Britney Downed Toxic Cocktail Pre-Meltdown

Probably not half as much as they do...

(NEWSER) - Britney Spears appears to have learned something from her childhood: Namely, to keep her kids out of showbiz. “If my sons told me they wanted to be in the entertainment business, I'd lock them in their rooms until they turned 30!” she tells Cosmopolitan. Despite her ongoing tabloid troubles ( sexual harassment allegations , child abuse claims …), she seems happy in this interview, going on to talk about her sons’ “super cute” karate lessons. More»

Crazy costumes, not-so-crazy backstage behavior, and more

(NEWSER) - Britney Spears’ new show may be a circus, but it isn’t exactly family-friendly—Kevin Federline wouldn’t allow the couple’s kids to watch, deeming it too raunchy. More behind-the-scenes tidbits from the Mirror:

• The pop star is remarkably un-diva-like, making no special backstage demands and sticking to the normal catered menu. Before the big show, she just slept in and ate a big breakfast.

Singer's ex gets $5K a week to shepherd sons around country

(NEWSER) - Britney Spears has set off on her Circus tour, but it won't restrict her family time. The pop princess' ex-husband Kevin Federline, who has custody of their two sons, has agreed to let them accompany the singer—as long as he can, too. For his trouble, K-Fed will get a nice $5000-a-week stipend, the Daily Mail reports. More»

Shows not in jeopardy over custody dispute, Spears blog says

(NEWSER) - Britney Spears dismissed rumors that ex-husband Kevin Federline is keeping their two boys from joining her 2-month Circus tour, her blog says. In fact, Sean Preston, age 3, and Jayden James, 2, will be with her at every stop, People notes, beginning March 3. The pop star promises a three-ring spectacle, incorporating elaborate performances with contortionists and fire. More»

K-Fed's lawyers blocking agreed- upon travel plans

(NEWSER) - Britney Spears will cancel her tour if Kevin Federline’s lawyers block an agreement letting her take the kids, sources tell TMZ. Brit, K-Fed, and Jamie Spears privately agreed on a plan for the singer to tote the tots. But Federline’s legal team has objected to the idea for reasons that aren’t clear. Brit now has almost half custody. A lawyer for Federline says it looks like they'll work it out. More»