Lynne Spears: Britney Is a 'Wonderful Mother'

Photo by: Finalpixx, WireImage

Lynne Spears certainly has plenty to be thankful for.

In the past year, she has watched her famous daughter Britney crawl back from the brink.

Just how did the 27-year-old singer rebound from her pair of forced hospitalizations and a long string of erratic behavior, including her quickly annulled Vegas wedding in 2004 and her infamous head-shaving in 2007?

"With a lot of love and care and help," Lynne said Thursday, speaking to the U.K.'s GMTV via satellite from New Orleans. "Sometimes you have to just settle down. You have to stop, think. And there's a lot of people that care about Britney and love Britney – and Britney's doing great now."

And while the singer still hasn't regained custody of her two sons, Lynne had nothing but praise for her daughter's parenting skills.

"Oh she's a wonderful mother – she's funny, she's extremely affectionate," said the Spears matriarch, who was promoting her memoir, Through the Storm. "[At] home, where there's nobody around, she's very normal."

Britney – fresh off the success of her first single, "Womanizer" – is currently in Europe promoting her new album, Circus. And she's scheduled to go on a worldwide concert our next year.

"I think Britney's just ready to get started again," said her mom. "I think this is when she's most in her element."

by People.

Britney Spears Calls Her Life Worse Than a Jail Sentence

Photo by: Courtesy MTV

Britney Spears says that since her breakdown, her life has been worse than a jail sentence – but that she's slowly healing one day at a time.

"I have really good days, and then I have bad days," the singer, 26, admits in a new fly-on-the wall, 90-minute documentary, Britney: For The Record, to air in the U.S. Nov. 30 on MTV and in the U.K. Dec. 1 on Sky1.

Struggling to gain control of her life again after her public meltdown earlier this year, she says candidly: "Even when you go to jail, y'know, there's the time when you're gonna get out. But in this situation, it's never ending. It's just like [the Bill Murray movie] Groundhog Day."

She adds, "I'm having to pay for it for a really long time."

Spears was hospitalized for mental evaluation in January, which resulted in her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, being granted sole custody of their sons, Preston and Jayden. Her father, Jamie Spears, also gained legal control over her affairs.

Britney Spears, in Britney: For The Record Photo by: Courtesy MTV

Not Being Heard
"If I wasn't under the restraints that I'm under right now, I'd feel so liberated," she says in the film, which follows the singer as she records and promotes her new album Circus. "When I tell them the way I feel, it's like they hear me, but they're really not listening."

A camera crew followed the singer for three months as she moved to pull her life back on track. "I wanted to make this film because I started to feel like I wasn't being seen in the light that I wanted to be seen in," Spears said. "This is an opportunity to set the record straight and talk about what I've been through and where I'm headed."

Overall, she says, "I think I've learned my lesson now, and enough is enough."

by People

Britney, Obama a Big Deal at MTV Europe Awards

x17online

Britney Spears didn't even have to show up to come back in Liverpool.

The again-viable pop star was named Act of 2008 in absentia at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards, which were handed out Thursday in the Beatles' hometown.

Fittingly so, considering Paul McCartney was on hand to collect his Ultimate Legend award from a reverent Bono. McCartney thanked his "mum and dad," the people of Liverpool, his former bandmates and Americans, "for voting in Senator McCain."

Spears also snagged a trophy for Album of the Year for Blackout, making her and 30 Seconds to Mars (Rock Out and Video Star) the most winning artists of the night.

But while Spears taped a video thank-you message ahead of time, she was otherwise engaged tonight. Sources tell E! News that the "Womanizer" songstress is headed to Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium, where she and Justin Timberlake are supposed to reunite onstage with Madonna, whose Sticky & Sweet tour touched down in SoCal Tuesday.

Other big winners included girl-kisser and the evening's host Katy Perry, who was named Best New Act and sported a dress emblazoned with Barack Obama's face; Artists' Choice Lil Wayne; Best Act Ever Rick Astley; and Pink's "So What," which was named Most Addictive Track.

Also sharing the political love was 30 Seconds frontman Jared Leto, who sported an Obama T-shirt and urged the crowd at Echo Arena to chant the U.S. president-elect's name.

Beyoncé, the Killers, Pink, Kanye West—who didn't try to pilfer the Best Video statue this time—and British singer Estelle all performed.

