Is it premature to plan a tribute to an artist who has a current Top 10 single, and has not yet turned 30?
Looks like we’re about to find out, as MTV prepares to honor Britney Spears at this year’s Video Music Awards.
Spears has always been synonymous with the VMAs, from writhing with a live python, to her infamous kiss with Madonna, to 2007’s ill-fated listless comeback performance. This year, the awards show will attempt to top itself by featuring a full-fledged tribute to the ‘90s queen of pop, teased in this promo released by MTV.
The promo shows Spears decked out in spikes, studs, and sparkles, manning the turntables as DJ at an underground dance party. Her fellow revelers pay homage to her by dressing in some of her most memorable getups. The music is a mix of her current single “I Wanna Go,” several old hits, and snippets of Janet Jackson and Madonna, whom she credits as two of her inspirations.
MORE: Britney Releases ‘I Wanna Go’ Video
It remains to be seen whether the VMAs tribute will include a performance by Spears, other artists covering her songs, or a mix of both. “I heart @MTV,” Spears tweeted. “This one is definitely going to be a night to remember…”
Spears has won four VMAs in the past, including Video of the Year for “Piece of Me.” This year she is nominated for Best Pop Video and Best Choreography, both for her “Till The World Ends” video.
The 2011 VMAs will air on August 28th at 9 pm ET on MTV.