Britney Spears seductive poses video for Circus

Britney Spears continued her assault on the pop world today with the release of a raunchy new film clip.

The pop singer shows a glimpse of her former glory with a series of racy outfits and seductive poses in the video for Circus, the second single off her album by the same name.

The extravagant production is set around the big top theme, with a scantily clad Britney playing ringmaster to back-up dancers, elephants and lions.
Roll up, roll up: Britney Spears strips down to a lacy bra in the video for her latest single Circus

While Britney looks back to her best in the carefully edited clip, her comeback has otherwise been a little shaky.

Expectations were high for her appearance on Saturday's X Factor show, where she performed hit single Womanizer for the studio audience.

However she failed to sing live and she appeared nervous throughout the lackluster dance routine.

Seductive mode: Britney recaptures her racy image in the clip

Ring master: The singer's video is set under the big top

There was a sense of deja vu a few days later when Miss Spears performed songs from her new album in front of millions of viewers on U.S. TV show Good Morning America.

She again lip-synched her way through the two track performance.

Despite all this, Britney's album is on track to scoop the coveted number one spot on the album charts next with.

While her fans are eager to see Britney back in fine form, so to is her ex husband Kevin Federline, who yesterday broke his silence over the pop star.

He told American magazine People: 'Just because I'm not in love with her doesn't mean that I don't love her. I'm definitely rooting for her.

Taming the beast: Britney keeps her lion companion in line

'There's nothing more that I want than for her to be in the best health and doing what she loves to do.'

The dancer turned rapper says Britney, with whom he has two children, is slowly getting her life back on track.

'Oh, man, it's totally turning around,' said Kevin.

'It works out that [the kids] get to see her. There's structure over there, there's structure at my house.

'We're trying to keep the same type of schedule. It doesn't have to be completely perfect, but the foundation is there.'

Animal magnetism: Elephants also appear in the impressive production

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Britney Spears poses for Rolling Stone magazine

Britney Spears appears finally to have put her much-publicised breakdown behind her after landing the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

Despite striking a wholesome pose in jeans and T-shirt on the publication, Britney admits her son's language is not so clean-cut.

The singer admits she was horrified to discover Sean Preston, three, has been using the F-word, while two-year-old brother Jayden James likes calling people 'stupid'.
Comeback queen: Britney Spears' appearance on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine harks back to her wholesome all-American girl image

She tells the prestigious magazine: 'Every time they come to visit me, I think about how much they're such special people.

'(But they) are starting to learn words like 'stupid', and Preston says the F-word now sometimes.

'He must get it from his daddy (Kevin Federline). I say it, but not around my kids.'

She also reveals she has started dating again after her controversial relationship with paparazzo Adnan Ghalib earlier this year.

But the chance for romance has been severely limited because she is chaperoned by her assistant Brett and Adam Leber, an associate of her manager Larry Rudolph.

She said: '(One recent date) right when we got there, we just knew it was just bad. He looked like an older version of Harry Potter, but skinnier... So I had to get dessert first.

'And the other date I had, the guy was really, really tall and a lot older.

'We're trying to ask him questions, like, "Ok, you're into martial arts, so what kind of martial arts are you into?" And he was like, "Oh, all kinds." But you know how silly we are, so we were just cracking up.'

Britney's cover shot harks back to her pre-meltdown image as an innocent all-American girl, the photograph cements what has been a remarkable comeback for the troubled Toxic singer.

With a recent number one U.S. single, Womanizer, and new album Circus out next week, Britney looks to have travelled a long way since she removed her hair with electric clippers in full view of the paparazzi in February 2007.

Britney has appeared on the cover of Rolling Stones five times before, her previous appearance being more than five years ago.
Cover girl: Britney has landed on the front of Rolling Stone five times before

Her first appearance on the cover of the magazine in April 1999 caused controversy because she was 17 at the time.

In the photo, taken by David LaChapelle, a teenage Britney poses in her underwear on the phone while clutching a Teletubbies Tinky Winky doll.

The 26-year-old was spotted leaving LAX airport in California yesterday, accompanied by her protective father Jamie, who held a hand over the star's mouth to prevent her from talking to photographers.

Britney was catching a flight to Germany, before she then goes to France and finally England for a promotional tour of her single, Womanizer.

In London, she will make a live appearance on reality show The X Factor on Saturday.

Britney's appearance comes after Mariah Carey and Will Young appeared on recent Saturdays, mentoring the contestants.

The X Factor episode will mark Britney's first UK television performance for five years.

Britney spears

Britney Spears winning the first three Moonman statuettes

A year after her disastrous comeback attempt at the MTV Video Music Awards, Britney Spears swept the event on Sunday, winning the first three Moonman statuettes of her career.

The pop singer, whose career has been overshadowed in recent years by a litany of personal woes, took home the awards for video of the year, best pop video and best female video, all for the track Piece of Me.
Comeback queen: Britney Spears accepts her award for best female video for her track Piece of Me

'Wow, thank you, I'm in shock right now. I was not expecting this,' she said at the end of the night as she accepted the shiny Moonman statue for video of the year.

