Britney Spears' VMA silence

Britney Spears' VMA silence

Britney Spears will not perform at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).

The troubled singer was believed to be making a comeback appearance at the ceremony next month - after her shambolic performance of 'Gimme More' at last year's event was slammed by critics - but her manager Larry Rudolph has now denied she will take to the stage.

Larry released a statement saying: "Contrary to media reports, Britney was never slated to perform at this year's VMAs. She's in the middle of recording her next album, which is going amazingly well, and her focus remains on the studio."

Last week, hairdresser Kim Vo spoke about a hairstyle he had planned for the 26-year-old's performance, but he has also confirmed Larry's statement.

He said: "Any ideas that we have about her hair are always theoretical. And we always have to be prepared. But she is not performing and so we don't have to worry about that."

Britney, who has never won a VMA, despite 17 nominations, is up for three accolades - Best Pop Video, Best Female Video and Video of the Year, all for 'Piece of Me' - at the upcoming ceremony, which takes place on September 7 in Los Angeles.

She has also appeared in TV adverts with the show's host Russell Brand to promote the event.

Pink, Rihanna and the Jonas Brothers are among the artists who will be performing.