How Britney Spears Can Make a Successful Comeback

By now, everyone's probably "all talked out" about the amateurish mess that singer/media darling Britney Spears made of her performance at MTV's Video Music Awards on September 9.

Allegedly, this young superstar was still reeling from the effects of all-night partying. She appeared aloof, uncertain of her moves and unable to convincingly lip-sync her own hit, "Gimme More."

Actually, she had wanted to do a "disappearing" stunt she was learning from friend and TV magician Criss Angel. But, since it was too complicated, the producers had to come up with a nearly last-minute, alternate performance for her. According to backstage reports, Spears wasn't pleased with the change.

She also wasn't satisfied with what MTV wanted her to wear, so she brought her own clothing and footwear. But her boots were obviously meant for walking and not for dancing on the slick stage floor, because they contributed to her apparent shakiness and rather unsure footing.

Throughout most of her act, Spears appeared uncertain and perhaps a bit shy as she went through her routine. Some say that she might have even been a bit ashamed of her own physical condition. One viewer said, "She looked more like a high-schooler playing Britney in their annual musical."

All these observations point to one inescapable conclusion: Britney Spears is human, like the rest of us. And the vulnerability she showed in performance on the VMA Awards is exactly what can save her career.

Having faced possibly the worst-prepared and sloppiest performance of her career-to-date, she has the chance to capitalize on that particular moment and reconstruct herself. Britney certainly sees that she's capable of turning in less-than-stellar performances. She should now know, from this experience, that all-night partying has a way of catching up with her at the most inopportune times. She must admit to herself that she makes mistakes like everyone else, has insecurities like the average Jane or John Doe, and, for the sake of her own physical and mental health, can no longer play the wild, sassy vixen on or offstage.