The level of impact that this performance had on pop culture, the shock factor at the time places it in a different league. I’ve seen people recently compare Selena Gomez’s AMAS performance to Britney’s VMAS 2007. What about the magic tricks? Allegedly Criss Angel pulled out of the project due to Britney not showing up to rehearsals.Īs a lifelong stan, it was devastating. So what happened?! Rumors of Britney firing him shortly before going on stage were reported. Britney’s hair had grown out bit since shaving her head, and her team hired major celebrity stylist Ken Paves to make sure her iconic blond locks were ready for prime time. The aftermath- within seconds of the camera zooming in on the back of her weave, fans knew something was wrong. The anticipation could be felt on the pre-VMAS red carpet, as reporters continued to hype her up as the opening act. To ease minds, her team and MTV released rehearsal clips of her in jeans and tank top, the day before as reassurance of her readiness. Fans began to worry, wondering if she was prepared for the big night. The week leading up to the VMAS, Britney was seen partying all over Sin City with Paris Hilton, P.

Celebrities on the VMAS red carpet were praising its catchy beats and unique sound. Gimme More- the lead single to her new album dropped the week before the VMAS, and was instantly iconic with the opening words, “it’s Britney bitch.” Penned by major hot writers of the time, Dhanja and Keri Hilson, the song was an exciting departure from her previous pop sounds. This was her moment to prove the haters and doubters wrong. Head shaving, stints in rehab, custody battles, and wild tabloid stories about partying, a shaky mini tour all planted seeds of doubt as to whether or not she could pull off this comeback. It was going to be spectacular, with magic tricks and all.Ģ007- it was a rocky year. Britney was spotted hanging out with Magician Criss Angel, and rumors of a major collaboration for her performance was reported all over media outlets. Fans gushed at what seemed to be a return to fit form for Britney. Photos of Britney leaving rehearsals, dance studios began circulating the blogs and building excitement. This was the golden age of paparazzi culture. Tabloids and rumors- in the days before social media, celebrity gossip was primarily driven by Perez Hilton and other online blogs, as well as tabloids and magazines. To build on the hype, MTV incessantly aired commercials for the 2007 VMAS, reminding people of her previous iconic performances. Keep in mind, the last time she performed on tv was January 2004, which was her first break since she debuted in 1999. Hype- MTV, along with Britney’s team, capitalized on the immense anticipation of her return.

2007 was hailed as her return to the VMA throne, and the world eagerly waited. She set the standard for what it means to deliver a controversial and iconic stage performance. Her 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2003 (mostly latter 3) performances was the reason so many people tuned into MTV. VMA Queen status- up until 2007, Britney was THE icon of the VMAS, and MTV. Several forces were at play in the pop cultural landscape of the time that led to the VMAS 2007 being such a shocking moment in pop culture. It was seen as the culmination of a tragic year for Britney, so much so that 2007 has gone on to become a famous meme, defining what it means to have a meltdown. Critics all across the board proclaimed the end of Britney’s career. Witnessed by viewers all over the world, it was a pop culture moment of epic proportions that made front page of media outlets everywhere. Seen as the train-wreck of a comeback performance at the time, it’s now become iconic for so many reasons. I still vividly remember when I watched this air live on MTV.

Britney meltdown vma