By Stephanie Lysaght, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer It’s Britney! Well, folks, it’s official. Britney Spears will return to her old MTV stamping grounds for the 2008 Video Music Awards on Sunday. In what capacity, it remains to be seen. Looking back at some of her past sexy, fabulous and downright bizarre VMA appearances, it’s clear that anything is possible.
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Britney Spears: VMA shockers

By Stephanie Lysaght, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer It’s Britney! Well, folks, it’s official. Britney Spears will return to her old MTV stamping grounds for the 2008 Video Music Awards on Sunday. In what capacity, it remains to be seen. Looking back at some of her past sexy, fabulous and downright bizarre VMA appearances, it’s clear that anything is possible.

By Stephanie Lysaght, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

It’s Britney!

Well, folks, it’s official. Britney Spears will return to her old MTV stamping grounds for the 2008 Video Music Awards on Sunday. In what capacity, it remains to be seen. Looking back at some of her past sexy, fabulous and downright bizarre VMA appearances, it’s clear that anything is possible. (Ethan Miller / Getty Images)

Pop princesses unite . . . with tongue In 2003, Britney traded in her black leather for white lace. Despite her wedding-inspired ensemble, Britney hardly played the part of the blushing bride. Instead, she took center stage and tongue-kissed Madonna.

Pop princesses unite . . . with tongue

In 2003, Britney traded in her black leather for white lace. Despite her wedding-inspired ensemble, Britney hardly played the part of the blushing bride. Instead, she took center stage and tongue-kissed Madonna. (Scott Gries / Getty Images)

Why, Britney, why? And then there was 2007. Although it is difficult to capture the utter bizarreness of Britney’s performance in words, our own Elizabeth Snead gave it a whirl: Oh. My. God. Maybe I had high expectations. But Britney Spears was so beyond bad opening the VMA Awards. She didn't dance. She could barely walk. She lip-synced. She had to be helped just to walk down two steps. From the neck down, she was a disaster. I've seen pregnant, out-of-work pole dancers in better shape. Her gut was the only thing shaking when she tried to chest-shimmy. It's officially time to hang it up, Britney. Invest your money well and retire. "Gimme More"? Honey, you need less, not more.

Why, Britney, why?

And then there was 2007. Although it is difficult to capture the utter bizarreness of Britney’s performance in words, our own Elizabeth Snead gave it a whirl:

Oh. My. God.

Maybe I had high expectations. But Britney Spears was so beyond bad opening the VMA Awards. She didn’t dance. She could barely walk. She lip-synced. She had to be helped just to walk down two steps. From the neck down, she was a disaster. I’ve seen pregnant, out-of-work pole dancers in better shape. Her gut was the only thing shaking when she tried to chest-shimmy. It’s officially time to hang it up, Britney. Invest your money well and retire.

“Gimme More”? Honey, you need less, not more. (Kevin Winter / AFP / Getty Images)

Britney Spears' VMA comeback? We’re watching the VMAs to find out what Ms. Spears has up her sleeve this year. Just please, please, please, MTV: Don’t let her appearance consist of a forced make-out session with Katy Perry.

Britney Spears’ VMA comeback?

We’re watching the VMAs to find out what Ms. Spears has up her sleeve this year. Just please, please, please, MTV: Don’t let her appearance consist of a forced make-out session with Katy Perry. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

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