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MICHAEL JACKSON PERFORMS WITH BRITNEY SPEARS

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Pop parallels

By Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

The shaving of her head, the angry wielding of an umbrella, the disastrous performance at the Video Music Awards, the bizarre paparazzi encounters, the non-commitment to rehab, the bodyguard accusations -- do they point to one thing? Has Britney Spears lost touch with reality?

As the former Pop Princess’ public image descends to new lows, she has lost people who keep her in check. She fired longtime manager Larry Rudolph, was dropped by new manager Jeff Kwatinetz, and lost her lawyer – all in this year. Is Spears surrounding herself with “yes people” who condone her behavior – or at least people who are unable to stop her self-destructive tendencies?

As the public watches the madness – mouths gaping, heads shaking in disbelief – is there a nagging feeling of déjà vu? Has Britney ripped a few chapters out of the King of Pop’s story?

Spears never reached Michael Jackson’s career heights, and with any luck she’ll never hit his public-image lows. Or has she?

Take a look at 10 scarily similiar parallels between the two performers: