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{{short description|2008 studio album by Britney Spears}}
{{future album}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox Album <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Albums -->
{{Good article}}
| Name = Circus
{{Infobox album
| Cover = nocover.png
| Type = ] | name = Circus
| Artist = ] | type = studio
| artist = ]
| Released = December 2, 2008 <br> <small>(see ])</small>
| Recorded = March—September 2008 | cover = Circus- Album.png
| Length = TBA | border = yes
| caption = Standard edition cover{{efn|The deluxe edition cover features the red and blue colors of the frame in ].<ref>{{cite AV media|author=Spears, Britney|year=2008|title=Circus|type=deluxe edition) (CD+DVD|publisher=]}}</ref>}}
| Genre = ]
| released = {{start date|2008|11|28}}
| Label = ], ]
| recorded = {{flatlist|
| Producer = ] <small>(])</small>, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ],
* November 8, 2006{{efn|"]" originally appeared on Spears' fifth studio album '']'' (2007), hence it was recorded earlier than the rest of ''Circus'', being recorded on November 8, 2006 at the ] in New York City.<ref name="radar"/>}}
], ]
* March–September 2008}}
| Last album = '']''<br />(2007)
| studio = {{flatlist|
| This album = '''''Circus'''''<br />(2008)
* ]{{efn|Track 1}}
| Misc = {{Singles
* ]{{efn|name="t13"|Track 13}} (New York City)
|Name = Circus
* Chalice{{efn|Tracks 2, 4 and 5}}
|Type = Studio
* ]{{efn|Tracks 2, 3, 5&ndash;7, 9 and 11}}
|single 1 = ]
* Sunset{{efn|name="t6"|Track 6}}
|single 1 date = ], ]
* Train Tracks{{efn|Track 9}}
}}
* The Underlab{{efn|Track 10}} (Los Angeles)
* Glenwood Place{{efn|Tracks 1, 2, 8 and 12}} (Burbank)
* Frou Frou Central{{efn|Track 12}} (London)
* ]{{efn|name="t13"}}
* ]{{efn|name="t6"}} (Stockholm)}}
| genre = <!-- All sourced in the "Music and lyrics" section! Do not add unsourced genres -->{{hlist|]|]}}
| length = {{duration|m=46|s=15}}
| label = ]
| producer =
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
| prev_title = ]
| prev_year = 2007
| next_title = ]
| next_year = 2009
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Circus
| type = Studio
| single1 = ]
| single1date = September 26, 2008
| single2 = ]
| single2date = December 2, 2008
| single3 = ]
| single3date = March 10, 2009
| single4 = ]
| single4date = June 22, 2009
}}
}} }}


'''''Circus''''' is the sixth ] by American singer ]. It was released to coincide with her 27th birthday on December 2, 2008, in the United States, by ]. Transitioning from the "darker and more ]" themes of her fifth studio album '']'' (2007), Spears wanted to make her next project "a little bit lighter". She recorded much of the album between March and September 2008, after being ] earlier that year, following her highly publicized personal struggles in 2007. As ]s, ] and ] enlisted Spears' previous collaborators such as ], ], ] and ], as well as new ones, including ], ] and ]. Their efforts resulted in a primarily ] and ] record, whose lyrical themes addressed fame, infidelity, and infatuation.
'''''Circus'''''<ref name="billboard">{{cite news | first = Jonathan | last = Cohen | title = Britney Makes December Date For 'Circus' | url = http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003849852 | work = | publisher = Billboard magazine | date = 2008-09-15 | accessdate = 2008-09-15 | language = | quote = }}</ref> is the sixth ] from ] ] singer ]. The album was announced by ] on September 15, 2008,<ref name="yahoo080915">{{cite web|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080915/ny33070.html?.v=1|title=Britney Spears Announces New Album 'Circus' for Worldwide Release December 2nd|date=September 15, 2008|publisher=Yahoo!|accessdate=2008-09-15}}</ref> and is set for release in the ] on December 2, 2008<ref name="yahoo080915"/>, in accordance with Spears's 27th birthday. The first single, "]" was set to be released to radio stations on September 22, 2008, but was pushed back to September 26.<ref>http://www.britney.com/blog/its-official</ref><ref>http://breatheheavy.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1222064423&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&</ref>


Deemed Spears' comeback record, ''Circus'' received generally favorable reviews from ]s upon its release; the production was complimented but lyrical content and Spears' vocal performance were met with ambivalence. A global commercial success, the album debuted atop the US ] with first-week sales of 505,000 copies, becoming her fifth number-one album. Since then, it has been certified ] by the ] (RIAA). By September 2009, the album had sold over four million copies worldwide. At the ], its lead single "]" was nominated for ].
