The untitled project, currently in the preliminary writing and development stage will be written by Jim Hart ("Contact," "Hook"). The film will tell the fictional story of the daughter of a successful, modern day NASCAR team owner and will include opportunities to feature real NASCAR drivers, teams, tracks and competition. 

The film will give an authentic portrayal of the heart and family spirit of NASCAR and Spears is slated to co-star as a young character that uses her knowledge and experience in the family business to inspire a former NASCAR driver to regain his desire to return to NASCAR racing. Spears will not portray a NASCAR driver. 

"One of NASCAR's objectives is to grow our sport by developing entertainment projects that introduce NASCAR drivers, teams, tracks and their sponsors to an ever-growing audience," said Brooks. 

"We have received numerous movie concepts set in the world of NASCAR, but chose this project because it is a great story that embraces our true, genuine sport as its backdrop. Britney Spears' involvement will help us reach an untapped fan base while serving our core fans with the authentic NASCAR experience." 

"We are excited to be working with the NASCAR family," said Carli. "Our goal is to create a film that honestly portrays the spirit of NASCAR. It is not just about winning -- it's about family, perseverance and the belief that any dream is possible." 

Carli produced Spears' first feature film project, "Crossroads" in spring 2002 to strong reviews and international box office success. Spears and her co-manager Rudolph joined forces with Carli in May 2001, and formed Britney Spears Productions. This is the first feature under the joint venture. 

Spears' previous involvement with NASCAR, as the Grand Marshal for the 2001 Pepsi 400 in 2001, was extremely positive for NASCAR as it created exposure for the sport within the music and entertainment industry and media. 

"I'm still hurting. It is a strange feeling getting used to being single again but I suppose I'll have to," the 20-year-old singer was quoted as saying by The Sun tabloid, before adding "Hugh Grant is so cute." 

Squeaky-clean Spears describes herself in her latest single as "not a girl, not yet a woman," while the worldly 41-year Englishman hit headlines in a 1995 scandal involving a Los Angeles prostitute. 

But the singer's admiration for Grant is apparently mutual. He was quoted recently as saying Spears was "special" and he would opt for a date with her over pop superstar Madonna. 

Spears told the paper she had not dated anyone since her five-year relationship with Timberlake ended in February. 

"I am the type of person who can't go from a serious relationship and then just start dating someone else straight away," she said. 

The duo blamed the rift on conflicting tour schedules, but media reports said Timberlake was unhappy about repeated marriage demands from the religious Britney. 

By contrast, Hugh Grant has taken a more casual approach to relationships since his 2000 split with actress Liz Hurley. 

At the recent Cannes Film festival the floppy-haired heartthrob said he was keen on Sandra Bullock, his sexy co-star in "Two Weeks Notice," but that it was "just a sex thing." 

Grant was arrested in 1995 by Los Angeles police after they found him engaged in a "lewd act" with a prostitute.

Spears has inked a deal with NASCAR to develop and produce a feature film based on the world's fastest sport, according to her publicist. In the film, Spears will portray the daughter of a NASCAR team owner who inspires a retired track veteran to return to the circuit. Although casting has yet to be completed, NASCAR drivers are expected to appear in the flick.

James V. Hart, who has scripted the screenplays for "Contact" (1997) and "Muppets Treasure Island" (1996), among other works, is writing the as-yet-untitled feature. A final draft of the script is expected to be finished in August, and production may begin in the first quarter of 2003 with a budget of $40-$50 million.

Talks of making the racing flick began in July, when Spears was the grand marshal of the Pepsi 400. A meeting was held with Spears and members of her Britney Spears Prods. production company at the racetrack in Florida, and the idea was hatched. 

Britney Spears Prods. — composed of principals Larry Rudolph, Spears' manager, and Ann Carli, producer of "Crossroads" — has two undisclosed projects in the development stages. 

Musically, Spears will wrap her Dream Within a Dream Tour July 22 in Dallas.

Spears, 20, is now taking her ``Dream Within a Dream'' tour on the road. 

A two-month on-off breakup with 'N Sync heartthrob Justin Timberlake is just one reason for Spears' ups and downs. Her latest singles have stiffed on the charts, and her movie debut, ``Crossroads,'' underwhelmed at the box office, suggesting that her reign may be nearing its end. 

Edgy pop singer Pink tweaked her in ``Don't Let Me Get Me,'' which added insult to injury by peaking at No. 8 on the Hot 100 last month, higher than any Spears single since 2000. Last month, the New York Daily News reported Spears' parents were separating. 

She also was embarrassed by a Fox News story in March in which she admitted she had never heard of Yoko Ono or the late Linda McCartney. Yet considering the rock community's dim view of the Beatles wives' musical forays, that actually might be in her favor. 

But for her latest tour, Spears is getting rave reviews. 

The Vancouver Sun said Spears' May 28 concert was filled with pyrotechnics and choreography, leaving a crowd of 13,000 in awe: ``There may be criticism for her sexy moves and revealing clothes, but Spears puts on a good show.'' 

Born and raised in Kentwood, La., Spears grew up in a friendly, small-town environment. 

