Spears on the cusp

Yes, yes, the new single sounds like a marvel - and so it should, because Britney Spears is famous for being able to deliver pop performances - but a lot hinges on the MTV Awards comeback performance in a few hours.

If it happens.

The New York Daily News quotes an "MTV insider" who claims the network are so keen for tonight's event to be a success that they'll be more than happy to cut Britney from the running order:

"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."

Yes. Why would MTV want a headline-grabbing public-meltdown, with all the lucrative resale value that would have, eh?