Details on awards:

• Album Of The Year : Britney Spears "Blackout"
• Headliner: Tokio Hotel
• Most Addictive Track: Pink "So What"
• Best Act Ever: Rick Astley
• New Act: Katy Perry
• Artists' Choice: Lil Wayne
• Act of 2008: Britney Spears
• Ultimate Urban: Kanye West
• Ultimate Legend: Paul McCartney
• Rock Out: 30 Seconds to Mars
• Europe’s Favourite: Emre Aydın
• Video Star: 30 Seconds to Mars "Beautiful Lie"
• Regional Awards
• Best UK Act: Leona Lewis
• Best German Act: Fettes Brot
• Best Danish Act: Suspekt
• Best Finnish Act: Nightwish
• Best Norwegian Act: Erik & Kriss
• Best Swedish Act: Neverstore
• Best Italian Act: Finley
• Best Dutch & Belgian Act: De Jeugd Van Tegenwoordig
• Best French Act: Zaho
• Best Polish Act: Feel
• Best Spanish Act: Amaral
• Best Russian Act: Dima Bilan
• Best Romanian & Moldovian Act: Morandi
• Best Portuguese Act: Buraka Som Sistema
• Best Adriatic Act: Elvir Laković
• Best Baltic Act: Happyendless
• Best Hungarian Act: Gonzo
• Best Turkish Act: Emre Aydın
• Best Ukrainian Act: Quest Pistols
• Best Greek Act: Stereo Mike
• Best Israeli Act: Shiri Maimon
• Best Arab Act: Karl Wolf

Britney reunites with Madonna on stage

Fans turning up for the Britney Spears and Madonna reunion would have been expecting to see the 26-year-old in a typically raunchy outfit.

But instead the 50-year-old Material Girl was the one wearing the more revealing clothes as the pair performed a duet on stage.

The pop megastars looked like they should have swapped outfits as they sang together at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles during Madonna's Sticky and Sweet tour.

Megastars: Britney and Madonna perform a duet together on stage at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles last night

A demure looking Britney, dressed in a simple white blouse and black trousers was invited on stage by Madonna and joined in with one of her songs.

And Madonna was also joined by Justin Timberlake to join in with another of her hits.

Rumours that the former couple, who split in 2002, would perform together with Madonna proved unfounded though as they did not appear together on stage.

Madonna and Justin Timberlake show off some moves during the concert

It's a bit different from the last time Britney and Madonna appeared on stage together.

The pair caused a stir in 2003 when they shared a steamy lesbian kiss live on stage during the opening performance on the MTV Music Awards in New York's Radio City Music Hall.

It's not the first they have collaborated together, with Madonna appearing on Britney's track 'Me Against the Music' on her In The Zone album.

The Material Girl kisses Britney, on the hand this time, during their performance

The comeback Queen was pictured last week dressed up as a witch as she took her two sons Jayden James and Sean Preston trick or treating.

She posted the shots on her website, along with the cover art for her new album Circus, which is due out on her birthday on December 2.

And the 'Womanizer' singer is set to appear on the X Factor show in two weeks' time to meet the contestants and perform her new single.

Back on song: The pop stars put an arm around each other as they perform

Madonna has thrown herself into her 32-concert Sticky and Sweet tour of the Americas after the announcement of her divorce with Guy Ritchie.

She faces a bitter divorce battle with the film director, with Kabbalah leaders demanding a quick out of court settlement.

Flashback: Britney and Madonna share a lesbian kiss during the MTV Video Music Awards at New York's Radio City Music Hall in 2003

by Mail Online

Britney, Justin To Play With Madonna In L.A.?

Madonna will get a lift from Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at her show tonight (Nov. 6) at Los Angeles' Dodgers Stadium, according to KIIS-FM personality Ryan Seacrest.

Spears and Timberlake have rarely been in the same place, much less seen together, since their messy break up in 2002. But both have collaborated with Madonna; Spears on the song "Me Against the Music" and a short film airing as part of Madonna's stage show, Timberlake on songs from Madonna's most recent album, "Hard Candy."

There was some concern that the concert would be postponed due to technical issues with the stage, but Madonna says the show will go on.

"Even though my stage roof was damaged and some lights and effects aren't working, I want to do the show anyway because I don't want to disappoint my fans," she said in a statement to the Associated Press.

The Americas portion of Madonna's current tour wraps Nov. 30 in Mexico City. It resumes Dec. 3 with the first of four shows in Buenos Aires.

by Billboard.

