2009-03-05 06:04:27 GMT Reuters
Britney Spears kicked off her first tour in five years promoting her latest hit album "Circus" before an adoring hometown audience with jugglers, acrobats, rings of flame and lip syncing. The pop star is in the process of a major comeback after a high-profile meltdown that included stints in psychiatric care, an ugly divorce, shaving her head and partying without panties. The circus themed tour will make in stops in 44 cities.