], ],<ref name="mtvnews"/> ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ],and ] have all been confirmed to be working with Spears on ''Circus''.<ref name="billboard"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-britney17-2008jul17,0,5448901.story?track=rss|title=Britney Spears is back in the studio|last=Lee|first=Chris|date=2008-07-17|work=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=2008-08-18}}</ref>


''Circus'' produced four singles. "Womanizer" debuted at number 96 on the US ] and ascended to the summit in its second week, registering the largest leap on the chart at the time. It became Spears' best-selling single in the country since her debut "]" (1998). "]" debuted and peaked at number three on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100; consequently, ''Circus'' became Spears' first album since her debut '']'' (1999) to have two top-ten singles. Subsequent singles "]" and "]" peaked at numbers 19 and 88 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, respectively. To further promote the album, Spears embarked on the world tour ] (2009).
==History==
It was confirmed in May 2008 that Spears was "in the experimental stages of a new album."<ref name="ppl">{{ cite web | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20201672,00.html | title=Producer: Britney is 'really shaping up' | author=Marisa Laudadio | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-05-21 | accessdate=2008-07-02 }}</ref> Spears's manager, ], announced in a ] press release that Spears would be "spending her summer in the studio, working on a brand new album with a team of top-notch producers and songwriters, and we're very excited about what she's accomplished so far."<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20212557,00.html | title=Britney Spears working and 'having fun' on new album | author=Natasha Stoynoff and Bryan Alexander | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-07-16 | accessdate=2008-07-16 }}</ref> In an August 2008 interview with '']'' magazine, Spears said that the album is "more urban. I'm working with producers who are just amazing There is this fresh new energy."<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1592705/20080813/spears_britney.jhtml | title=Britney Spears says new album is her 'best work ever,' describes shock of Jamie Lynn's pregnancy | author=Gil Kaufman | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-08-13 | accessdate=2008-08-16 }}</ref> "I'm writing every day, right here at the piano in this living room... This is my best work ever."<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.okmagazine.com/news/view/8415 | title=World exclusive: Britney reveals all! | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-08-12 | accessdate=2008-08-16 }}</ref>


==Background and development==
Shannon Holtzapffel, a dancer in the leaked video of Spears dancing to "Mannequin", told '']'', "When we were finished rehearsing, they'd take the CD and put it in a safe. I've never experienced anything like it before."<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24340825-5009160,00.html | title=How he danced with Britney Spears | author=Jonathon Moran | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-09-14 | accessdate=2008-09-16 }}</ref>
Throughout 2007, Spears' professional endeavors were tremendously overshadowed by her personal struggles, including the aftermath of her vigorous partying and suffering from a ], during which she shaved her head to intense media scrutiny.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/shock-new-details-about-britneys-infamous-2007-breakdown/news-story/d1de891bc6ff1d380263efe354cd3917?amp|title=Shock new details about Britney's infamous 2007 breakdown|date=November 4, 2019|publisher=]|accessdate=February 10, 2023|via=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1555178/britney-spears-leaves-rehab/|title=Britney Spears Leaves Rehab|work=MTV News|last=Vineyard|first=Jennifer|date=November 7, 2007|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=July 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724043541/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1555178/britney-spears-leaves-rehab.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite the difficulties, Spears released her fifth studio album '']''&ndash;considered her best and most influential work by numerous critics&ndash;in October.