'This is such an honor to have this award right now.'

Spears gave similar speeches with her previous two prizes - best female video and best pop video - politely thanking God, her children and her record label before quickly leaving the stage.
Triumph: The pop star collected the first three Moonman statuettes of her career
That's hot: Paris Hilton, Britney's one time party pal, presents her with the best pop video award

Despite weeks of speculation, Spears did not perform, instead opening the show by delivering just four sentences.

She said: 'Thank you so much. Thank you for all the love. I'm here tonight to celebrate a very important birthday, the 25th anniversary of the VMAs. This is the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards and it starts right now.'

She earned a few laughs during a pre-taped comedic segment with Superbad actor Jonah Hill, in which he repeatedly tried to trick her into kissing him.

The crowd was behind her from the start, with several stars offering their support on the red carpet.

'I've always been a Britney Spears fan,' said Ne-Yo. 'I really want her to get out there and shut everyone's mouth.'

Sparkling: Britney cut a slender figure in a metallic frock

I'm with the Brand: Britney enjoys a moment with host Russell Brand

'As far as Britney, she can do what she wants and still be the queen of all this,' said T-Pain, who arrived at the ceremony on an elephant.

And Paris Hilton, her one-time party companion, presented Spears with the award for best pop video, telling her afterward: 'I love you. I miss you. And it's so good to see you.'
Beaming: Britney, with her manager Larry Rudolph, looked relaxed and happy during the event

Wearing a glittering silver dress that hugged her curves and her hair in soft blonde waves, she later posed for photos with her three trophies in the press room but did not answer questions from reporters.

Accompanied by her longtime manager Larry Rudolph, Spears chewed gum and grinned and kept her eyes straight ahead.

Other winners included R&B singer Chris Brown's With You for best male video, Linkin Park's Shadow of the Day for best rock video, and rapper Lil Wayne's Lollipop for best hip-hop video.
Last year: The singer was panned by critics and fans alike after her disastrous performance of Gimme More just 12 months ago

LIST OF WINNERS AT THE 2008 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS

VIDEO OF THE YEAR - Piece of Me (Britney Spears)

BEST NEW ARTIST - Tokio Hotel

BEST ROCK VIDEO - Shadow of the Day (Linkin Park)

BEST DANCING IN A VIDEO - When I Grow Up (Pussycat Dolls)

BEST HIP-HOP VIDEO - Lollipop (Lil Wayne featuring Static Major)

BEST POP VIDEO - Piece of Me (Britney Spears)

BEST MALE VIDEO - With You (Chris Brown)

BEST FEMALE VIDEO - Piece of Me (Britney Spears)

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES (PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED)

BEST DIRECTION - Honey (Erykah Badu, artist)

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY - Run (Gnarls Barkley, artist)

BEST ART DIRECTION - Run (Gnarls Barkley, artist)

BEST EDITING - I Will Possess Your Heart (Death Cab for Cutie, artist)

BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS - Good Life (Kanye West, artist)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - Conquest (White Stripes, artist)

Britney spears

Britney put her slimmed down figure on show

Britney Spears hit Las Vegas for dose of rest and relaxation over the weekend.

The star was spotted lounging by the pool in a tiny white bikini at the Mirage hotel yesterday accompanied by a group of girlfriends.

Britney was rumoured to be gearing up to perform at the MTV Video Music Awards later this week, but her manager denied she'll be taking to the stage.

Sun lover: Britney Spears relaxed with friends in Las Vegas yesterday

Shaping up: Britney put her slimmed down figure on show

Larry Rudolph said: 'Contrary to media reports, Britney was never slated to perform at this year's VMAs.'

'She's in the middle of recording her next album, which is going amazingly well, and her focus remains on the studio.'

Britney's disastrous performance of Gimme More at last year’s event was slammed by critics and fans alike.

This year Britney is nominated for video of the year, best pop video and best female video all for her track Piece of Me.

She has never won a MTV Video Music Award, despite 16 nominations in her career.
Facing the vote: Britney has been nominated for three MTV awards this year, but will not perform at the LA event

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Britney has been branded Puff Mommy

Britney Spears' parenting skills have come under fire yet again after photographs emerged showing the star smoking in front of her son as he plays with a packet of cigarettes.

The singer, branded 'Puff Mommy' by the American press, eventually takes the Marlboro Lights and a lighter from the two-year-old's hands, but continues to subject him to second-hand smoke.
What a drag: Britney Spears puffs on a cigarette outside her Beverly Hills home as her son Sean Preston reaches for her packet of Marlboro Lights
I wonder if mummy can see me now: The three-year-old begins to pull a cigarette out of the packet

Health experts have criticised Britney's 'shocking' behaviour, calling her a 'poor role model' for her children.

It comes a week after Britney officially agreed to give her ex-husband Kevin Federline sole custody of the couple's two sons, Sean Preston and Jayden, 1.

