Britney Spears’ mental health came under scrutiny following her performance of “Gimme More” at the 2007 VMAs, during which the disoriented star mimed sloppily and appeared to forget her dance moves.
But an unearthed clip from the star’s dress rehearsals for the now-iconic performance shows Britney delivering a flawless routine, in stark contrast to the chaotic performance she delivered that night – leaving fans stunned so far.
In her explosive memoir The Woman In Me, the star revealed that she had an extremely awkward encounter with her ex Justin Timberlake backstage before her performance, writing: “It had been a while since I had seen him.” Everything was going great in his world.
“He was at the top of his game in every way and had a lot of self-confidence.” I had a panic attack. I hadn’t rehearsed enough. I hated the way I looked. I knew it was going to be bad.’
Before the performance, Spears appeared well-groomed and in good spirits during dress rehearsals for the performance. She once wore a large hat and jeans for a walkthrough – before wearing her famous sparkly lingerie and pulling her hair back into a ponytail.
Iconic: Britney Spears’ mental health came under scrutiny following her performance of Gimme More at the 2007 VMAs (right) – but an unearthed clip of the star’s dress rehearsals (left) for the now-iconic performance shows Britney pulling off a flawless routine
Give me more: Before meeting Justin Timberlake, Spears looked well-groomed and in good spirits during her dress rehearsals for the performance (above) compared to the performance (below).
Embarrassing: In her explosive memoir The Woman In Me, the star revealed she had an extremely awkward encounter with ex Justin Timberlake backstage before her performance (pictured in 2007).
Spears looked noticeably more energetic and happier at the dress rehearsal, prompting fans to comment, “Damn, this rehearsal is better than the last performance.” She’s obviously showing her feelings here. Look at her face, she’s really excited.”
Another wrote: “I can’t wait to hear her story behind this performance now that she can speak freely.” Something definitely happened between the rehearsal and the actual performance
Others wrote: “She looked much better with a ponytail and jeans.” I don’t know why they finally released her with that hairstyle and clothing. But Britney is a legend anyway!
“Only Britney has an iconic rehearsal” and “The first rehearsals looked pretty good.” It looks like the performance has deteriorated over time.”
After taking the stage in only her underwear and extremely visible hair extensions after shaving her head months earlier, the singer’s big comeback came to an abrupt end.
The performance shocked fans and was met with widespread criticism from audiences and critics.
She wrote of the moment: “There was a problem with my costume and my hair extensions.” I hadn’t slept the night before. I was dizzy. It hadn’t even been a year since I had my second child in two years, but everyone was acting like it was insulting that I didn’t have six pack abs.
“I couldn’t believe I had to go on stage with the same feelings.
Experimenting: Spears donned a large hat at one rehearsal and tied back her curls at another
Looking good: The star showed off her now-famous stage outfit as she worked her way through the routine
Different look: The star also wore jeans and a crop top at another rehearsal
Difference: Spears looked noticeably more energetic and happier at the dress rehearsal, prompting fans to comment, “Damn, this rehearsal is better than the last performance.”
Give me more! The star belted out the song at the dress rehearsal (above)
Concern: Spears sparked a lot of concern with her recent performance
Published October 24: Spears’ memoir The Woman In Me has sparked a series of bombshells
“I went out there and did my best in that moment, which – yes, admittedly – was far from my best at other times.” I could see myself on video throughout the room during my performance; It was like looking at myself in an amusement park mirror.’
Months after her VMAs performance in January 2008, Spears was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after police arrived at her home – after she locked herself in a bathroom with her sons and refused to hand them over to Federline – noticed that she appeared to be under drug influence.
Federline was granted sole custody and legal custody and Spears was involuntarily committed to the 5150 Psychiatric Detention Center and admitted to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Psychiatric Unit.
In July 2008, Spears regained visitation rights with her sons and returned to the spotlight with a documentary and television appearances.
Over the years, she occasionally shared snapshots of herself with the boys—beaming at the camera at a baseball game, celebrating birthday dinners, or splashing in the swimming pool—suggesting that a tender bond had formed between mother and sons.
But according to reports, Federline was awarded 70 percent custody in 2019.
Kevin now has sole custody of the two sons and recently made the decision to move the family from Los Angeles to Hawaii.