MTV lectures Britney Spears to behave on VMAs

MTV lectures Britney Spears to behave on VMAs



MTV has told Britney Spears (pictured at the 2001 VMAs) she better be good, for goodness snake.

LAS VEGAS - It could be the beginning of her comeback - or the end of it.

When Britney Spears takes center stage tonight at the MTV Video Music Awards, she returns to the scene of past triumphs.

If she does well, her performance of "Gimme More" could reinvigorate her shaky career. But if she flops, it will be before the whole world - and if she acts out before her sound check, she might not even get a chance to perform.

Sources told the Daily News that MTV has already lectured Spears to behave in Las Vegas or risk her spot in the lineup.

"Britney knows she's on thin ice. When they agreed to the performance, they sat her down and told her she should not be going out, and instead focus on rehearsing and resting," an insider said. "She seemed to be thankful and appreciative for the chance, but who knows with her? MTV made it clear that her usual behavior will not be tolerated."

Her antics in the past year have included a rampage of public appearances without underwear, shaving her head, attacking a car with an umbrella, a stint in rehab, and skirmishes with ex-hubby Kevin Federline over her alleged neglect of their two sons.

Spears arrived in Sin City late last week, and she's been running through her routine at the Palms, where the VMAs will be held.

But it hasn't been all work and no party.

The pop tart was spotted sipping a frozen margarita before her VMA rehearsal Friday.

Then Spears showed up at Snoop Dogg's bash at Body English in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino about 1 a.m. yesterday in a cute, black strapless dress. She had her people immediately call man-of-the-moment Criss Angel to meet her, sources said. Spears has denied the two are dating.

One source said, "She's totally phoning this in. She doesn't seem to care how this goes. She's been drinking a bunch and not putting her all into rehearsing."

But Spears' cousin and assistant Alli Simms dismissed such talk. "Her performance will be huge," Simms said. "She's very excited."

Simms was later overheard telling a pal that Spears hadn't eaten in three days.

Spears has been one of the VMAs' biggest buzz-generators, even though she's never won a moon-man statue. In 2000, she shed her schoolgirl image and stripped down to an eye-popping gold body stocking. A year later she gyrated with a python. In 2002, she presented Michael Jackson with a birthday cake, and the next year, she and Christina Aguilera shared smooches with Madonna.

VMA officials aren't giving away anything about this year's performance.

"What I've seen of it is great. She'll be dancing, performing, doing her thing," VMA Executive Producer Jesse Ignjatovic said. "That's exactly what we all want."

sevans@nydailynews.com