Britney Spears has dashed hopes she'll have a second attempt at a career comeback by taking to the MTV stage later this year for the network's forthcoming Video Music Awards (VMAs).

The pop star shocked audiences last year with a shaky performance of her hit song Gimme More, baring her belly and stumbling across the stage.

Spears' comeback performance at the awards show has been rumored in recent weeks - after her hair stylist Kim Vo reported he was creating styles for the singer's forthcoming show to E! News.

But the singer's manager Larry Rudolph has reportedly hit back at the claims.

According to Los Angeles radio talk show host Ryan Seacrest, Rudolph has confirmed the star "is in the middle of recording her next album, which is going amazingly well, and was never supposed to perform at that show," adding: "Britney Spears will not be performing at the VMAs this year. I'm telling you officially and unequivocally."

But Spears' involvement in the ceremony has not been totally scrapped - the Toxic hitmaker can be seen in a promotional video with host Russell Brand, rapper LL Cool J, and Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz.