Britney Spears Louisiana Circus performance

The stakes were higher than ever for Britney Spears as she took to the stage in New Orleans last night for the launch of her eagerly anticipated U.S. tour.
For what insiders described as her last chance to prove she can still compete in the pop world alongside the likes of Madonna and Kylie Minogue, the singer pulled out all the stops.
Well, almost. She didn't sing live during the high-octane act, but instead dazzled the crowd with a dozen costume changes - one more revealing than the next - elaborate dance routines and even the odd smoke and mirrors magic trick.