Britney Spears's long-awaited comeback at the MTV Video Music Awards has been written off as a 'lacklustre' performance.Dressed in a sparkly bra, briefs and knee-high boots, the 25-year-old gave her first major outing in three years by performing her new single Gimme More.But she appeared to be miming to a backing track, while moving slowly around the stage with a troupe of dancers.The appearance at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas could be a set-back for the singer who's been working to get her career back on track after a bumpy 12 months.She was admitted to rehab in February after being photographed shaving her head, following the breakdown of her marriage to Kevin Federline.But the singer returned to stage in May, playing a series of low-key gigs in California.Her divorced was finalised last month, but she's currently embroiled in a bitter custody battle over her sons Sean Preston and Jayden James.Meanwhile Justin Timberlake won four awards - including best male artist - at the ceremony while the female artist of the year award went to Fergie.Monster Single of the Year and best video went to Rihanna for her hit Umbrella, and Beyoncé and Shakira won Most Earth-shattering Collaboration for Beautiful Liar.Gym Class Heroes picked up the best new artist gong and Fall Out Boy were named best group.While all eyes were on Britney, other notable performances came from Alicia Keys, Chris Brown, Foo Fighters, Timberlake and Kanye West.© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.
ITN | September 10, 2007