Spears 's performance of the single at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards featured a caged tiger and a large albino python draped over her shoulders . It was harshly received by animal rights organization PETA , who claimed the animals were mistreated and scrapped plans for an anti-fur billboard that was to feature Spears . Jocelyn Vena of MTV summarized Spears 's performance at the ceremony , saying , " draping herself in a white python and slithering around a steamy garden setting – surrounded by dancers in zebra and tiger outfits – Spears created one of the most striking visuals in the 27-year history of the show . " To support the album , Spears embarked on the Dream Within a Dream Tour . The show was critically praised for its technical innovations , the '' pièce de résistance '' being a water screen that pumped two tons of water into the stage . The tour grossed $ 43.7 million , becoming the second highest-grossing tour of 2002 by a female artist , behind Cher 's Farewell Tour . Her career success was highlighted by '' Forbes '' in 2002 , as Spears was ranked the world 's most powerful celebrity . Spears also landed her first starring role in '' Crossroads '' , released in February 2002 . Although the film was largely panned , critics praised Spears 's acting and the film was a box office success . '' Crossroads '' , which had a $ 12 million budget , went on to gross over $ 61.1 million worldwide
2001 MTV Video Music Awards
2001 MTV Video Music Awards
Britney Spears