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Show stopper: Britney Spears, in LA yesterday, is gearing up to open the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday

Britney Spears has polished herself up ahead of her highly anticipated appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards.

The pop star looked surprisingly composed as she made time for a spot of house hunting in Los Angeles yesterday.

She is set to raise the curtain at the star-studded show on Sunday night, however there is unlikely to be a repeat performance of last year, where she opened the show with a disastrous rendition of Gimme More.

A source told a US magazine that her appearance will not include a musical number.

She said in a statement: 'MTV has long played an important role in my career.'

'How can I not be there to kick off their 25th VMAs? I'm excited to open the entire show, to say hi to my fans and be nominated.'

This year, the singer - who has been nominated 16 times but never won an award - is up for Best Female Video, Best Pop Video and Video of the Year.

It is still not known how she will open the show.

'Britney has done everything from perform with a snake, lock lips with Madonna and prove that what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas,' MTV Networks Music President Van Toffler said.

'I can't wait to see what she does to kick off this year's show.'

The VMAs, which are being hosted by British comedian Russell Brand, will air on US television on Sunday night.