to a bandmate, "Man, Britney looks really pretty."

Host Russell Brand seemed to stun the audience with his high-minded, political comedy, making jokes at the expense of President George Bush ("In England, George Bush wouldn't be trusted with a pair of scissors") and remarks about nominees the Jonas Brothers and their purity rings.

Second award of the night went to Chris Brown – best male video for his "With You" video.

One unique factor about this year's show: The diversity of performance spots. The Jonas Brothers offered a stripped down, acoustic version of their song "Love Bug" on a city street set, before launching into an electric finale on a stage that was mobbed by adoring teenage fans.

Rockers Paramore performed from legendary rock club Whisky A Go Go, but were bested by Linkin Park for best rock video honors.

Source: People

Britney Spears Sweeps VMAs, Thanks "My Beautiful Boys for Inspiring Me"

The following italicized article is from www.usmagazine.com:

Britney Spears got off to a good start at Sunday's 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, scoring laughs during her opening and winning her first ever "moonman."

She kicked off the show with Superbad's Jonas Hill in a pre-taped skit, where he tried to teach her some relaxation techniques.

He ordered her to close her eyes. When she did, he leaned in and tried to kiss her.
"What is your deal?" she shrieked.

"I care about the VMAs being good," he replied in the humorous skit.

After the segment, Spears, in sexy, sparkly halter dress, walked on stage as her hit "Baby One More Time" blared.

The audience stood and applauded.

"Thank you so much," she told the crowd. "Thank you for all the love. This is the 2008 Video Music Awards, and it starts right now."

Spears then playfully stuck out her tongue, and Rihanna hit the stage and performed her hit "Disturbia."

After a quick opening by host Russell Brand -- he urged the crowd, "Please elect Barack Obama," and called President Bush a "retarded cowboy fella" -- Spears returned to the stage again to collect her first ever "moonman" for Best Female Video for "Piece of Me."

"I'm speechless. Oh, my goodness, thank you!" an elated Spears told the crowd. "I first wanna thank God for blessing me like this. My family ... my two beautiful boys for inspiring me everyday."

She later took home the award for Best Pop Video, saying she was "speechless" and thanking her longtime manager, Larry Rudolph.

She closed out the night by winning Video of the Year.

"I'm in shock right now," she said. "I want to dedicate this to all my fans."

Source: US Weekly

Britney Wins "Video Of The Year"

Britney just won "Video Of The Year" for "Piece Of Me!"

OH MY GOD! She dedicated this award to all her fans and was "speechless."

Soon after, she was whisked away on a golf cart with Russell Brand - while Kanye West closes the show.

3 for 3!

Source: Breathe Heavy

Britney Wins "Best Pop Video!"

Britney just won her SECOND MOON MAN! Britney won "Best Pop Video" for "Piece of Me!"

"I'm speechless," a sparkling Britney said when winning her award. "This means a lot!"

She again thanked God, her family, her management, and her fans!

2 down, 1 to go!

Source: Breathe Heavy

Britney Accepts First Moon Man

Britney just won her FIRST MOON MAN! Britney won "Best Female Video" for "Piece of Me."

Britney was sure to thank God, her family, her boys, and her fans! Congrats Britney!

1 down, 2 to go!
Britney Spears accpeting her 2008 VMA

Source: Breathe Heavy

Britney Opened The VMAs!

Britney JUST opened up the VMAs with "Superbad" star Jonah Hill in a skit in which he desperately tries to kiss her (he fails). She then proceeded to open the award show. Dawned in a shiny silver dress, Britney waited for the round of applause to cease before she introduced Rihanna as she took the stage to perform. She rocked the house down! Currently: 5:03 PM PST

Britney Spears Opening the 2008 VMA's (1)

Britney Spears Opening the 2008 VMA's (2)

Source: Breathe Heavy

Vanessa Simmons on Britney Spears

“I was hoping Britney Spears was performing–come back and just blow everyone out of the water, so I can stand up and cry like, ‘I knew it. She’s so great!’”

