Britney Spears X Factor performance fails to impress

Britney Spears hid her face as she left the UK yesterday (30.11.08), after fans blasted her "disastrous" performance on British television on Saturday (29.11.08).

The 26-year-old singer donned a trilby, sunglasses and a hooded duffle coat in a bid to remain invisible as she returned to America after causing outrage by appearing to mime during her rendition of hit track 'Womanizer' on TV talent show 'The X Factor'.

Angry fans branded the appearance – which marked her first performance on British TV in five years - "an absolute disaster". Britney also reportedly angered show chief Simon Cowell by refusing to watch the contestants perform her songs on the programme, and banned show judges - Simon, Dannii Minogue, Louis Walsh and Cheryl Cole - from coming into her room to meet her.

A source said: "When the judges went to meet her, her security wouldn't let anyone past. You have never seen so many security guards. Even around the judges' dressing rooms was sealed off by Britney's security people."

Britney then further infuriated her British fans when she appeared at the G-A-Y nightclub in London to celebrate her 27th birthday but refused to take to the stage after being presented with a cake.

However, Britney's spokesperson Shoshanna Stone insists the singer had never agreed to perform at the club, adding: "Contrary to reports, Britney was never booked to perform or even appear at G-A-Y. She was invited to the evening but was never asked to perform.

"Following her incredible performance on 'The X Factor', Britney took up the invite and relaxed among friends."

The singer is expected to celebrate her birthday and the release of her new album 'Circus' with a performance on US TV show 'Good Morning America' tomorrow (02.12.08).