Britney Spears puts on "Circus" for comeback tour

Launching her tour in New Orleans gave Spears the chance to mount her comeback near her hometown of Kentwood, Louisiana.

She seems to have pulled herself together in the past year, with support from her father Jamie, who took control of her affairs in a court-ordered conservatorship after the singer's bizarre public behaviour.

Spears has also focussed on her family, spending more time with her children and insisting that her sons, Sean Preston and Jayden, be allowed to accompany her on tour.

Her return to the concert circuit and sales of her album appear to be a measure of her ability to still attract the attention she once garnered from fans around the world.

"Circus," her sixth studio album, debuted at No. 1 in the United States and five other countries when it was released in December and won her three MTV Video Music Awards.

But some fans at the New Orleans show were disappointed that she remained distant from her loyal supporters.

"I hoped she would talk directly to the audience, especially since this is her home, but she didn't say anything," said Kelly Dupont, who lives in nearby Baton Rouge.

New Orleans resident Stephanie Chandler, who saw a live performance by Spears eight years ago, was harsher.

"I was very disappointed. She's just not in it," Chandler said. "If you're going to lip sync, then you'd better bring on the dancing, but she didn't."

(Editing by John O'Callaghan)