In a recent teleconference, she recalled those days: ``When I was like in the second grade or third grade, my favorite thing was to go - I know this sounds really retarded - but to go to Wal-Mart and get all my (school) supplies.'' 

At 11, she joined the Disney Channel's Mickey Mouse Club and at 15, signed with Jive Records. 

Spears first landed on the airwaves in late 1998 with the No. 1 hit ``Baby One More Time,'' a fluffy, staccato pop-rocker written by producer Max Martin, who co-wrote a similar-sounding 1997 hit, ``Do You Know (What It Takes),'' for teen-pop sensation Robyn. 

      Spears followed that single with two more Top 40 hits from her debut album, ``Baby One More Time'': ``Sometimes'' and ``(You Drive Me) Crazy.'' 

Her second album, ``Oops! ... I Did It Again'' (2000), contained more funk-infused bubble gum. The title track recalled ``Baby One More Time,'' but was so catchy, Top 40 fans didn't complain. The next single, ``Lucky,'' coincided with a marked drop in airplay. 

Subsequent singles ``Stronger'' and ``Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know,'' the latter accompanied by a steamy video featuring Spears with a male model, projected a more mature image, but her days of ruling American radio were over. 

Released last November, her latest CD, ``Britney,'' was greeted with some of the most positive reviews of her career, with critics applauding stronger material and a broader stylistic range. The first single, the techno-funk number ``I'm a Slave 4 U,'' was an MTV hit but lacked a melody and was again shunned by radio. Interestingly, her newest singles, the ballad ``I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman'' and the retread ``Overprotected,'' remain in heavy rotation on Mexican radio, where teen pop is a permanent fixture rather than a cycle that rises and falls. 

However, her popularity on MTV and with her legions of mostly adolescent and pre-teen female fans remains unabated. She's released three smash albums, one more than the New Kids on the Block or the Spice Girls will ever have. 

``Britney'' sits at No. 72 in its 30th week on the Billboard 200, after debuting at No. 1. It's a certified quadruple platinum. 

In a predictable move, Spears appeared in her first starring movie role in February with the teen drama ``Crossroads.'' Also predictably, critics panned it, with Roger Ebert calling it a ``downer that would be even more depressing if the plot wasn't such a lame soap opera.'' 

``Crossroads'' grossed $37.2 million, disappointing by major-studio standards. It's scheduled for a July 23 video release. 

She has a cameo in ``Austin Powers in Goldmember,'' slated for a July 26 premiere. Like her ``Saturday Night Live'' appearances, it should be a perfect chance for the singer to poke fun at herself and blunt the humorless, self-absorbed image she often projects on her albums. 

The ``Goldmember'' soundtrack features her next single, ``Boys,'' which also is on ``Britney.''

In an exclusive interview she says: “I’m still hurting but I am trying to see it as an experience.” 

The singer and NSYNC boy band star Justin finally broke up for good in May after a five-year on-off relationship. 

Britney reveals: “The worst thing is everyone wants to talk to me about it. Everywhere I go people are asking how I am.” 

And the sad pop princess admits she is not strong enough yet to get involved with anybody new. She says: “I haven’t really dated anyone since Justin. 

“I am the type of person who can’t go from a serious relationship and then just start dating someone else straight away. 

The lonely star adds: “It’s a strange feeling getting used to being single again but I suppose I’ll have to cope. I’m just starting to get the knack of it because ever since I was 15 I’ve been in a serious relationship.” 

The couple were one of pop’s most famous pairings and religious Britney had expected them to marry. 

They even bought a luxury £2million lovenest together in Hollywood’s Beverly Hills to move into after getting spliced — the home is now the subject of a bitter dispute. 

Justin ended their relationship in a long-distance phone call after a series of rows. 

At first, both blamed their hectic schedules, saying they rarely got to be together. 

But last month Justin let slip to a fellow passenger during a flight: “We split up because she wanted to get married and I didn’t — she was driving me crazy about it.” 

In her interview Britney admits the couple parted because they wanted different things from life. She says: “We are climbing two different mountains.” 

Britney and Justin first met when they were 12, working on US TV’s Mickey Mouse Club. They ran into each other again as Britney’s solo career began to take off in 1997. 

They started dating almost immediately but were forced to keep it a secret for six months by order of their record label. 

Since the split both have been linked to a string of young celebrities. Justin has been spending time with NSYNC dancer JENNA DEWAN. 

It was his raunchy display with her when he sang at the Grammys in February that helped spark his split with Britney. 

Less than a week ago he was spotted canoodling with his ex’s arch rival CHRISTINA AGUILERA in LA. 

Yet Justin has also admitted he is struggling to come to terms with the fact that he and Britney are finished. 

This month he admitted: “I know what it’s like to have a broken heart now. You get to the point where you cry yourself to sleep at night.” 

In the interview Britney puts a brave face on her upset. She reveals that once she is ready to really start dating again her ideal man would be Four Weddings And A Funeral star HUGH GRANT. 

Asked which single man she fancied she giggled: “Hugh Grant is so cute!” 

