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.

Of course, this doesn't mean she has to revert to wearing the Catholic girls' uniform again. But if she can honestly admit to her vulnerability (which, to many men, is extremely sexy in itself), show it with emotion through her music (no matter which tempo), allow for the occasional mistake (and, if one is made, admit it in post-song banter with the audience. That conveys a welcome "human" element), rehearse her shows fervently and in compliance with directors and producers, and tailor her act to a speed befitting someone who is overcoming so much, then she has a chance to resurface and regain her superstar status.

There are also three important steps she should take to augment that comeback successfully. The first step is to have good press. Her jet-setting friends such as Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie are the same ones who have been accessories to her fall. They should be relegated to minor roles in her life while more responsible friends in her field are sought out. The second step is to pursue her career fervently and correctly. Let the public know that she's serious about being a solid performer.
The third step is the most important of all. She needs to be a caring, watchful mom to her children (this hasn't hurt the careers of Angelina Jolie or Madonna one bit!). This love and attention should come from her heart and not for promotional purposes or selfish gain. These are her own flesh-and-blood, and not only depend on her but will be carrying her name and legacy on for years after she's out of the limelight.

She needs to remember, above all, that she's a 26-year-old human being -- old enough to learn from her misfortune but young enough to turn it all around successfully. If she can do that, we'll be hearing from a successful Britney Spears for years to come.