Britney's Circus Cover, Track List Come to Town

Spears' Circus

From the looks of it, there's not much clowning around in Britney Spears' Circus...despite the "Come one, come all!" lettering and primary-color palette.

Here lies the cover of the pop princess' sixth studio album, which boasts the No. 1 single "Womanizer" as its first track and will almost certainly help the reinvigorated songstress start her 27th year off right when it drops Dec. 2 amid birthday wishes and intense scrutiny.

And with song titles like "Lace and Leather" and "Kill the Lights," it appears as if the video for "Womanizer" barely scratched the surface of the kind of sexcapades Britney's all up into now.

Coming on the heels of the record-breaking, chart-topping single—which gave Spears the biggest digital debut of any female artist since Nielsen SoundScan started keeping track—Zomba Label Group has revealed that Circus' title track will be the next single released to whet your appetite for the main event.

Check out the complete track list and decide whether you're planning to partake in Brit's big-top adventure:

1. "Womanizer"

2. "Circus"

3. "Out From Under"

4. "Kill The Lights"

5. "Shattered Glass"

6. "If U Seek Amy"

7. "Unusual You"

8. "Blur"

9. "Mmm Papi"

10. "Mannequin"

11. "Lace and Leather"

12. "My Baby"

Bonus Track:

13. "Radar"

by E!

Spears Scores Record-Setting Hot 100 Jump

Another week, another record-breaking jump to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Britney Spears makes a near-maximum 96-1 rise with "Womanizer," returning to the top of the list for the first time since her debut single "...Baby One More Time" hit No. 1 in January 1999.

This is the third time in the past two months that the mark for the biggest jump to No. 1 has been shattered. On the Hot 100 dated Sept. 6, T.I. soared 71-1 with "Whatever You Like" and last week he sprinted 80-1 with "Live Your Life."

Spears' single is spurred by first-week download sales of 286,000, the biggest opening-week tally by a female artist since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking digital downloads in 2003, besting Mariah Carey's take for "Touch My Body" by just over 200 units.

In between her nearly 10-year gap between No. 1s, Spears has placed four other top 10s on the Hot 100, the last being "Gimme More," the first single from her last set, "Blackout." That song jumped 68-3 last October with first-week download sales of 179,000.

"Womanizer" previews Spears' sixth studio set "Circus," due Dec. 2 via Jive.

by Billboard

Britney to Release New Album on Her Birthday

WireImage

Britney Spears has arranged a wonderful birthday present for herself: her sixth studio album, Circus, due for release Dec. 2 – the day she turns 27, her label announced Monday.

Coming so soon after her triple victory – for video of the year, best female video and best pop video for "Piece of Me" – at MTV's Video Music Awards on Sept. 7, Circus follows up her well-received 2007 album Blackout and continues the upward spiral the sometimes-troubled pop star has been experiencing.

The Outsyders, described by Spears's label, Jive records, as an up-and-coming Atlanta production team, have produced the first single from the album, "Womanizer," which will drop Sept. 22.

Other producers and writers with a hand in the album, according to Jive, include Dr. Luke (writer-producer of the title track, "Circus"), Danja, Max Martin, Bloodshy & Avant and Guy Sigsworth – who's collaborated with such other artists as Madonna, Alanis Morissette and Bjork.

Overtakes Paris's Record

In all, Spears has sold more than 62 million albums internationally, including 1999's Baby One More Time, 2000's Oops! … I Did It Again, 2001' Britney, 2003's In The Zone and the previously mentioned Blackout. Her sales records include eight No. 1 worldwide singles and four consecutive No. 1 albums.

Also on Monday, Guinness World Records revealed another accolade for Spears: she has replaced Paris Hilton as the Most Searched Person on the Internet in 2007.

by People.

Britney Wins Big at the VMAs

by WireImage

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.

Happy Birthday MTV

Spears, of course, was the subject of much speculation and excitement after word spread that she would be opening the ceremony.

by WireImage.com

She looked a little nervous at first, but proved to be in fighting form in a vintage silver Versace mini-dress. After being escorted from her 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.

by GettyImages

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," 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."

by WireImage

Spears later picked up her second award for best pop video, also for "Piece of Me." "I'm speechless," chirped the pop star as she offered thanks to manager Larry Rudolph, who accompanied Spears to the show, and her fans.

And finally, 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!"