Her admission comes two months after Hugh revealed he had a crush on Britney — and would opt for her over MADONNA. 

He said at the time: “I love them both, of course. But if I had to decide who to ask on a date, I’d have to say Britney. 

“She’s very special.” 

Although she claims she is not dating, Britney has been spotted with a number of pin-ups. 

Immediately after the split she was said to be seeking comfort in the arms of hunky Aussie dancer WADE ROBSON. 

Lately she was linked to MARC TERENZI from up-and-coming American boy band NATURAL. 

"I Love Rock and Roll" on the single charts:
Germany #11
Australia #14
Switzerland #16
Netherlands #18
Belgium #21
Austria #24
Italy #30

"I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman" on the single charts:
Czechia #3
Ireland #28
Austria #36
Australia #41
Sweden #43
Switzerland #58
France #65

"Britney" on the album charts:
Britney
Ireland #16
Australia #23
Austria #42
France #54
Canada #56
Netherlands #68
Switzerland #73

Britney's four-bedroom, Tudor-style house with a country kitchen is located on a 7.5-acre estate in Kentwood, LA. "It's so peaceful," the brown-eyed, pouty-lipped blonde tells InStyle magazine, which features the 20-year-old multi-millionaire's mansion in its July issue. 

Newly single since her breakup with JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, she also reveals in InStyle, "We're climbing two different mountains. His priorities are different from mine right now." 

When she's not catching rays by her private swimming pool -- she even designed the shallow end so she can lie half-in and half-out of the water -- she has more than enough work to keep her busy. This summer, the former "Star Search" winner will wrap up the Britney CD tour, promote her cameo role in 'Austin Powers in Goldmember' and open a new restaurant in Manhattan. 

So what does Britney do to unwind after such a heavy workload? The Pepsi spokes-woman says she loves to relax in her luxurious bathtub. Her favorite place to nap? Her mother's four-poster bed! 

Pick up the July issue of InStyle, which hits newsstands June 21.

The applause/scream meter, if there had been one, would have rested in the upper register all night. Even so, officials estimated the crowd at fewer than 18,000, down from the 25,000 or so her 2000 show drew.

From the opening number, "Oops, I did it Again" to the end run, which included "Baby, One More Time," her first big hit, Spears couldn't do anything wrong. The fans just kept screaming and screaming.

Early on, the merchandise booths enjoyed a gold-rush business, with lines 12 deep.

Devyn Carter, 12, of Austin and her friends Lauren Burton, 11, and Aryn Cater, 12, said they were thrilled to be at the show:

"I love her music so much," said Carter, outfitted in a Spears T-shirt. "We waited 11/2 hours outside (the dome) for the doors to open, and it was really hot outside."

Just like her previous appearance here, Spears brought out all the familiar big guns — massive fireworks, deafening flashpot explosions and blinding laser lights. Friday night, the special effects blew out the power at a concert at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, forcing producers to stop the show after just two songs. The show will be rescheduled or tickets will be refunded.

The power failure notwithstanding, it's those big-money special effects that have become requisite at every major dome or amphitheater show. Without them, it's almost a downer.

Of course, there were the usual half dozen costume changes and wild choreography by dancers across a massive elongated banjo-shaped stage that jutted into the audience and allowed many fans a close-up view of the action. 

Spears ran down her familiar set including "(You Drive Me) Crazy;" "Overprotected," her latest tune; and "Born To Make You Happy."

For almost the entire 90-minute show, the enthusiastic audience was on its feet.

From the nonstop stage action and wild special effects, Spears appeared to be trying to outshine the masters, such as Michael Jackson and Madonna. She came close. She and her dancers quickly sweated up a storm as they frantically ran from one tightly choreographed number to the next.

After a run that included "Lucky," and "Boys," Spears slowed the pace for a few ballads, including one of her biggest hits, "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman," which included a crowd singalong.

Many of the 14,300 people attending the event at United Spirit Arena on the Texas Tech campus expressed anger and disappointment as they filed out of the arena.

Spears used pyrotechnic effects and explosions while performing "Oops...I Did It Again" and "(You Drive Me) Crazy." 

The arena stayed dark for several minutes afterward. 

The arena lights then came on for a moment, went back out -- and, when they came on again, a member of Spears' management walked on stage with the headliner at 9:10 p.m. and said there had been a power failure and, in the interest of not staging an unsafe show, the concert was canceled. 

Arena power and lighting still was operational. However, additional power is used to bring Spears' high-energy stage shows to life. 

"I'm just so sorry," Spears told the crowd, before being met with boos. "Please don't boo," she said, then turned and walked off the stage. 

Some of the visuals used in Spears' show this year are a barge that "flies" above the stage with Spears and her dancers aboard, a bungee gimmick and a sheer water curtain near the finale. 

These were not seen Friday. 

Cindy Harper, assistant to arena general manager Kent Meredith, said, "Maybe a transformer blew." 

"We just don't much know right now," she added. 

Spears is scheduled to perform tonight at the Alamodome in San Antonio. 

Her current tour began May 24 in Las Vegas, Nev., and ends July 22 in Dallas. 

