Britney Spears bombs at the MTV VMAs

Britney Spears‘ comeback performance at last night’s MTV Video Music Awards has met with almost universal criticism from media commentators.

The first review of Britney’s lip-synch to new single ‘Gimme More’ was from the ceremony’s presenter Sarah Silverman. After Britney opened the show, Sarah took the stage, saying: “Was that incredible? Britney Spears, everyone.”

“Wow. She is amazing. She is 25-years-old and she’s already accomplished everything she’s going to accomplish in her life. It’s mind blowing.”

“It’s weird to think that just a few years ago on this very show, she was this, like, sweet innocent little girl in slutty clothes writhing around with a python. [But] that’s not nice … calling Madonna a python.”

People magazine dubbed the performance as “lackluster” and it “could have used a lot more rehearsal” while the New York Daily News said it generally “fell as flat as her ill-fitting blond weave”. Perez Hilton described the effort as “painful and embarrassing ..[and] disrespectful to your few remaining fans” and a BBC correspondent said it “looked as though she completely lost the art of lip-synching”.

Other celebrities at the event were less than impressed. Crowd shots showed Rihanna, who won monster single of the year and video of the year for her hit ‘Umbrella’, laughing at the spectacle and 50 Cent looked more glum than usual throughout Britney’s time on stage.

Hip-hop artist Common told People magazine: “I think it didn’t seem like she wanted to be there. There wasn’t any spark, it didn’t feel like life was there.”

Rapper Akon added: “That could have been better. I think she needed to have focused more on the show and less on the parties. She looked nervous and I think the pressure got to her.”

And producer Timbaland - who works closely with Britney’s ex, Justin Timberlake - said: “I think it was too much. It’s like: ‘OK, Britney’s opening, she got a new song.’ It’s kinda dull. It flat-lined.”

Kanye West though had the harshest words for the former pop princess after he wasn’t asked to perform his current hit ‘Stronger’ at the show and none of his five award nominations resulted in a win. He told reporters: “That’s two years in a row [that I’ve been shunned]… give a black man a chance. I’m trying hard man, I have the No1 record.”

“Honestly .. I don’t give a f*** about Britney performing. I should have opened the MTV Awards.”

“It just shows you that you have to do s*** to get ratings, and maybe they feel like they will get more ratings with Britney. Maybe my money’s not right. Maybe my skin’s not right.”

“Britney’s song isn’t as good as ‘Stronger’. This is some bulls***, and I don’t really care.”