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/britney-spears-blackout-anniversary-8014074/|title=Britney Spears' 'Blackout' Turns 10: How Her Worst Year Gave Us Her Best Album|magazine=Billboard|first=Jennifer Keishin|last=Armstrong|date=October 25, 2017|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=February 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207142832/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/britney-spears-blackout-anniversary-8014074/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nylon.com/articles/britney-spears-blackout-10-year-anniversary/|title='Blackout' Is Britney Spears' Best Album To Date&ndash;Deal With It|work=]|first=Hayden|last=Manders|date=October 25, 2017|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=February 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207142834/https://www.nylon.com/articles/britney-spears-blackout-10-year-anniversary|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/a37vz5/britney-spears-blackout-ten-year-anniversary|title=Ten Years On, 'Blackout' Is Britney Spears' Greatest Album to Date|work=]|author1=Garland, Emma|author2=Haidari, Niloufar|author3=Kheraj, Alim|author4=Medford, Grace|author5=O'Neill, Lauren|author6=Tamanna, Yusuf|date=October 25, 2017|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=February 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207142830/https://www.vice.com/en/article/a37vz5/britney-spears-blackout-ten-year-anniversary|url-status=live}}</ref> However, it became her first studio album not to debut atop the US ]&ndash;debuting at number two&ndash;but nevertheless produced "]", Spears' first ''Billboard'' Hot 100 top-three hit since her debut "]" (1998).<ref name="bb200"/><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/more-scores-for-britney-on-digital-hot-100-charts-1048629/|title='More' Scores For Britney On Digital, Hot 100 Charts|date=October 13, 2007|access-date=February 10, 2023|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=May 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523094917/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1048629/more-scores-for-britney-on-digital-hot-100-charts|url-status=live}}</ref> Upon its release, Spears' publicized behavior began clashing with her image; ] of ] said the album served as a ] "for Britney's hazy, drunken days, reflecting the excess that's splashed all over the tabloids", while noting that the album had a coherence that the public Spears lacked.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/blackout-mw0000487827|title=Blackout – Britney Spears|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|access-date=February 10, 2023|work=]|archive-date=November 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113132329/http://www.allmusic.com/album/blackout-mw0000487827|url-status=live}}</ref>


In January 2008, Spears refused to relinquish custody of her sons to her ex-husband ]'s representatives. She was subsequently hospitalized at ] after police that had arrived at her house noted she appeared to be under the influence of an unidentified substance. The following day, Spears's visitation rights were suspended at an emergency court hearing, and Federline was given sole physical and legal custody of their sons. She was committed to the psychiatric ward of ] and put on ] under California state law. The court placed her under a ] led by her father ] and attorney Andrew Wallet, giving them complete control of her assets.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/britney-spears-under-permanent-conservatorship|title=Britney Spears Under Permanent Conservatorship|date=October 28, 2008|access-date=July 16, 2014|last=McKay|first=Holly|publisher=Fox News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808185100/http://www.foxnews.com/story/2008/10/28/britney-spears-under-permanent-conservatorship/|archive-date=August 8, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> She was released five days later,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-feb-07-me-britney7-story.html|title=Spears is released from UCLA hospital psychiatric ward|date=February 7, 2008|access-date=June 12, 2010|last1=Blankstein|first1=Andrew|last2=Winton|first2=Richard|work=]|archive-date=June 5, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605055605/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/feb/07/local/me-britney7|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Day|first=Nate|date=April 30, 2021|title=Britney Spears' father Jamie claims singer has dementia in court docs: report|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/britney-spears-father-jamie-singer-dementia-court-docs-report|access-date=May 6, 2021|publisher=Fox News|archive-date=May 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506104012/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/britney-spears-father-jamie-singer-dementia-court-docs-report|url-status=live}}</ref> while the conservatorship would not be terminated until November 2021, following Spears' ] against her father and others involved in the conservatorship.