Harper indicated that either the show would be rescheduled or a refund policy would be settled upon. 

News of one or the other is expected by Monday, Harper said. 

Shortly after 10 p.m., John Walker, director of the computerized ticketing firm Select-a-Seat, walked into a crowded office where a meeting already was in progress, attended by arena officials and technicians, the concert's promoter and management. 

No announcement was forthcoming Friday, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported in its Saturday editions. 

Tickets sold for as high as $71 each for the concert.

They were angry.

Neither had the change necessary for a pay telephone so they could call relatives to pick them up earlier than expected. They had been waiting there for almost an hour.

Ever since Friday's Britney Spears concert was canceled at approximately 9:10 p.m., just two songs into her show.

That's when "it appears that a transformer blew," arena manager Kent Meredith said at 11:45 p.m. Friday.

"We really don't know what happened for sure," he continued. "It was an equipment failure that warrants an investigation to determine exactly what went wrong. It was just a horrible incident for everyone involved."

Arena lighting still was operational when the show ended.

Additional power was used to bring Spears' high-energy stage show to life, but Meredith said, "We did bring in two temporary transformers to use for Britney, but right now it appears it was the arena's permanent transformer that blew."

Some of the visuals used in Spears' show this year are a barge that "flies" above the stage with Spears and her dancers aboard, a bungee gimmick and a sheer water curtain near the finale. These were not seen Friday.

Spears was able to use pyrotechnic effects and explosions while performing "Oops...I Did It Again" and "(You Drive Me) Crazy."

But the arena stayed dark for several minutes afterward.

The arena lights then came on for a moment, went back out — and, when they came on again, a member of Spears' management walked on stage with the headliner and said there had been a power failure and, in the interest of not staging an unsafe show, the concert was canceled.

Many assumed the announcement was a joke, a part of the show.

"We thought it was just a trick," said Jessica Snider-Rodriguez, 13, with Nicole Snider-Rodriguez, 15, agreeing.

"We'd already sat through an hour and a half of the opening acts, and they were pretty vile," Jessica said.

Nicole said, "I just hope she comes back."

"I'm just so sorry," headliner Spears told the crowd before being met with boos.

"Please don't boo," she said, then turned and walked off the stage.

Groups of youngsters also booed and chanted for a short time outside the arena. Others told strangers that Spears was not at fault and could not help what happened.

Meredith applauded Spears' management for the manner in which the show was canceled, and the more than 14,000 in attendance for "calmly leaving the arena."

He explained, "There are other acts who, if they had been playing here and the show was canceled, there could have been a riot or a panic.

"So I'm thankful people departed. I know they were unhappy. And our bottom line doesn't concern money so much as taking care of our customers."

Cindy Harper, Meredith's assistant, indicated that the Spears concert either would be rescheduled or a refund policy would be settled upon.

News of one or the other is expected "early next week," said Meredith, who added, "Please, just emphasize to everyone to keep their ticket stubs."

Spears is scheduled to perform tonight at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Her current tour began May 24 in Las Vegas, Nev., and ends July 22 in Dallas.

Should Spears management and concert promoter Concerts West wish to bring the show back to Lubbock this summer, they and arena manager Meredith would have to find a date not already reserved by Texas Tech coaches Marsha Sharp and Bob Knight for basketball camps.

Meredith said, "There's so many other things and so many people that have to be taken into account. Britney's already been on the road a long time."

A refund policy would have to take into account the number of tickets purchased with cash and possible lost ticket stubs.

Mikka Harvey, 12, and Valery Harvey, 10, both of Lubbock, were on a stairwell exiting the arena's concourse shortly after 9:30 p.m., still looking for a cell phone to borrow.

"I'm wondering how we're supposed to get home," Valerie said.

A woman exiting the concert gave them enough change to use the pay phone to call their parents.

Jamie McDaniel drove eight hours from Tulsa, Okla., to take her children to the Spears concert.

"My 5-year-old, Julia, especially likes Britney," she said, "so I'll drive back again if necessary if Britney comes back."

Dominga Hernandez of Slaton stood outside the arena with her daughter and said, "This just shows me the United Spirit Arena cannot put on a good show, that it can't handle what the performers need to put on a show."

The Spears concert is the first to be canceled for technical reasons at the 3-year-old arena, which has hosted concerts by acts ranging from Creed and KISS to Rod Stewart and the Dixie Chicks.

The Monreal cousins, waiting on the median, had arrived at the arena at 5:30 p.m. They said they did not plan to return should Spears offer Lubbock another show.

"We had the most expensive ($71) tickets, which was a lot of money for people to spend," said Sarah, who added that both girls received their concert tickets as birthday gifts.

Meredith pointed out, "We have another concert coming in two weeks (on June 28) by the Eagles. They are still coming. They are still going to play.

"They demand much less power than Britney, although, at this point, we really don't know if her power requirements were even part of the problem tonight."

Lesson Two: After you piss off a diva, don't ask her for any favors. J.Lo recently refused to hook up Britney with any goodies to give away at the pop tart's restaurant opening of Nyla in New York on June 27. If you're lucky enough to get one of these gift bags, they are fulled with $1,000 worth of free stuff including fancy watches, Jive Records CDs and plenty of make-up. Yowza.