Other winners of the show are: (photos by WireImage)

Chris Brown (Best Male Video for With you)

Linkin Park (Best Rock Video for Shadow of the day)

Lil Wayne (Best Hip Hop Video for Lollipop)

Pussycat Dolls (Best Dancing for When I Grow Up)

and Tokio Hotel (Best New Artist's Video for Ready, Set, Go)

Host With The Most

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. His remarks caused a bit controversy, and the host was forced to apologize later in the night.

An Assortment of Performers

One unique factor about this year's show: The diversity of performance spots.

by WireImage

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.

by WireImage

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

by WireImage

New mom Christina Aguilera also made an appearance. She slinked onto the stage, performing a techno-inspired remix of her hit "Genie In A Bottle" to promote her upcoming greatest hits album, which then segued into her new song "Keeps Gettin' Better."

by Wireimage

And Kanye West closed down the evening with an intense outdoor performance of an unreleased song before the stunned masses.

by People, MTV.com, WireImage and Getty Images.

It's Official! Britney Spears Will Appear At VMAs This Weekend

'I'm excited to open the entire show, to say hi to my fans and to be nominated,' singer says.

Will she or won't she? For weeks, that's been the buzz, and some of the most hard-core Britney Spears watchers have weighed in with opinions about what an appearance at this weekend's VMAs might do for the singer's career.

Well, now it's official: Britney will appear at Sunday's VMAs, which take place at Paramount Studios in Hollywood and begin at 9 p.m. ET. Although the pop star will not be performing, she will open the show.

The singer — who has been nominated for many VMAs but has not yet won one — will be on hand to see if this year is her year. She's nominated for three awards: Best Female Video, Best Pop Video, and Video of the Year for "Piece of Me."

"MTV has long played an important role in my career," Spears said in a statement. "How can I not be there to kick off their 25th VMAs? I'm excited to open the entire show, to say hi to my fans and to be nominated."

It's unclear exactly what Britney has up her sleeve, but based on the singer's previous VMA appearances (check out some of Britney's past VMA performances right here), it's sure to leave people talking.

"Britney has done everything from perform with a snake, lock lips with Madonna and prove that what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas," said Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks Music/ LOGO/ Films Group. "I can't wait to see what she does to kick off this year's show."

(Check out video of Britney shopping for the VMAs in 1999, John Norris' recollections of visiting the singer in her Louisiana hometown that same year, and MTV News correspondent James Montgomery's predictions for a big Britney VMA win this weekend.)

Earlier this week, MTV News had some longtime Britney observers weigh in on whether the singer should appear at the awards, and nearly all of them agreed that, as in previous years, if she wants to make an impression, the VMAs is the place to do it.

"If you want to make a big splash," Carson Daly said, "what better platform than the VMAs?"

Perez Hilton agreed, saying that all Britney needs to do is show up and smile. "That's what people want," he said. "They want to see her smiling. Even if all she does is smile and wave, I say that's mission accomplished."

by MTV.com

Madonna Kicks Off World Tour in Knee-High Boots

Photo by: Kevin Mazur / WireImage

Sitting on a diamante "M" throne in a fringed black leotard and over-the-knee leather boots, Madonna kicked off her Sticky and Sweet tour Saturday night at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium in Wales, opening with "Candy Shop."

The 40,000-strong audience was in for a night of treats, including onscreen appearances by Kanye West, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, who dueted on "4 Minutes."

The image of rapper West encircled the stage for "Beat Goes On" as fans screamed and Madonna cruised through on a white vintage convertible car.

Spears made her virtual guest spot during "Human Nature," writhing while trapped in an elevator as Madonna played the guitar. The popster departed with her trademark line "It's Britney B–!"

Madonna sưitched themes multiple times, going sporty for "Into the Groove" in diamante-encrusted shorts and a hoodie, and invoking the Far East for a segment that had her in a cage with computer-generated water gushing around it. "La Isla Bonita" turned the stage into a Mediterranean street party with Greek dancing and a flamenco solo performance.

While fans went wild, husband Guy Ritchie was lending support backstage, according to the singer's rep, who also said Madonna had spent the day rehearsing. "She's been putting the finishing touches to some of the dance routines today, in a good way, she's a perfectionist!"

The 50-year-old singer pulled out all the stops, even using a video interlude to send a political message with images of peace campaigners, Al Gore, Bono and Barack Obama mixed with scenes of war-torn continents and poverty.

Religious messages flashed on the screens behind her for a remixed house version of "Like a Prayer," which was met with mass cheers.

