What Could've Been - Elvis Presley's '68 Comeback TV Special and Britney's 2007 VMAs

[mstark]

Y'all are probably familiar that the concept for 2007 VMAs took notes from Elvis, not only in adapting the opening lines from Elvis's "Trouble" but aesthetically as well (black and red contrast, silhouettes in the background). This is very clear if you watch the opening performance of Presley's NBC special from 1968. Obviously, with 2007 VMAs being held in Vegas for the first time, the performance director went to Elvis for inspiration. 

What I did not know but found out from watching new Netflix documentary on Elvis is the significance of that TV special and how it compares to Britney's comeback performance.

Elvis was pretty much awol for 7 years before the taping as his career reached a turning point and hadn't performed in a long while. He was pushed and exploited to do trash movies by his manager (rings a bell), and the idea behind the special was not only a comeback of Elvis people knew but also a debut of a new, more raw Elvis. A LOT was hanging on that performance. Elvis was incredibly nervous and the crew had a tough task of dealing with that as taping day was coming. 

"If you're looking for trouble, look right at my face" had a heavy meaning for both of them and was related to their tumultuous personal lives that the public was obsessed about. 

Obviously, the creative choices behind Britney's VMA concept were smart and the general cultural significance of it could've been a point of conversation had the performance went down in a different way. I think the original choreography and concept as we've seen in the stage set rehearsal with a stand in only supports that. It was a really well-thought-out and slick TV performance that in terms of quality went far beyond of what was then seen on average.

We always compare Britney with other legendary acts in pop, but personally, I think Britney's greatest talent and legacy are her stage presence, charisma, call it what you want. It is so rare for an artist to have that. Not sure if any other artist has shown that since her debut. She's been surpassed in almost every other aspect (which is normal, time goes by) but in terms of magnetism, no way.

That was also Elvis' biggest asset. 43% of American households tuned in to see the special although his name hasn't been on the charts for quite a while.

I truly believe there's a comparison between Britney's and Elvis' magnetism to entertain. Rather than present with Madonna, MJ, Janet and so on. These are, for me, rather technical comparisons in terms of choreo and performing style. 

Don't get me wrong, I love Britney's performance and over time it became culturally significant in its own way and will probably get new layers as time goes by. 

Check out Elvis' performance from the special to see the comparison and think of ways in which you would direct Britney's performance to project the power of the comeback. Particularly note the opening - a full face shot with nothing but piercing eyes and a feeling that something big will emerge in what follows. 

 

 

Edited November 28 by mstark

[savanna]

that was a good read.

both had a cultural impact on American society at different times and the demand was definitely there even during their hiatus.

thanks for sharing.

[super.nova]

omg I loved these analogies and comparisons. I feel I understand many things Britney Spears at a level that is also very deep and theoretical of what it means to be a pop star and how much of her brand was crafted and how many illusions were not  coincidental, etc.

love these perspectives, thanks for sharing 

 

[warioaddams]

I think that was the intention, to have Britney return to her amazing performing self. There was a rumor that she was going to present a song called secret along with gimme more. 

She got with Chris Angel to add the magic trick. But something happened during rehearsals. I think the custody battle at the time took a toll on her and didn't care about her career.

Edited November 28 by warioaddams

[savanna]

4 minutes ago, warioaddams said:

I think that was the intention, to have Britney return to her amazing performing self. There was a rumor that she was going to present a song called secret along with gimme more. 

She got with Chris Angel to add the magic trick. But something happened during rehearsals. I think the custody battle at the time took a toll on her and didn't care about her career.

secret? that song she sings i'll be your best friend, your s** friend, your kitten? 

i need this song.

ugh. i wish she had someone she could count on. things could've gone so differently.

[Gypsy Woman]

This has been long known, I actually posted a similar thread awhile back.

Also, the blue contacts…Elvis had blue eyes. It’s not coincidental. 
 

Original Thread: 

 

Edited November 28 by Gypsy Woman

[MissSpearsSaysSo]

Now this is the kinda stuff I Love to read about on Exhale. The Editorial Realness 💅🏻✨

[studlygeorge]

There’s a great edit that combines both performances and mentions how Elvis’ performance influenced Britney’s. It’s really cool 

[Lelly_lella]

https://youtu.be/KQddH8OxbPc?si=TLEFzgqVwU8ZbnUp

[BlackoutBaby]

Elvis could have been a very good actor. He didn't have formal training, but he had a good natural sense of timing and great screen presence, as did Marilyn Monroe. Those are things that drama school can't teach, and I would put Britney in that category too.

In his 68 special Elvis looked great, and he was probably at his vocal peak. He sang a few very soulful numbers that showed that quality of his voice. Britney has a soulful side to her vocals too, and it would have been nice to hear her use it more often from this time, but most times she has been pressed into using the breathy 'baby voice'.

Sadly Elvis returned to poor eating and pills again in the years that followed. Heart issues also ran in his family and he had passed away by age 42, a shadow of his former self. Incidentally that is the age that Britney is now - far too young.

I wasn't the biggest Elvis fan but still have a recording of this TV special and the Honolulu concert - that is my favorite Elvis and how I like to remember him.

 

[mstark]

2 hours ago, BlackoutBaby said:

Elvis could have been a very good actor. He didn't have formal training, but he had a good natural sense of timing and great screen presence, as did Marilyn Monroe. Those are things that drama school can't teach, and I would put Britney in that category too.

In his 68 special Elvis looked great, and he was probably at his vocal peak. He sang a few very soulful numbers that showed that quality of his voice. Britney has a soulful side to her vocals too, and it would have been nice to hear her use it more often from this time, but most times she has been pressed into using the breathy 'baby voice'.

Sadly Elvis returned to poor eating and pills again in the years that followed. Heart issues also ran in his family and he had passed away by age 42, a shadow of his former self. Incidentally that is the age that Britney is now - far too young.

I wasn't the biggest Elvis fan but still have a recording of this TV special and the Honolulu concert - that is my favorite Elvis and how I like to remember him.

 

Agree 100%. Those parallels crossed my mind as well. Love Elvis ❤️

[RogerJohnson]

On 11/28/2024 at 11:22 AM, warioaddams said:

I think that was the intention, to have Britney return to her amazing performing self. There was a rumor that she was going to present a song called secret along with gimme more. 

She got with Chris Angel to add the magic trick. But something happened during rehearsals. I think the custody battle at the time took a toll on her and didn't care about her career.

I remember tuning in expecting the 2000 striptease, the 2001 snake, the 2003 kiss PLUS Chris Angel having her magically disappear and teleport on stage. Thankfully I’m less delusional now 

[pop analyst]

We are on the same page!