A few minutes later a voice instructed the crowd to hold onto their ticket stubs and to wait until Monday for an announcement. 

AN ALL-NEW SPECIAL 'TEEN CHOICE PRESENTS: SUMMER MUSIC MANIA 2002' THURSDAY, JUNE 20, ON FOX

Jennifer Love Hewitt, *NSYNC's J.C. Chasez and Chris Kirkpatrick will host FOX's TEEN CHOICE PRESENTS: SUMMER MUSIC MANIA 2002 concert special from the Mohegan Sun Arena on Thursday, June 20 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Performances by Britney Spears, No Doubt, Alanis Morissette, Michelle Branch, Ashanti, Tweet, Ludacris, Nelly, Vanessa Carlton, The Calling, Craig David, B2K and JA Rule will be featured. (FM-0225) (TV-PG; V)  

"We are thrilled to continue to offer AOL members and Web music fans access to never-before-heard music from artists like Britney Spears," said Kevin Conroy, SVP and General Manager of AOL Music. "Together with the single, 'Work It Out' from Beyonce Knowles, we have offered fans an advanced look into the music of one of the biggest upcoming films of the summer, Austin Powers in Goldmember. Britney's record-breaking debut on 'First Listen' clearly demonstrates her overwhelming popularity among music fans around the world, as well as the development of the Web as the premiere place for fans to go to hear music first. This hugely successful promotion also serves as further evidence of AOL Music's ability to create tremendous exposure for a wide range of artists." 

"AOL Music's 'First Listen' program provides a great way to promote new music and drive excitement for an album's release," said Jeremy Welt, New Media, Maverick Recording Co. "As part of our efforts to build anticipation for the Austin Powers in Goldmember soundtrack, debuting two of the singles including Britney Spears' 'Boys' remix enabled us to reach a massive audience in a very short period of time. We were blown away by the incredible response to Britney's single!" 

"First Listen" is a popular new feature that gives AOL members and Web music fans the chance to hear new singles on demand, in their entirety, before they can be heard anywhere else. Britney's debut follows on the heels of recent "First Listen" successes including Nelly, Jay-Z, David Bowie, P. Diddy, Moby, Alanis Morissette, Brandy, Will Smith and Wyclef Jean. "Boys(Co-Ed Remix)" is available at AOL Keyword: First Listen on AOL and AOL High Speed Broadband services; on AOL's Web Properties including Netscape, AOL(r) Instant Messenger(TM), AIM Today and CompuServe. In addition, "Boys(Co-Ed Remix)" is available across AOL's international services including AOL in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Argentina, Australia and Canada.  

Britney Spears' career has taken her from Mickey Mouse to music to movies. Now the 20-year-old from Kentwood, La., has taken on a new professional challenge — restaurateur.

On Monday, Nyla, the upscale restaurant she co-owns in the Dylan Hotel on E. 41st. St., opened for previews. The singer was nowhere in sight. She hasn't met the chef, and is not expected to put in an appearance until the red-carpet opening on June 27.

Nyla's name is an acronym denoting Spears' connection to New York and Louisiana.

"Britney was very influential with regard to the design of Nyla," says operating partner Bobby Ochs, a well-known restaurateur.

Restaurants always have been appetizing to celebrities, but with varying degrees of success. Mulholland Drive Cafe, on which Ochs teamed with Patrick Swayze in 1988, lasted 10 years. Peaches, a collaboration between Ochs and Marla Maples, rotted in less than a year.

Ochs insists that Spears is very much involved in this latest enterprise. For example, Nyla's logo is based on the singer's own girlish, loopy lettering, says Ochs. And the pop superstar showed up "for a good hour" to approve fabric swatches. She also is said to have requested candles for the fireplace, nixed zebra-striped banquette fabrics and insisted that the color pink be used sparingly. (The original name of the place, Pinkey, was an endearment coined for her by deposed boyfriend Justin Timberlake of 'N Sync.)

But anyone going to chez Spears expecting to see Britney memorabilia will be disappointed. No platinum records. No posters. No videos. No bodysuits will hang from the $90,000, newly installed staircase and catwalk.

"This is not a theme restaurant," insists Ochs.

Clark Wolf, a New York-based restaurant consultant, is not convinced the Spears connection will have people flocking in force. At least not "teens and 'tweens," who account for Britney's most passionate fans.

Nyla features American fare with some Southern influences in honor of you-know-who's roots. Chef Michael Perselay created the duck-and-wild-mushroom étoufée and the crab cakes because the singer loves them.

Or so he was told. Perselay, who prefers hearing the Allman Brothers to Britney when he slices and dices, has yet to even talk to his new boss.

"[She's] an odd choice" to front a restaurant admits Wolf, who could envision Spears opening a "burger and pizza place," not a restaurant aiming at a sophisticated crowd that charges between $16 to $24 for an entrée.

"The greatest profitability in restaurants comes from the bar. I don't think of a cocktail when I think of Britney Spears. I think of her bellybutton."