<ref>{{cite news |first=Chloe |last=Melas |title=Britney Spears' conservatorship ends |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/12/entertainment/britney-spears-conservatorship-ends/index.html |date=November 12, 2021 |publisher=] |accessdate=February 10, 2023 |archive-date=February 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206185408/https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/12/entertainment/britney-spears-conservatorship-ends/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Soon after being placed under the conservatorship, work on Spears' sixth studio album commenced. Consequently, the release of "]" as the fourth single from ''Blackout'' was canceled so Spears could focus on ''Circus''.<ref name="digspy">{{cite web|last=Levine|first=Nick|date=July 27, 2009|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/single-reviews/a167626/britney-spears-radar-167626/|title=Britney Spears: 'Radar'|work=]|accessdate=February 10, 2023|archive-date=September 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110921043033/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a167626/britney-spears-radar.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
'']'''s fall music preview stated that Spears "has recorded some 30 tracks for her sixth studio album." Spears continued, "I came into the studio because I had some free time, but once I started working, I was like, 'This is cool!' It just happened."<ref name="rollingstone">{{ cite web | url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/23181054/page/5 | title=The Killers, AC/DC, Britney Spears, 50 Cent, Bob Dylan: 50 of the Season's Biggest Records | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-09-20 | accessdate=2008-09-22 }}</ref>


==Recording and production==
== Collaborators ==
{{Quote box
] announced that he has "a few things in the works" for Spears.<ref name="ppl"/> He continued that he would "take her stuff to the next level" by "coming up with something crazy for her."<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/07/britney-spears.html | title=Confirmed: Britney Spears working on new album | author=Shirley Halperin | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-07-16 | accessdate=2008-07-17 }}</ref> Garrett later said that "you always want to give her something she can feel intrigued by, because she's done so much".<ref name="mtvnews">{{ cite web | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1594580/20080911/spears_britney.jhtml | title=Britney Spears' collaborators talk about new album | author=Jennifer Vineyard | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-09-11 | accessdate=2008-09-12 }}</ref> "If it's a ballad, a midtempo, fusing techno with hip-hop or whatever it is, what matters is that it has some sounds we've never heard before."<ref name="mtvnews"/> Vocal producer ] told ] that he had also been in the studio with Spears.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.usmagazine.com/britney-spears-recording-new-album | title=Britney Spears recording new album | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-06-20 | accessdate=2008-07-02 }}</ref> He said of Spears: "Everyone has personal stuff, but a true professional doesn’t bring it into the studio."<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/article/10016/britney-spears-prepping-blackout-follow-up/ | title=Britney Spears prepping 'Blackout' follow up | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-06-20 | accessdate=2008-07-02 }}</ref> ] singer and songwriter ] worked with Beanz on the songs.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.dailystar.co.uk/playlist/view/42855/Cruz-pens-Brit-songs/ | title=Cruz pens Brit songs | author=Kim Dawson | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-07-03 | accessdate=2008-07-27 }}</ref><ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a107034/cruz-pens-tracks-for-spears-timberlake.html | title=Cruz pens tracks for Spears, Timberlake | author=Alex Fletcher | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-07-04 | accessdate=2008-07-27 }}</ref>
|quote = "Once and I were in the studio, he played me the music he was working on for , and we then based the song on what her life was like at the time and how people viewed her. It was a cool way to get people dancing and having fun, but also to have a slight message underneath of it all."
