Britney Spears has recalled running into her ex Justin Timberlake ahead of her disastrous MTV Video Music Awards performance in 2007.
In her new memoir, The Woman In Me, the pop star remembered being a bundle of nerves when she bumped into Justin ahead of her performance of Gimme More.
The 2007 show was Britney’s first major performance after a series of dramatic headlines detailing the star’s personal struggles.
The performance came after the pop star’s divorce from Kevin Federline, and her infamous head-shaving incident.
Recalling the moment she bumped into Justin, whom she dated from 1999 to 2002, Britney wrote: “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. I hadn’t rehearsed enough. I hated the way I looked. I knew it was going to be bad.”
That night Britney’s ex Justin received the Male Artist of the Year award, and delivered a star-studded performance with Timbaland, Nelly Furtado and other artists.
Speaking about her performance, Britney continued: “There was a problem with my costume and with my hair extensions. I hadn’t slept the night before. I was dizzy.”
“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.”
“I couldn’t believe I was going to have to go out onstage feeling the way I felt,” the popstar wrote.
Britney’s choreography, appearance and overall performance was heavily criticised.
“I could see myself on video throughout the auditorium while I performed; it was like looking at myself in a fun-house mirror,” she added.