Or, maybe, a Pepsi.
 

May We Recommend ...? Advice for Britney

Disasters outnumber the victories when it comes to celebrity restaurants. Here are some tips, admittedly unsolicited, to help keep fledgling foodie Britney Spears from getting her fingers — or anything else — burned:

Show Up: "You can't just put in one appearance a year," says Frank Ramppen, general manager of Bobby Valentine's Sports Gallery Cafe, in Corona, Queens, and Stamford, Conn., where the Mets manager is a frequent presence. "Word needs to get out that she frequents the place." 

Be Nice: "When Bobby's here, he comes in contact with 95% of the people in the restaurant," says Ramppen. "He'll sign anything for anybody — arms, shirts, hats. You can't turn a cold shoulder to customers." 

Use Connections: J.Lo chose her dad, David, to oversee things at Madre's, her restaurant in Pasadena, Calif. Brit's folks live far away in Cajun country, so she should make Nyla a Mickey Mouse operation and recruit ex-Mouseketeer Keri Russell to be the hostess. "Felicity" is off the air. She could probably use the work. Other options: Christina Aguilera as barmaid. Justin Timberlake as bathroom attendant. 

Get Creative: Nyla won't overtly take advantage of the Britney factor, but a little covert action never hurt anybody — or business for that matter. We suggest a sign at the bar: Want another cocktail? Just say, "Hit me baby, one more time." Another option: Waiters should greet guests by saying, "I'm a slave for you."  

Is it true that the pop star went to Scottsdale Fashion Square on Tuesday, was mobbed by fans, but still spent $300 at Abercrombie? Yep.

Is it true she's staying at the Ritz Carlton in Phoenix? Probably - but officially, no comment. 

And is she really just as pretty in person and super, super nice? For sure.

Mandi McKinney, who works at the Abercrombie kids' store in Scottsdale, said Britney stopped by to shop Tuesday evening with her mother, her little sister, her sister's friend and a bodyguard. 

"I thought she'd be rude, but (she and her entourage) were just really, really nice," said McKinney, 19. "They just seem like ordinary people when you meet them face to face."

Two hours before Spears' Wednesday night concert, girls waited - midriffs bared - in line outside America West Arena, copying the star's signature moves to Oops! . . . I Did It Again. 

Ava Peoples, 17, had passes to the sound-check and got to hear Britney - wearing a brown bikini top and brown low-rider pants - sing a new song. She even snagged her autograph.

At the mall in Scottsdale, Britney wore makeup and "looked cute," McKinney said. Important disclosure for Britney fans: she was wearing a baby blue bucket hat, pink sunglasses, frayed jeans, and a fringe belt. Her famous belly button was covered by a shirt, but McKinney was too dazzled to remember what it looked like.

McKinney, who had tried in vain to get good seats to the concert, slipped Britney's mom a note while the star hid in a dressing room.

"I wanted to tell her how cool it was to see her," she said. "Her mom was like, 'Oh, honey, put your phone number on here.' "

Later, after Britney was escorted through the crowds by her bodyguard, a Britney rep called McKinney to say two concert tickets would be waiting for her at the box office.

Later that night they were. Tenth row.

The pop star and company also stopped at Bebe, a trendy clothes shop favored by Britney, and Abercrombie & Fitch, a preppy store. 

"Everyone was whispering and huddling around their cash registers to be the one to check her out," Abercrombie & Fitch store manager Adam Schiermyer said. Britney didn't buy anything there.

The Spears group spent $300 on matching outfits for Britney's sister and her friend at the kids' store.

In the Valley on Wednesday, everyone was trying to figure out where else they could spot Britney. 

On their morning KEZ radio show, Beth & Bill announced that Britney might be spotted at the Arizona Center downtown, but she wasn't.

Security at America West Arena was tight.

At the Ritz Carlton, management evaded the media all afternoon.

If she was staying there, and most pop stars do (including 'N Sync, Britney's on-again-off-again boyfriend's group), she'd likely get the 1,860 square-foot Ritz Carlton suite, complete with a jet bathtub, a baby grand piano and a price tag around $2,500 per night. 

Workers in an office building near the pool area at the Ritz said there's no doubt Britney is there. The singer and her entourage sunbathed around the pool Tuesday, and workers were pasted to the window all afternoon. 

Britney is traveling with her personal caterer as well. 

Mitch Katz of Arizona Catering in Mesa fed Britney and company for a week in November while she was filming her HBO special in Las Vegas.

"She's a chocoholic," Katz said, "though they try to keep her away from it.

"She's really a nice little girl. She reminds me of a girl one of my daughters would bring home from the cheer squad."

Britney also likes to eat Pop Tarts, in frosted strawberry and chocolate, Katz said, "for her little treat." And to keep those trademark Britney abs, she has baked chicken or steamed fish for dinner. 

"And she loves Gatorade," Katz says. "Lots of Gatorade. Fierce Melon is her favorite."

Britney's representatives wouldn't feed the Valley's Britney watch with information on her whereabouts.

