Britney Spears' VMA return

Jun 30, 2008, 12:10 GMT

Britney in her heyday...Lee Roth / RothStock / PR Photos

Britney Spears may open this year's MTV Video Music Awards.

The troubled singer was ridiculed for her shambolic appearance at the ceremony last year, appearing dazed as she struggled to remember the lyrics and dance routine to 'Gimme More'.

However, bosses have not ruled her out as a potential performer at this year's bash in September.

Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks Music Group, said: "Everyone deserves a second or third chance, right?

"I'm not sure how we top Britney opening the show. We are working on it every minute of every day."

Britney was reportedly spotted "crying badly" backstage after her performance in Las Vegas last year as her comeback was described as a "disaster".

Wearing a sparkly black bra and hot pants, she looked bleary eyed and unfit as she struggled to keep up with her energetic backing dancers, who threw themselves around stripper poles.

Cameras revealed celebrity guests, including 50 Cent, scoffing at Britney's performance, while Rihanna was seen in fits of laughter.

Following the song, comedienne Sarah Silverman came on stage and sarcastically said: "Was that incredible? Britney Spears, everyone. Wow. She is amazing. She is 25-years-old and she's already accomplished everything she's going to accomplish in her life. It's mind blowing."

Since then, Britney's career has been in decline and she has struggled to get her personal life back on track following her breakdown earlier this year.

However, she has been pictured recently looking healthy and happy emerging from dance studios and last week was granted overnight access to her sons, Sean Preston, two, and Jayden James, 21 months.