She is currently allowed two visits and one overnight per week in the settlement.

Stepping in: Britney eventually takes the packet and lighter from her son

It is the latest in a string of high-profile parenting dramas for the 26-year-old.

In January this year, she was placed on lockdown for a mental evaluation after she locked herself in a room with Sean Preston at her LA home and refused to hand him over to Federline.

In February 2006, she was caught driving with Sean Preston on her lap with no seat belts and the following month she received a visit from child welfare officers when Sean Preston fell from his high chair, bruising his head.

That same year, she was photographed nearly dropping him while leaving a New York hotel.

Vice: Britney has been branded 'Puff Mommy' by the American press

Britney spears

Britney Spears showed off her slimmed down figure

Britney Spears has lost a stone in recent months - but it certainly hasn't come cheap.

The star signed up to a £11,000-a-month diet and exercise regime after her bloated tummy sparked pregnancy rumours earlier this year, according to a report.

The mother-of-two, who eagerly showed off her slimmed down bikini body during a trip to Mexico over the weekend, is back to 9st after the stress of her custody battle saw her tip the scales at 10st 4lbs.
Shaping up: Britney Spears showed off her slimmed down figure in Mexico over the weekend.

The singer sparked pregnancy rumours after appearing bloated during a trip to Cabo in May. Her expensive heath make-over included £5,000-a-month on a nutritionist and diet supplements, £4,000 on a personal trainer and £2,000 on a private dance choreographer.

A source was quoted in Closer magazine as saying: 'She limits herself to 1400 calories a day with one 'cheat day' where she'll treat herself.'

'She also changed the way she eats, trying to have only two thirds of what is on her plate. It's all about portion control and fresh food now. And lots of water in place of Red Bull.'
Big spender: Britney is said to splash out £11,000-a-month on diet and fitness

She has also taken on some of Victoria Beckham's diet tips, eating plenty of steamed fish and snacking on edamame beans.

Britney also endures intensive work-outs with Pussycat Dolls' personal trainer James Van Daff as well as three-hour dance classes six times a week.

The source added: 'Britney piled on a lot of weight earlier this year. She was sho stressed about the custody case and her medication for her bipolar disorder also made her put on weight. She was tired of being flabby and wanted to do something about it.

Now, says the insider: 'Britney is so proud of herself because her ab muscles are back'.

'She's feeling better than she has in ages.'

Shaping up: The singer hit the beach in a white bikini

Britney spears

The curvy blonde girl cavorting on Malibu beach

The curvy blonde girl cavorting on Malibu beach attracted the usual battery of photographers as they rushed to get their daily dose of Britney.

But for once, the snappers were left open-mouthed as the woman was not their usual target - but with her uncanny likeness to the star, she definitely qualified as the best Britney Spears lookalike ever.
Double take: This young lady had all the photographers on Malibu beach running wild until they realised she was possibly the best Britney Spears lookalike ever
Blonde on the beach: The curvy blonde girl cavorted on the beach and unwittingly attracted photographers

With her tousled blonde locks forced into a messy bun atop her head, well-rounded stomach protruding from her too-brief bikini, and her whiter than white Hollywood smile, she certainly bore more than a passing likeness to the troubled singer.

But she didn't fool the photographers who make their living from trailing the real Britney for too long.

Meanwhile, the real Britney stepped out with a smart new look ahead of her appearance in court yesterday for her ongoing custody battle with ex-husband Kevin Federline.

Britney tamed her unruly locks into a sleek straightened hairstyle and dressed soberly in a white shirt and cropped trousers to attend the court hearing in Los Angeles.
Hit me Britney one more time: Britney's lookalike could come in handy for outrunning the pesky paparazzi

Britney was reportedly looking for overnight visits with sons Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1.

Court spokesperson, Allan Parachini confirmed: 'There has been a change in the visitation rights.

'But I am not at liberty to say what exactly the changes are.'
Smart look: Britney swapped her tousled look for a sleek straightened one

Federline, who also appeared in court, was smartly dressed in a grey suit and a white shirt.

Britney was represented by Laura Wasser, who she recently has been reunited with through her father Jamie Spears.

Jamie sat next to his daughter during the hearing, but did not speak to Britney.

Both parties left the court, apparently smiling, after the two-hour hearing.

Britney spears

The star perches on the mini vehicle

Britney's back on the road - but don't worry she's only in charge of a toy car.

The star was driving a toy Cadillac with her sons in California.

Britney, 26, has courted controversy when she was pictured driving with her son Sean Preston on her lap in the past.

But now she was happy to let Sean Preston and Jayden James take the wheel as she spent more time with her sons, who ex-husband Kevin Federline has full custody of.

Britney seems determined to get her life back on track in the battle to regain her status as the princess of pop.

And she is due in London next week to shoot a music video for her latest single “Radar.”

On the road: The star perches on the mini vehicle as her son hops on, below

Britney spears