Is Britney Back?

Just as one summer tour crashes and burns, another rises from its ashes. Britney Spears Femme Fatale tour officially launched last week, with a performance in Sacramento's Power Balance Pavilion.

While reviews are a mixed bag, the extended five-month international tour is certainly an ambitious one for one of our favorite pop stars. With a focus on recent songs and lap dances(?), it seems that Britney is more concentrated on trying new tricks than clinging onto what worked in the past (What's up New Kids On The Block?).

Oh, and Nicki Minaj (whom we also love) is tagging along as the opening act. That always helps.

Check out Spears's site for all of her dates, and let us know if "It's Britney" or if it's a waste of time.

-- FLASH STEINBEISER

Photo: Getty Images