In a recent revelation, pop icon Britney Spears shared in her memoir, “The Woman In Me,” that a brief encounter with her ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake triggered a panic attack just before her infamous and heavily criticized performance at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
Key Takeaway
Britney Spears reveals in her memoir, “The Woman In Me,” that a surprise encounter with Justin Timberlake triggered a panic attack before her ill-fated VMA performance. She shares her insecurities about her appearance, the backstage chaos, and the toll it all took on her. This revelation offers a deeper understanding of the circumstances surrounding that memorable night.
A Surprise Run-In Adds to the Pressure
Britney Spears was all set to make a monumental comeback on the VMA stage that night with her song “Gimme More.” However, when she caught sight of Justin Timberlake at the show, it caught her off guard and sent her spiraling into a panic.
Recalling the moment in her memoir, Britney writes, “It had been a while since I’d seen him. Everything was going great in his world. He was at the top of his game in every way, and he had a lot of swagger. I was having a panic attack.”
The Pressure Takes Its Toll
Aside from the unexpected run-in, Britney shares that she was battling insecurities about her appearance. She reveals, “I hated the way I looked because it was less than a year since I’d had my second baby in two years, but everyone was acting like my not having six-pack abs was offensive.”
Moreover, Britney admits that she hadn’t rehearsed enough for the performance and felt that things were spiraling out of control backstage. She encountered problems with her costume and hair extensions, and the lack of sleep the night before left her feeling dizzy.
Struggling to Perform
Despite feeling overwhelmed and doubting herself, Britney mustered the strength to step onto the stage. However, she candidly reveals that she knew deep down that the performance was going to be subpar. “Nothing was going right,” she says.
Britney describes the surreal experience of watching herself on the video screens throughout the auditorium while performing, comparing it to looking at herself in a fun-house mirror.
Britney’s Perspective on Justin Timberlake
Interestingly, Britney’s memoir also sheds light on how she perceived her ex-boyfriend, Justin Timberlake, that night. In her words, she depicts him as gliding down the runway, exuding confidence and charm. She mentions how he flirted with girls in the audience, including one who captured attention by arching her back and shaking her breasts as he sang to her.
Reflections and Revelations
Looking back on that fateful performance with newfound insights, Britney acknowledges the flaws and the intense pressure she was under. Her memoir allows us to better understand the mindset and challenges she faced during that tumultuous period in her life.
