London, Nov 05: Pop star Britney Spears, who caused a media sensation when she shared an open-mouthed kiss on stage with Madonna, has pulled out of this week's MTV Europe Music Awards due to illness, organizers said Tuesday. "Unfortunately, she is not well. We are disappointed she won't be attending, but we wish her well for a speedy recovery," an MTV spokeswoman said.


Spears' kiss with Madonna at the MTV Video Music Awards two months ago as the 21-year-old's former boyfriend Justin Timberlake looked on proved to be a real showstopper and helped win her global coverage. "It was a surreal moment. I'll never forget it for the rest of my life," Spears said after the event in New York.

Spears, who has been promoting her new album in Europe, was due to present an award at the 10th annual MTV event in Edinburgh Thursday.
A spokesman for Jive, Spears' record label, said she had returned to her family home in Louisiana after catching a weekend flight from Paris. He said Spears had not got over a severe throat infection.
"She has not been getting any better. She still has flu. In a couple of days she will be fine. The timing is just off," he said.
Teen heart throb Timberlake looks set to make the headlines with or without Spears' taking the stage Thursday. He has been nominated for five awards at the ceremony -- more than any other artist. The show will be hosted by pop queen Christina Aguilera who has been nominated for four awards.
Other singers shortlisted for awards include Robbie Williams and New York rapper 50 Cent. Singers scheduled to perform include Kylie Minogue, Dido, Beyonce and Travis.
Bureau Report