|source = Producer ] talks about the development, content and concept of ''Circus''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Claude_Kelly_Interview.html#ixzz1NP9rVLWg|title=A&R, Record Label / Company, Music Publishing, Artist Manager and Music Industry Directory|publisher=Hit Quarters|access-date=August 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119114439/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Claude_Kelly_Interview.html|archive-date=November 19, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|width = 25%
|align = left
}}


In July 2008, it was confirmed that Spears was in the process of recording her sixth studio album.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/celebrity/britney-spears-working-and-having-fun-on-new-album/ |title=Britney Spears Working and 'Having Fun' on New Album |last=Stoynoff |first=Natasha |work=]|date=July 16, 2008 |access-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521024730/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20212557,00.html |archive-date=May 21, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/28/britney-spears-dad-gets-p_n_138716.html |title=Britney Spears' Dad Gets Permanent Conservatorship |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |work=]|date=October 29, 2008 |access-date=January 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903122540/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/28/britney-spears-dad-gets-p_n_138716.html |archive-date=September 3, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> "]" was originally included on Spears' fifth studio album '']'' (2007), and was recorded on November 8, 2006, the day after Spears filed for divorce from ], at the ] in New York City.<ref name="radar">{{cite web|title=The Clutch Talks How To Write a Hit Song|url=https://allhiphop.com/alternatives/the-clutch-talks-how-to-write-a-hit-song/|website=]|date=April 22, 2008|access-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922183642/http://allhiphop.com/stories/alternatives/archive/2008/04/22/19690410.aspx|archive-date=September 22, 2008}}</ref> Alongside the announcement of ''Circus'' came the additional confirmation of the involvement of producers ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/britney-spending-summer-in-the-studio-1044769/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080717112339/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044769/britney-spending-summer-in-the-studio |archive-date=July 17, 2008 |title=Britney Spending Summer In The Studio |magazine=] |date=July 17, 2008 |access-date=June 2, 2022}}</ref> During its development, Garrett and vocal producer ] complimented Spears's work ethic after her much-publicized personal struggles the previous year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20201672,00.html |title=Producer: Britney Is 'Really Shaping Up' |last=Laudadio |first=Marisa |work=People . |date=May 21, 2008 |access-date=August 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912000243/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20201672,00.html |archive-date=September 12, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/britney-spears-recording-new-album |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080628184553/http://www.usmagazine.com/britney-spears-recording-new-album |archive-date=June 28, 2008 |title=Exclusive: Britney Spears Recording New Album |work=] |date=June 28, 2008 |access-date=August 7, 2011}}</ref> Spears co-wrote four tracks on the album and worked to develop a more ]-influenced record with collaborators she had worked with earlier in her career.<ref name="MTV" /> She stated that ''Circus'' marked the longest time she had spent recording an album, adding: "I think it is more urban I'm writing every day, right here at the piano in this living room"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.okmagazine.com/2008/08/world-exclusive-britney-reveals-all-8415 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717005524/http://www.okmagazine.com/2008/08/world-exclusive-britney-reveals-all-8415 |archive-date=July 17, 2009 |title=World Exclusive: Britney Reveals All! |work=OK! |publisher=Northern & Shell |date=August 12, 2008 |access-date=March 2, 2013}}</ref> and also described the album as her best work to date.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1592705/britney-spears-says-new-album-is-her-best-work-ever-describes-shock-of-jamie-lynns-pregnancy/ |title=Britney Spears Says New Album Is Her 'Best Work Ever,' Describes Shock Of Jamie Lynn's Pregnancy |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |publisher=]. ] |date=August 13, 2008 |access-date=August 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627135359/http://www.mtv.com/news/1592705/britney-spears-says-new-album-is-her-best-work-ever-describes-shock-of-jamie-lynns-pregnancy/ |archive-date=June 27, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In her interview with ''OK!'' magazine, Spears revealed that she was working with ] of ].<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-08-13-britney-spears_N.htm | title=Now Britney's all about being a mom, making an album | author=Lorena Blas | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-08-13 | accessdate=2008-08-16 }}</ref> Spears commented, "I wanted to experiment with producers I haven't worked with much before, like ], who have a ] kind of sound".<ref name="rollingstone"/> According to the ], ] - who previously produced the singles "]" and "]" - spent time in the studio with Spears.<ref name="sigsworth">{{ cite web | url=http://theguide.latimes.com/blogs/soundboard/2008/06/05/korns-davis-ready-to-stretch/ | title=Korn's Davis ready to stretch with Britney's old producer? | author=Richard Cromelin | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-06-05 | accessdate=2008-07-02 }}</ref> ] announced in a ] interview that he would be producing Spears's new album.