2007: Personal struggles and career activities

In January, Spears lost her aunt Sandra Bridges Covington, with whom she was very close, after a long battle with breast cancer.[63] On February 16, 2007, Spears entered an off-shore drug rehabilitation facility in Antigua. She stayed, however, for less than twenty-four hours.[64] The following night, Spears went to a haircutting studio in Tarzana, California and subsequently shaved her own hair off with clippers.[65] A few days later, on February 20, 2007, Spears admitted herself to a treatment facility in Malibu, California. A statement by her manager read, "We ask that the media respect her privacy as well as those of her family and friends at this time."[66] She left the facility briefly but returned on February 22, 2007.[67] The previous day Kevin Federline had requested an emergency hearing regarding the custody of his children with Spears but his attorney announced that his client asked to cancel the court appearance. No further explanation was given.[68] Spears left rehab on March 20 according to her manager who said she was released after "successfully completing their program".[69]

Spears has been recording a new album with producers Sean Garrett and Jonathan Rotem among others.[70][71] MTV has recently announced that Jive has confirmed that the first single from the upcoming album will be released in September[72] During May 2007, Spears produced a mini-tour for the House of Blues which included 4 live performances across California locations, San Diego, Anaheim, Los Angeles, and one in Las Vegas. Those in attendance reported that she did not actually perform the songs live in the 15 minute show, but danced and lip-synched to recorded accompaniment of 5 previous hit songs.[73][74] On May 19, Britney performed the House of Blues concert in Orlando, Florida as part of her "comeback plan" under the name of The M and M's. Even though she suffered brief audio problems while performing Do Somethin', where her vocals began skipping, Spears went on with the show as planned.[75][76] On May 20, Spears did another show in Miami at club Mansion.