People in the news

Spears to open MTV Video Music Awards

Las Vegas – With skin, snakes and smooches in her past MTV repertoire, there’s no telling what’s in store Sunday when Britney Spears opens this year’s Video Music Awards.

The 25-year-old tabloid magnet will perform “Gimme More,” the first single from her upcoming album, MTV announced Thursday.

Spears is a VMAs veteran: She covered the Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction” in 2000, stripping down to a nude-colored bikini top and matching pants; a year later, she performed “I’m A Slave 4 U” with a 7-foot albino python around her neck. In 2003, she and Madonna had the watercooler moment of the year with an open-mouth kiss – in the opening act.

Sunday’s show in Las Vegas will mark Spears’ latest – and biggest – step toward a career comeback after a period of public misbehavior, short-lived marriages, ultra-short hair-don’ts and other misadventures.

Her long-awaited new album is due for release Nov. 13 on Jive Records.

Mary-Kate Olsen doesn’t like photo taken

New York – You see a tabloid shot of Mary-Kate Olsen and think, “Why does she look so depressed?” Well, there’s a reason for that.

“I don’t want my picture taken,” the 21-year-old actress tells Entertainment Weekly magazine. “The only time I think it’s OK is at a red-carpet event or a photo shoot.

“So every time I see paparazzi, I cover my face so they don’t get a picture, and I’m just ‘the mean person who doesn’t smile.'”

Olsen, whose waiflike figure has made her a target of media scrutiny, avoids public displays of attention.

“I would love to be able to swim in the ocean in Malibu,” she says. “But that is asking for a bikini shot. That’s inviting something that I don’t want to happen. I don’t need to be on a ‘Who’s Skinny, Who’s Fat, Who’s Looking Healthy, Who’s Not Eating?’ list.”

After a hiatus from acting, Olsen – who rose to fame on TV’s “Full House” in a shared role with twin sister Ashley – will portray an alluring Christian girl on Showtime’s “Weeds.”

She also returns to the big screen in “The Wackness.”