It turns out that when Britney Spears' manager Larry Rudolph said last week, "Contrary to media reports, Britney was never slated to perform on this year's VMAs", he actually meant, "As per media reports, Britney is slated to perform on this year's VMAs". It's an easy mistake to make.
Yes, after months of speculation, Britney Spears will appear again at the MTV Video Music Awards this year, following that embarrassingly terrible set at last year's awards. In fact, she will open the whole show - presumably because MTV know everyone will tune in hoping to see a train wreck and will then stick around to watch Russell Brand trying not to say the words he's been told not to. Or maybe they just think Britney will be brilliant this time, I don't know.
Anyway, in a statement, Spears said: "MTV has long played an important role in my career. How can I not be there to kick off their 25th VMAs? I'm excited to open the entire show, to say hi to my fans and to be nominated".