Britney Spears opens MTV's VMA 2007

Brit will perform her new song, ‘Gimme More’ - with a little help from illusionist Criss Angel.

MTV News can now confirm what may well be one of the worst-kept VMA secrets of all time: On Sunday night, Spears will grace the VMA stage, nestled within the Palms Casino Resorts’ Pearl Concert Theater, to perform “Gimme More,” the first single from her forthcoming fifth album, which is slated for a November 13 release. The The yet-untitled effort will be her first studio LP in four years, following 2003’s In the Zone.

Perhaps in homage to the glittery magic of Las Vegas, Spears consulted with illusionist Criss Angel, star of A&E’s “Mindfreak,” on “some of the moments of the performance,” said Jesse Ignjatovic, the executive producer of this year’s VMAs. Spears has been spotted around Sin City in recent weeks with Angel at her side, and there is unsubstantiated speculation that the two are romantically involved.

Ignjatovic said it was important to secure Spears for the big show’s opening number.

“I guess, looking back, we’ve had a great history with her,” he said. “Some of the biggest TV performances [of her career] have been at the VMAs. And fortunately, [when we approached her about performing], she was into it and excited to do it. I wanted her to come on and make a statement right from the very beginning of the show. And she’ll kill it. I wanted to start the show in a very big and dramatic way, and she’s the one to do that. She’ll captivate everyone, and set the tone for the rest of the night. There’s no one better.”

As for what we can expect from Ms. Spears, Ignjatovic wouldn’t give up the goods, but promised fans would be thrilled. “You can expect the things we want and expect from Britney - that will all be there,” he said. “What I’ve seen of it is great. She’ll be dancing, performing, doing her thing. That’s exactly what we all want. Fans that are familiar with her performance on previous VMAs will not be disappointed.”

Catch all the star-packed VMA action direct from Las Vegas on Sunday. MTV News’ preshow kicks things off live at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the big show at 9 p.m.

Source: people.com