At one point the singer shouted to the crowd, "This is the bit where I take requests," and started singing "Express Yourself" – then changed her mind. "F– that s–. I choose the songs."

After two hours, Madonna left the stage as the screen flashed "Game Over."

The singer heads back to London before traveling to France to continue the tour around Europe before arriving in New Jersey on Oct. 4.

by People.

Britney, Jonas Brothers, PCD Up for VMA Video of the Year

Photo by: Maury Phillips / WireImage, Scott Gries / Getty

Britney Spears may have had a tough time at last year's Video Music Awards, but she'll have a chance to redeem herself this year.

She is up for the show's top honor – video of the year – for "Piece of Me." The video was also nominated by the singer's fans for best pop video and best female video.

Other nominees in the category include the Jonas Brothers for "Burnin Up," Chris Brown's "Forever," the Pussycat Dolls' "When I Grow Up," and the Ting Tings' "Shut Up and Let Me Go."

The nominees for best rock video were also announced: Fall Out Boys' "Beat It," Paramore's "Crush, Crush, Crush," Slipknot's "Psychosocial," Lincoln Park's "Shadow of the Day," and Foo Fighters' "The Pretender."

Should Spears win, this will be her first Moonman; the pop star has been nominated 16 times, but has never walked away with an award.

Since Spears filmed a promo for the awards with host Russell Brand, MTV has confirmed there is a possibility she will appear at the awards, in one way or another – but not whether she will perform. Last year, Spears delivered a universally panned performance of her song "Gimme More" at the VMAs.

The VMAs air live from Los Angeles on Sept. 7. on MTV.

by People

VIDEO: Britney's VMAs Promotional Spot

You can believe your eyes – that's really Britney Spears joking with MTV's Video Music Awards host Russell Brand in new ads for the upcoming show.

"You are Britney Spears, right? I'm not dreaming this am I," asks the British comedian in the ad, which also includes a 9,000-lb. elephant in the background.

"No, this is real," Spears assures the show's host – and pinches him to prove it.

In the second spot, Brand, who is well known in the U.K. but not in the U.S., presses Spears to remember his full name – which she doesn't.

"You will remember that name because I think pretty soon it's going to be your surname," he quips. "Britney Brand."

While MTV cannot confirm whether Spears will appear on the show airing on Sept. 7, Spears's promo appearance is a promising sign. The singer, who has been nominated 17 times, has yet to walk away with a win and is nominated for two this year. She is up for best female video and best pop video.

by People

Lawyer: Britney Spears Doesn't Want Sam Lutfi In Her Life

Photo by: WENN; Jean Catuffe / INF

Britney Spears's restraining order against one-time pal Sam Lutfi may have been temporary, but their friendship is permanently over.

The pop star's court-appointed attorney, Samuel D. Ingham III, told the Associated Press that he will not seek to extend the restraining order in court on Thursday – because Spears has cut all ties with Lutfi anyway.

"Britney has made clear to everyone," Ingham said, "that she does not want to be further harassed or contacted in any way by Osama 'Sam' Lutfi, now or at anytime in the future."

Lutfi has been out of Spears's life since February, when her father, Jamie, was granted legal control of her affairs as temporary conservator. (At the time, Britney's mother, Lynne, accused Lutfi of drugging the singer.)

According to Ingham, the restraining order is no longer necessary because Jamie can legally control whom Britney, 26, sees: "During the temporary conservatorship, the conservators have the power to insure that Lutfi will not harm Britney anymore."

Lutfi, it seems, will abide by the Spears family's wishes. He said in his own statement to the AP, "Mr. Lutfi and Mr. Spears have mutually agreed in private that no hearing or order is necessary at this time."

Ingham added that once Britney regains control of her life, she will continue to keep Lutfi out of it. "If Mr. Lutfi makes any future attempt to contact Britney after the temporary conservatorship has concluded," he said, "Britney has made clear she will take all appropriate legal action."

Lawyers for Jamie Spears are expected in court Thursday for a review of the conservatorship.

Britney & Kevin's Custody Settlement Finalized

Britney Spears and Kevin Federline Photo by: INF; Bruce Gifford / FilmMagic

Britney Spears and Kevin Federline's custody settlement was signed Friday by a judge, officially ending their nearly two-year custody battle.

In the deal reached last week, Federline retained sole custody of Preston, 2 1/2, and Jayden, 1 1/2. Spears – who is currently allowed two visits and one overnight per week – will get an additional sleepover by year's end, barring any setbacks.