<ref name="bbcnews">{{ cite web | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7483543.stm | title=Spears wants child-friendly home | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-07-01 | accessdate=2008-07-02 }}</ref> Jerkins says that while "it usually takes people a long time to record songs", Spears recorded one in just two hours.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.mtv.ca/news/article.jhtml?id=9619 | title=Britney Spears working on 'dance-y, really up-tempo' new album, producer says | author=Gil Kaufman | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-07-02 | accessdate=2008-07-02 }}</ref> "I'm trying to reinvent her and reinvent myself with her project. It's about to be her time again."<ref name="bbcnews"/> He has described the songs as "very dancey, really up-tempo, aggressive, catchy, and hook friendly".<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-news/people/265180/producer-says-he-s-helping-reinvent-britney-spears/1/ | title=Producer says he's helping 'reinvent' Britney Spears | work='']'' | publisher=] | date=2008-07-02 | accessdate=2008-07-02 }}</ref>


Producer ] discussed the initial lack of concept for ''Circus'', saying: "When I went in with we knew we were going to maybe write something for , but there was no concept, it was just knowing her style and knowing what she does.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Claude_Kelly_Interview.html#ixzz1NP8kAhQZ |title=A&R, Record Label / Company, Music Publishing, Artist Manager and Music Industry Directory |publisher=Hit Quarters |access-date=August 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119114439/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview%2Fopar%2Fintrview_Claude_Kelly_Interview.html#ixzz1NP8kAhQZ |archive-date=November 19, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ], who frequently collaborated with Spears on her first three studio albums '']'' (1999), '']'' (2000) and '']'' (2001), wrote and produced "]". ], an Atlanta-based production team, produced the lead single "]",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1594761/britney-spears-new-album-circus-slated-for-december-2-release/ |title=Britney Spears' New Album, Circus, Slated For December 2 Release |last=Vineyard |first=Jennifer |work=MTV News. Viacom |date=September 15, 2008 |access-date=August 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801205917/http://www.mtv.com/news/1594761/britney-spears-new-album-circus-slated-for-december-2-release/ |archive-date=August 1, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> while ] worked on "Amnesia" and "Quicksand", neither of which made the standard edition track listing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fernandogaribay.com/works.html |title=Works |publisher=F2 Inc |access-date=July 29, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623060705/http://www.fernandogaribay.com/works.html |archive-date=June 23, 2008}}</ref> Danja reported that he worked on tracks at the Chalice Recording Studios in Los Angeles, while Spears recorded them at the Glenwood Place Studios in ]. Canadian trio ] co-wrote and produced the track "Mmm Papi".<ref name="liner">{{cite AV media notes|author=Spears, Britney|title=Circus|year=2008|type=CD|publisher=]}}</ref> ], with whom Spears had previously collaborated with for her single "]", produced two songs on the album: the ballads "My Baby" and "Out from Under", the latter of which is a ] first performed by ] for the soundtrack to the 2007 film '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-12-11 |title=Britney Spears Returns |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-returns-254594/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Rolling Stone}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1594580/20080911/spears_britney.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912030416/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1594580/20080911/spears_britney.jhtml |title=Britney Spears' collaborators talk about new album |last=Vineyard |first=Jennifer |work=MTV News. Viacom |date=September 11, 2008 |archive-date=September 12, 2008 |access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7483543.stm |title=Spears wants child-friendly home |publisher=]. ] |date=July 1, 2008 |access-date=July 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720040930/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7483543.stm |archive-date=July 20, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/07/britney-spears.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828055139/http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/07/britney-spears.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 28, 2008 |title=Confirmed: Britney Spears working on new album |last=Halperin |first=Shirley |magazine=] |date=July 16, 2008 |access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> and ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.wirtualnemedia.pl/m/artykul/taio-cruz-z-britney-spears-i-justinem-timberlakiem|title=Taio Cruz z Britney Spears i Justinem Timberlakiem|trans-title=Taio Cruz with Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake|language=pl|website=Wirtualne Media|date=July 6, 2008|accessdate=February 9, 2023|archive-date=February 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223101124/https://www.wirtualnemedia.pl/artykul/taio-cruz-z-britney-spears-i-justinem-timberlakiem|url-status=live}}</ref> announced they were working with Spears, though their songs weren't included on the final track listing.