-”Run’s House’s” Vanessa Simmons on who she’s looking forward to seeing at tonight’s MTV Video Music Awards.

Source: Rap Up

Britney and Kevin Spend Time Together

The following italicized article is from www.hollyscoop.com:

Britney and Kevin spent some time together over the weekend when Kevin went to pick up the kids from Britney's house after an overnight visit.

It's actually very surprising because if you guys remember Kevin used to send his bodyguard to always pick up the kids. They didn't seem to be on speaking turns but things have obviously changed between the two.

This is actually a good thing because the children could only benefit if mommy and daddy have a civil relationship.

Meanwhile, today is the BIG day for Britney as she will be wow-ing all of us at the VMAs with a surprise performance. Are you ready? It's only a few hours away!

Source: Hollyscoop

One More Time: Britney Returns To The MTV ‘VMAs’

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

Another year, another attempted comeback for Britney Spears at the MTV Video Music Awards.

The rebounding pop queen is hoping to complete a do-over of sorts as she kicks off Sunday’s awards ceremony, not with a performance, but with an appearance MTV Networks Music Group President Van Toffler has described as “fun and unexpected.”

If she manages to pull it off, Spears — who is up for three awards, including video of the year for “Piece of Me” — will come away with the most improved award after bombing in spectacular fashion at last year’s festivities in Las Vegas. Though heavily hyped as a comeback for a troubled diva in decline, Spears delivered one of the worst performances in VMA history, stumbling her way through her song “Gimme More” looking disheveled and disinterested.

But Spears comes into this year’s ceremony on an upswing: The disturbing behavior that defined her last year has dissipated, she’s working on a new album, and made well-received appearances on CBS’ “How I Met Your Mother” earlier this year.

At least one of her fellow celebrities is rooting for her to complete the comeback this time around.

“I wanna see Britney,” said actress Tori Spelling on the eve of the awards. “I think she’ll be great.”

Spears won’t be the only act of the night looking for a second chance after a disappointing VMA experience last year. Kanye West is expected to close the two-hour ceremony; in Vegas, he had a Kanye-sized hissy fit backstage and vowed never to appear at the VMAs again after he didn’t get a Moonman trophy despite being nominated several times. He also lashed out for being confined to performing at one of last year’s suite parties instead of on the main stage.

Kid Rock is looking to make headlines for his music instead of his fighting. The rocker wasn’t even a performer last year but became part of one of the most talked about moments of the ceremony when he got into a fight with fellow rocker Tommy Lee, also a fellow ex-husband of Pamela Anderson, in the audience. Though cameras did not capture the fight for viewers, it was the source of onstage fodder for the likes of Jamie Foxx and Diddy.

T.I. is another performer giving a noteworthy performance, since the last time he was due to perform at an awards show, he was arrested instead. T.I. was apprehended in October, shortly before the start of the BET Hip-Hop Awards, accused of trying to buy machine guns and silencers; he was sentenced earlier this year to serve about a year in prison after completing at least 1,000 hours of community service.

He is due to perform with Rihanna, who also appeared on last year’s show. But the dazzling singer is hardly in need of any second chances, coming into the VMAs as one of music’s hottest singers thanks to two No. 1 hits of the summer, “Take a Bow” and “Disturbia.”

Other performers slated for Sunday’s show include the Jonas Brothers, Lil Wayne, Christina Aguilera and Paramore and Katy Perry. Perry, who had one of the summer’s biggest songs with “I Kissed a Girl,” is slated to perform not only her own hit but a snippet of Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” as MTV pays tribute to some of its more memorable moments as it celebrates its 25th year.

“I’m just excited to have a great seat,” said the 23-year-old Perry. “I’m excited to change looks and to have fun … I’m excited to be a part of something that I would sneak over to my friend’s house and plan my whole week around.”

Presenters include Olympic darling Michael Phelps and “High School Musical” stars Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale and Corbin Bleu.

The show will be held this year in Los Angeles, at Paramount Studios, where its various movie sets have the potential to be an interesting backdrop for the show and its performers. The show’s host for the evening is British comedian Russell Brand.

Source: Access Hollywood