"She's thrilled," the pop star's attorney Laura Wasser told PEOPLE. "To have more time with her kids has been her motivation to get well. In light of her outstanding conservatorship, she couldn't have asked for anything more."

Spears also agreed to increase Federline's child support to $20,000 a month (a $5,000 increase) and pay off his $250,000 legal tab. Documents show the child support increase went into effect on July 15, and that Spears's father, who remains in legal control of her affairs until a July 31 hearing, approved of the settlement terms.

"This has been a long ordeal [for Kevin] and for it to be over makes him very happy," his lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan previously said.

Legal experts say the former couple will undoubtedly return to court in the future, since custody settlements can always be modified.

by People.

Fans Nominate Britney Spears for Video Award

Photo by: John Shearer / Wireimage

Despite last year's disaster at the MTV Video Music Awards, Britney Spears has an invitation to return – from her fans.

The pop star was nominated in online voting for best female video for her Piece of Me at the 2008 VMAs.

Fans also nominated Katy Perry for I Kissed a Girl, Jordin Sparks for No Air, Rihanna for Take A Bow and Mariah Carey for Touch My Body.

The big question is whether Spears, 26, will make an appearance at show on Sept. 7 at Paramount studios in L.A. The singer will have to shake off her lackluster performance at the 2007 show in Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, for best male video, fans nominated Lil Wayne for Lollipop, Usher for Love in this Club, Chris Brown for With You, Flo Rida for Low and T.I. for No Matter What.

Next week, voting opens online for Best Pop Video and Best Hip-Hop Video.

Britney Spears Steps Out For a Good Cause

Jenny McCarthy, Jim Carrey and Britney Spears
Photo by: Todd Williamson / WireImage

With her divorce settlement behind her, Britney Spears took time out on Saturday night to do something for the kids, adding star wattage to Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey's fundraiser for Generation Rescue, an organization dedicated to researching autism.

"She looked great and seemed really happy," says a partygoer of the Snow Queen Vodka-sponsored shindig at the couple's home in Brentwood. Though she kept close to her assistant Brett and didn't speak to other guests, "She smiled and clapped during the video about autism. She was very into the information and watched a little bit of the dancers from Dancing with the Stars, sneaking out during one of the performances."

Also at the bash were newlyweds Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller ("The honeymoon isn't over!" remarked one guest), a "lovey-dovey" Robert Rodriguez and Rose McGowan, who kissed and danced all night, and of course the host couple.

"Jenny and Jim were adorable," says the guest, "She kept saying, 'I love you honey' to him when she thanked him from the stage." Carrey, not to be outdone by the DWTS folks, soon took to the dance floor, even challenging another guest to a playful dance-off.

Says the guest, "Jim was hilarious."

by People.

Britney Agrees to Sole Custody for K-Fed

Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.com

Britney spears has agreed to hand the parenting reins over to Kevin Federline.

K-Fed's longtime attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan exclusively tells E! News that the divorced duo have reached a settlement in their long-gestating custody case.

According to the agreement signed by all parties, Federline gets sole legal and physical custody of sons Sean Preston and Jayden James and Spears will have visitation rights.

"The case has been settled," Kaplan said. "The court still has to approve it. " Both parties are due in court Friday morning.

The case had been set to go to trial next month but all had been hoping to settle up beforehand.

"As of this evening there is a fully executed deal memo...All the issues that would have been addressed at trial have been settled," Kaplan told E! News. "Can't speak to the exact terms of the deal. Orders in place...will stay in place."

But although this is theoretically good news for Federline, Kaplan maintains that this isn't exactly what his client had in mind.

"Kevins was not [out] to get custody. Kevins goal was to set up some kind of template so the mother of his children can co-parent," Kaplan said.

"He said I need to have Britney to be involved in the coparenting of the kids but I need there to be a structure."

But this is the structure he got and "Kevin is absolutely delighted," Kaplan continued.

"Nobody could have anticipated the terms of events that have occurred....This was a two-year journey that will be halted at a point that is good for these children. Custody is always modifiable. If there is a final order, it means there is nothing to try."

Spears has been enjoying monitored visits with her boys since late February after temporarily losing any on-hand-mommying privileges following a stretch of noticeably erratic behavior on her part and two brief hospital stays.