"I'm sure she went shopping, That's her favorite thing," said one member of Spears' New York-based tour management team.

McKinney, one of the few lucky enough to see the star, understands the silence.

After Britney left the Abercrombie store, McKinney said, people came in and wanted to see which dressing room she used, wanted to stand in the store where she stood, and wanted to touch what Britney had touched.

"It was just crazy," McKinney said. 

Timberlake, who admits he can't say the words "break-up" since the apparent split, has been the subject of intense media speculation since the end of his relationship with Spears.

However, he has now confirmed that it is all over, leaving Timberlake with a broken heart.

He told US magazine 'People': "I feel like I'm in the middle of a soap opera," after being named one of the publication's top 50 bachelors. 

"I honestly know what it's like to have a broken heart now. You get to a point where you're crying yourself to sleep at night."

Timberlake, 21, confirmed their three-year romance was definitely over, but said he had only positive memories of the relationship.

"I love Britney, and I'll always love her."

He added: "I can't sit here and say that she's been a dark part of my life. She's been a big sunshine in my life." 

BILLBOARD 200 HISTORY: Britney
week (31) ending 06.15.02 #85
week (30) ending 06.08.02 #72
week (29) ending 06.01.02 #82
week (28) ending 05.25.02 #79
week (27) ending 05.18.02 #81
week (26) ending 05.11.02 #68
week (25) ending 05.04.02 #59
week (24) ending 04.27.02 #49
week (23) ending 04.20.02 #50
week (22) ending 04.13.02 #41
week (21) ending 04.06.02 #29
week (20) ending 03.30.02 #34
week (19) ending 03.23.02 #28
week (18) ending 03.16.02 #26
week (17) ending 03.09.02 #25
week (16) ending 03.01.02 #9
week (15) ending 02.23.02 #14
week (14) ending 02.16.02 #17
week (13) ending 02.09.02 #25
week (12) ending 02.02.02 #22
week (11) ending 01.26.02 #21
week (10) ending 01.19.02 #20
week (09) ending 01.12.02 #14
week (08) ending 01.05.02 #12
week (07) ending 12.29.01 #4
week (06) ending 12.22.01 #3
week (05) ending 12.15.01 #4
week (04) ending 12.08.01 #5
week (03) ending 12.01.01 #3
week (02) ending 11.24.01 #2
week (01) ending 11.17.01 #1 (debut)
 

In related news, Fonsi's English-language MCA/Universal debut album, Fight The Feeling, comes out July 2. The music video for the album's first single, "Secret," was co-directed by *NSYNC's Joey Fatone. For the album, Fonsi collaborated with top European and American songwriters and producers, including Eclectic Productions (Christina Aguilera), Underground Productions (LFO), Oliver Leiber, Steve Morales (Celine Dion, Enrique Iglesias), and Rudy Perez.

Luis Fonsi summer tour dates with Britney Spears (subject to change):

July 9 - Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum

July 10 - Washington, DC - MCI Center

July 11 - Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Coliseum

July 13 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - National Car Rental Center

July 14 - Orlando, FL - TD Waterhouse Centre

July 18 - Bossier, LA - CenturyTel Center

July 19 - Oklahoma City, OK - Ford Center Arena

July 20 - Little Rock, AR - Alltel Arena

July 22 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center 

Brit, Jamie Lynn, Crystal and I flew home for Britney's three day vacation. It worked out perfectly because Sandra and Laura Lynn were home as well so we could all spend some quality time together. Laura Lynn and Sandra suggested we go with them to see "The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood." We laughed until we hurt. Brit and I are adjusting and readjusting schedules in order to be with Sandra as much as possible. 

Brit had this wonderful vacation planned for July 4th at her condo in Florida. Unfortunately, the ice maker had flooded it! She's working on plan B now for the 4th. Britney has decided to redecorate the Florida condominium with a Moroccan theme. I'm excited because we've seen some great things in Anthropologie that would look really nice. Brit has another project!! 

Jamie Lynn and I are going to spend most of the summer in Los Angeles. Jamie Lynn’s own project begins soon and Brit will stay with us when she's not touring. Jamie Lynn insists she must have friends from home visiting on regular intervals. It'll be nice to escape the hot Louisiana summer. 

Britney has been meeting with "Make a Wish” kids before her concerts. These children are so special and so brave. They are a real inspiration to Britney. Brit wants to share this with her fans, and to thank these wonderful kids again for supporting her and sharing their time with her. 

P.S. Thank you Frankie! Brit still wears the little gold heart locket you gave her.  

The pop tart created the restaurant's scripted logo, which is written in her own handwriting. 

The singer-turned-restaurateur has left her mark in nearly every aspect of the 140-person eatery, slated to open in the Dylan Hotel, at 52 W. 41st St., later this month. 

The Post got an advance look inside the eatery, named after Spears' two favorite places, New York and her home state of Louisiana. 

(She originally called it Pinky after the nickname bestowed on her by ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake of *NSYNC, but scrapped that idea after their messy break-up.) 

In the kitchen, chef Michael Pereselay (of the now closed Mulholland Drive Café in L.A.) created dishes that remind Spears of her childhood. 

