From the Associated Press:

LAS VEGAS - Somewhere, Kevin Federline is laughing.

An out-of-shape, out-of-touch Britney Spears delivered what was destined to be the most talked about performance of the MTV Video Music Awards — but for all the wrong reasons. Kicking off the show Sunday night with her new single, "Gimme More," Spears looked bleary and unprepared — much like her recent tabloid exploits on the streets of Los Angeles.

She lazily walked through her dance moves with little enthusiasm. It appeared she had forgotten the entire art of lip-synching; and, perhaps most unforgivable given her once taut frame, she looked embarrassingly out of shape.

Even the celebrity-studded audience seemed bewildered. 50 Cent looked at Spears with a confused expression; Diddy, her new best friend, was expressionless.

Some comeback.

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Wow. I didn't think she looked that bad, but the media is really hitting her hard after this performance.

She was not out of shape. She looked great. These idiots really tee me off

I just watched it. I don't think it was choreographed for her to be upbeat. It was no different than any of the other crap they put on there.

Britney is not as hot as she used to be, but if she was just coming out right now, I have a feeling that everyone would be talking about the hot girl on the VMAs. People don't want to admit she's still pretty hot because she has become a walking, talking trainwreck and because of her attitude. I wouldn't want to take her home to mom, but I would definitely take her home. Old Britney, do yourself a favor and show yourself.

I'm not a fan but give her a break, she's had 2 kids. If she was health nut she might be able to get her pre-kid body back. But she's not, and she won't.

That said she's in decent physical shape for a relativey new mom. However, she's a wreck in every other sense.

I think what hurts her the most is the lack of education.

It's incredible that so many people can read the minds of expressionless audience members who are well aware that cameras are on them and avoid making faces.

The show sucked. It's sucked for years.

I think Rhianna should have opened, although, even I'm getting a bit tired of her umbrella, ella, ella. She's what's hot.

As to Brit's performance, I agree there did seem to be a lack of rehearsal, but there was also lame choreography and camera work. The entire chorus seemed lost on stage.

Brit is the politically correct person to hate on. It seems a bit Roman Coliseum to me. Throw her to the lions. Yay!!!!

She looked ok, though a bit desperate looking. Performance sucked though. Bad lip synching and bad "barely" dance moves. No where near her other past VMA performances.

I just found this piece & it explains perfectly how I feel about this whole deal (a BIG thanks to Hotwinterboi from BritneyExperts.com ).

Well guys, I know how ya'll feel. Britney wasn't at her best today. What happened? There are many rumours out there. Obviously something went down. Something happened and our B girl didn't perform at her best, but I must say.... her performance wasn't horrible. It just wasn't "BRITNEY" I think a lot of us had HIGH EXPECTATIONS from Britney. We need to remind ourselves that it has been a rough, tought, and VERY DIFFICULT year for B.

Yes, I have the same reaction that most of you had and yes I also feel a little bit disappointed but more than disappointed I feel SAD for Britney. I can only imagine the way she feels and then that b**** Sarah Silverman has to come on stage and talk crap about her kids. That was SO WRONG. Yeah! ditch and talk about Britney all you want but don't get her kids involved. I loved how many people from the audience booed at Sarah.

I just want to let you all know that I STILL BELIEVE IN BRITNEY and I just hope she will do much better in the future. She's been through a lot, she stills is. A custody battle anyone? and millions of paparazzi following her 24/7. GOD! GIVE HER A FREAKING BREAK.

We'll probably never know what happened tonight but myself, as a TRUE BRITNEY SPEARS FAN. I SUPPORT HER AND WILL BE IN LINE ON NOVEMBER 13th BUYING HER RECORD.

YOU GO BRITNEY!!!