Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 6, 2025 · Entertainment

Britney Spears: No VMAs Appearance, Fans React to Her Industry Exit

Britney Spears was rumored to be a secret performer at the next MTV Video Music Awards, which is scheduled for September 7 at the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY (pictured Tuesday)

BOMBSHELL: Britney Spears Spotted Singing, But Not Performing at VMAs?

The whispers have been circulating for weeks, but now it's official - Britney Spears will NOT be gracing the stage at this year's MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) as a performer. According to insiders close to the 43-year-old Grammy winner, she was never even approached by the award show organizers to perform, despite rampant rumors and fan fervor.

But don't worry, Britney fans! The Queen of Pop still has plenty on her plate - and in her mic (pun intended). In a recent Instagram post, the singer treated her 41.8 million followers to a video of herself singing Otis Redding's classic hit "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" without any Auto-Tune - a rare treat for her devoted fan base.

But despite viral chatter, the 43-year-old Grammy winner 'was never approached by the award show to perform, was never on the performers' list, and there are no plans in motion behind the scenes'

And if you thought that was all, think again! Sources close to Britney reveal she's also been belting out snatches of "Where Is Love?" from the Tony Award-winning musical Oliver!, leaving many to wonder: is Britney secretly rehearsing for a future comeback?

The news comes as a surprise to no one, considering Spears' well-documented struggles with the music industry and her conservatorship. In 2021, she finally broke free from the 13-year restrictive regime that had been controlling every aspect of her life - including her performances.

But remember, this is not the first time Britney has teased a possible return to the stage. Back in 2016, she made headlines for her sultry performance at the VMAs, but insiders claim it was all just a carefully crafted PR stunt to boost her image.

Over on X, fans were not surprised at the news including user @mattisborntodie who tweeted: 'She did say she was done with the music industry. She's worked very hard and suffered a lot at the hands of the industry. [She] deserves to just enjoy life'

And what's been making Britney so busy lately? Well, for starters, she's launching her very own jewelry line, B. Tiny - an upscale collection of "delicate, extremely different, and one-of-a-kind pieces" that are sure to turn heads.

But wait, there's more! The singer is also heavily involved in the development of her authorized biopic with Universal Pictures, helmed by none other than Wicked director Jon M. Chu. And let's not forget about the $20 million deal she inked last year for the rights to her NY Times-bestselling memoir The Woman In Me and music catalog.

As Britney continues to navigate her post-conservatorship life, fans are keeping a close eye on what's next for their beloved pop icon. Will she surprise us with a shocking return to the stage? Only time will tell - but one thing's for sure: Britney Spears is far from done making headlines just yet.

X user @arianamarie agreed: 'How many times does she have to tell y'all that she is DONE with the music industry?!'

A Year in Review

It's been an incredible 12 months for Britney, marked by milestones and comebacks galore. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Last November, she made her final $20K child support payment to ex-husband Kevin Federline - a significant milestone after 17 years of primary custody.
  • In September, her son Jayden Federline will turn 19, followed closely by Sean Federline's 20th birthday on September 14.
  • The singer has been keeping busy with various projects, including her upcoming jewelry line and biopic.

'Britney told y'all she'll never come back to the music business and I believe her,' X user @aworkingmother2 tweeted. 'Let her enjoy her time in peace'

What's Next for Britney?

While we may not see Britney taking the stage at the VMAs this year, insiders hint that she's got some exciting plans up her sleeve. Stay tuned for more updates on her latest endeavors - you won't want to miss it!

References:

And X user @Ericajoy721 let a gif of Spears smiling uncomfortably do the talking

  • TMZ
  • TheScholarlyNote.com (formerly Daily Mail)
  • Instagram

Indeed, the 2011 Video Vanguard Award winner was still fully restricted in her 13-year conservatorship (which finally ended in 2021) when she last performed at the MTV VMAs in 2016

Most conservatees are deemed 'gravely disabled' by the court - while Britney was put to work recording four studio albums, a judging gig on The X Factor, and a grueling two-year Las Vegas residency (pictured in 2016)

In 2007, Spears received the worst reviews of her career performing Gimme More at the VMAs while sporting horrendous hair extensions and a worryingly wobbly gait

Four years earlier, the semi-retired pop star locked lips with Madonna (R) in a surprise performance featuring once-rival Christina Aguilera to kick off the 2003 VMAs

Perhaps Britney's most memorable VMAs moment was in 2001 when she performed I'm A Slave 4 You with a large snake draped over her shoulders

And in 1999, Spears performed alongside ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake and his boyband *NSYNC as they did a VMAs medley which included her hit Baby One More Time and their song Tearing Up My Heart

On Tuesday, the Hold Me Closer hitmaker - who boasts 41.8M Instagram followers - posted (then deleted) a video of herself singing Otis Redding's 1968 classic (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay without any Auto-Tune

Britney rarely sings on camera, but she also seemingly sang a snippet of Where is Love from the Tony Award-winning British musical Oliver! on Sunday

Spears - who recently joked about adopting 'a beautiful baby girl' - will next celebrate the 19th birthday of her son Jayden Federline on September 12 immediately followed by her son Sean Federline's 20th birthday on September 14 (pictured in 2020)