His soul food selections include grilled salmon with Mississippi caviar and sautéed southern greens ($17); southern fried chicken with potato Johnny cakes ($16); and a lobster salad appetizer with fried green tomatoes ($12). 

The singer was instrumental in creating the restaurant's design and bright color scheme of pinks, reds and oranges. 

When deciding how to decorate the restaurant, partner Bobby Ochs says he thought of adjectives that describe Spears like "bright, youthful, sexy, vibrant and energetic." 

"She was interested in every aspect," says Ochs, who added that she vetoed a zebra print fabric for banquettes and requested candles for a warm lighting scheme. 

The restaurant won't open its doors until June 27, but the buzz has already reached a fever pitch. 

Rudy Giuliani, Gov. Pataki and magician David Copperfield have RSVPed to the opening party - and celebs like J.Lo and Cher have also expressed interest in coming, says Berkowitz, who has been inundated with requests for invites. 

Ochs insists the restaurant isn't just about Spears, though her celebrity will certainly rake in the crowds and the cash. 

Ochs' last restaurant, Mulholland Drive Café, was co-owned by Patrick Swayze in the '80s, but didn't survive his post-"Dirty Dancing" career. 

Nyla "is not a theme restaurant," says Ochs. "It's not a monument to Britney. We are really going to run a sophisticated upscale New York restaurant in an upscale hotel."  

The transaction, valued at $3 billion according to some industry executives, is set to close at the end of this year and would increase BMG's profile in the music industry. Even with recent successes like its J Records label, a joint venture with Clive Davis that released the Grammy-winning debut album of Alicia Keys, BMG, which has a roster of artists that includes Whitney Houston and the Dave Matthews Band, is still dwarfed by its peers.

Last year, the company ranked No. 5 in worldwide record sales, according to company executives, despite a significant showing in the United States.

BMG Music acquired a 25 percent stake in Zomba's music publishing division in 1991 and a 20 percent stake in the record unit in 1996. As part of those deals, Zomba, the largest independent music company, had an option that required Bertelsmann to acquire the company if Zomba exercised it by the end of 2002. Industry executives say it is possible that the music impresario Clive Calder, Zomba's chairman and chief executive, could leave the company after the acquisition is completed.

"While the exercise of this option will undoubtedly be a surprise to many in the music industry, this is a natural culmination of many years of close business ties," Mr. Calder said in a statement.

Thomas Middelhoff, Bertelsmann's chairman and chief executive, added, "We are all very excited about its future prospects, and it will definitely strengthen our music business."

Indeed, BMG Music will add an array of pop stars with Zomba's Jive label. Besides Ms. Spears, it has the Backstreet Boys, whose popularity has waned in recent months as the currency of bands like 'N Sync has risen. The Jive family also includes R. Kelly, the Grammy Award-winning rhythm and blues star who was indicted last week on 21 counts of child pornography; the authorities said he made a sexually explicit videotape with an underage girl. If convicted, he could be sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined $100,000.

Aside from pop and urban music acts, BMG also obtains the Provident Music Group, which will give it a presence in contemporary Christian music, a genre that has grown in popularity over the years. For Zomba, the reported price could not be better. The music industry is in the midst of one of its worst slumps in decades, with album sales down 10 percent last year. Zomba is a private company, but a person close to the company said it had sales last year of $1 billion with profits estimated to be more than $300 million.

"It seems like a rich price given the state of the music business," said Michael Nathanson, a music analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein. "You could buy the EMI Group right now for about that."

In fact, EMI and BMG Music did hold merger talks last year, but the negotiations were scuttled because European regulators threatened to oppose it. Under the deal discussed, a person involved in the talks said, EMI would have acquired BMG Music. Since then, EMI's fortunes have declined, forcing it to cut thousands of jobs and restructure. BMG, for its part, has surged in recent months after its own restructuring.

Soundscan, which tracks market share in the music industry, reported that BMG's share of new albums sold in North America through June 2 was 18 percent, putting it second to the Universal Music Group, a unit of Vivendi Universal, which had 29 percent. The Warner Music Group, with 15 percent, was third.

Analysts said they did not know whether European regulators could scuttle BMG's deal with Zomba, but several said it was sure to be reviewed closely in light of recent concerns about consolidation in the music industry. Almost every part of the music business is being scrutinized by government regulators who fear that the industry's recent merger wave could be hurting consumers as well as recording artists.

Next week, legislators are expected to propose new legislation regarding how many radio stations a company can own as well as the role they play in concert promotion. The Justice Department has been reviewing antitrust concerns regarding record companies, too. 

Select-A-Seat agents say, somehow, the tickets disappeared in the mail within the past several weeks.  Post Office officials say they are investigating the matter, and Select-A-Seat has re-issued new tickets.

Whether the tickets are lost or stolen, they are now deemed invalid. 

If you have bought tickets to Friday's Brittany Spears concert and have questions as to the validity of your tickets, please call Select-A-Seat at 770-2000.  You need to know who sold you the tickets to know if they will get you into the concert.