Federline's camp has credited the influence of Spears' father Jamie, who was appointed a coconservator of his daughter's estate Feb. 1, for helping to get the 26-year-old popster back on track.

A court commissioner is scheduled to review whether the make the conservatorship permanent at the end of this month. If the arrangement were to end, what then happens to Spears' current deal?

"While I can't tell you the terms, the order does anticipate what happens if the conservatorship is ended," Kaplan told E! News. "The devil is always in the details and this is a very detailed deal memo.

"Nobody can predict what the future will bring but ...to the extent possible I think we have really anticipated how to proceed."

by E!

Britney Hits the Elevator for Madonna Concert Video

Here's the scoop, bitch.

Cameras started to roll today on the video that Britney Spears is making for Madonna's upcoming Sticky & Sweet tour, which, sources tell E! News, will be the opening video for each show.

The "Are you ready to rumble?!" video, if you will.

The shoot took place today at the Lot in West Hollywood, the former site of Warner Hollywood, United Artists and the Samuel Goldwyn Studios.

An on-set source said that Britney arrived at around 9 a.m. and was holed up in her dressing room by 9:30. The "Toxic" singer didn't start shooting her scenes until noon and was still on the set a few hours later.

According to our insiders, the planned "short movie" will take place inside an elevator, where seven cameras will be strategically placed to capture the magic. The scene-by-scene breakdown goes like this:

Britney, partially disguised by a gray hoodie, walks into the elevator. As she starts traveling upward, she seems particularly nervous and anxious. The popster starts pacing back and forth. Then she progresses to kicking and smacking the walls, all frantic-like. She screams into one of the cameras. Then she starts climbing the wall, pulls down her hood and, into another camera, says:

"It's Britney, bitch."

Well, at least she shouldn't have trouble remembering her lines.

Strains of Madonna's "Human Nature" were also heard playing during some scenes and Britney could be seen mouthing the words.

We're told that the 26-year-old mother of two acted "very professional" throughout and, a day after the shoot was postponed due to technical difficulties, everything seemed to be back on schedule.

But apparently even veteran performers need some time to shake the dust off if they've been away for awhile. Britney was also "really nervous and kept biting her nails—but she’s doing a good job," our source said, adding, "She's being incredibly sweet!"

Meanwhile, despite rumors that Madonna was going to wing her way west for a quick set visit, the Material Girl stayed put in New York today. According to a witness privy to her comings and goings, she went to her studio this morning and then returned to her Manhattan apartment.

Where, if Madonna weren't used to the current tabloid climate, she would have bolted the door, drawn the shades and pulled the covers over her head.

But she probably just ate lunch.

by E!Online

Britney's Wardrobe Headed to Auction

Photo by: Ramey (People)

You want a piece of Britney Spears? It won't come cheap.

Seven articles of clothing once worn by the pop star are among the pieces being offered to the public by online auctioneers "Gotta Have It" as part of their upcoming Rock & Roll Pop Art Auction.

One of the featured pieces is a T-shirt worn by Spears, 26, while she was a cast member on the New Mickey Mouse Club and signed by her costars, including Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Keri Russel. (Spears had given the shirt to her grandmother.)

"Something like that has never come up for auction before," Gotta Have It! owner Ed Kosinski tells PEOPLE. "We expect it to go for between $15,000 and $20,000."

Other Spears items include costumes from her "Drive Me Crazy" and "Oops, I Did it Again" tours, a blue and white sexy Santa dress she wore in a Christmas ad for Pepsi in 2000, and the orange coat and pants she wore to the Billboard Music Awards that same year.

Also on the block: a pair of jeans that Marilyn Monroe wore in the film River of No Return, which Spears had received as a gift from Tommy Hilfiger. Kosinski expects them to sell in the range of $60,000 to $80,000.

Proceeds from the sale of the Spears memorabilia, which was provided by Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group on behalf of the singer, will go to a charity of Tri Star’s choosing. The company’s owner, Lou Taylor, is a spokesperson for the Spears family.

In addition to the Spears items, more than 500 lots will be offered – everything from an Elvis jumpsuit to Madonna's 1987-1988 datebook.

The datebook is "all hand-written and what she did day-to-day – if she had dinner, if she had rehearsals," says Kosinski. It even includes phone numbers for Madonna's then-husband, Sean Penn, and her Dick Tracy costar, Dustin Hoffman. Estimated selling price: $6,000 to $8,000.

The online auction will be open from July 21 until Aug. 6.