] will be writing lyrics for Spears again. Hilson has said that she wants to explore deeper lyrics, saying "I want it to feel a little more real and organic."<ref name="mtvnews"/> ] and ], who produced the majority of ''Blackout'', have both announced independently that they will record with Spears again.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003828011 | title=Britney Spears spending summer in studio | author=Jonathan Cohen | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-07-16 | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref> According to ], ] is also working with Spears.<ref name="mtvnews"/> ], who worked with Spears on a number of her early hits like "]", has produced tracks with ] - including the album's title track and Martin's rep claim that he said that it's his best work ever<ref>http://kissnation.961kiss.com/freakshow/blog/2008/09/27/max_martin_works_on_best_song_ever_for_britney</ref><ref name="mtvnews2">{{ cite web | url= http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1594761/20080915/spears_britney.jhtml | title=Britney Spears' new album slated for December 2 | author=Jennifer Vineyard | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-09-15 | accessdate=2008-09-16 }}</ref> Another notable collaborator is ], an Atlanta-based production team.<ref name="mtvnews2"/> "Womanizer" will be their first major credit.


==Music and lyrics==
] told "HX Weekly" that she wrote a song for the album. Speaking of listening to the song for the first time, she "really had chills."<ref>http://64.78.33.181/features/index.cfm?id=4293&cat=1&page=features&sub_page=weekly</ref>
{{Quote box
| width = 230px
| align = left
| quote = "''Circus'' is a little bit lighter than '']''. I think a lot of the songs I did at that time, I was going through a really dark phase in my life, so a lot of the songs reflect that. But they're two totally different vibes. ''Blackout'' is a little bit more darker and edgier, and a little bit more ]."
| source = — Spears comparing ''Circus'' to ''Blackout''<ref name="MTV"/>
}}
''Circus'' is predominantly a ] and ] record, described as a ] to Spears' fifth studio album '']'' (2007).<ref name="RS"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Alex |title=Britney Spears – Circus |url=https://consequence.net/2008/12/album-review-circus/ |website=] |access-date=February 6, 2020 |date=December 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206095923/https://consequence.net/2008/12/album-review-circus/ |archive-date=February 6, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Levine">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a135219/notes-on-the-new-britney-album.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024075822/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a135219/notes-on-the-new-britney-album.html |title=E Notes on the new Britney album |last=Levine |first=Nick |publisher=]. ] |date=November 10, 2008 |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> Spears described the album as "lighter" than the ]-oriented ''Blackout''.<ref name="MTV">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1599860/britney-spears-explains-why-circus-is-lighter-and-less-edgy-than-blackout/ |title=Britney Spears Explains Why Circus Is 'Lighter' And Less Edgy Than Blackout |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |work=MTV News. Viacom |date=November 20, 2008 |access-date=August 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726235509/http://www.mtv.com/news/1599860/britney-spears-explains-why-circus-is-lighter-and-less-edgy-than-blackout/ |archive-date=July 26, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> <!-- Its "fiery" and "confrontational" lyrics have been also compared to those of its predecessor.<ref name="sputnik">{{cite web |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/33653/Britney-Spears-Circus/ |title=Britney Spears – Circus Review |date=November 30, 2008 |publisher=] |access-date=March 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104215458/http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/33653/Britney-Spears-Circus/ |archive-date=January 4, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=October 2017}} --> The album has been compared to the works of ],<ref name="latimes">{{cite web |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2008/11/album-review--1.html |title=Album review: Britney Spears' 'Circus' |last=Powers |first=Ann |newspaper=] |date=December 6, 2008 |access-date=December 30, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100809005902/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2008/11/album-review--1.html |archive-date=August 9, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> ],<ref name="Canoe">{{cite web |url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/S/Spears_Britney/AlbumReviews/2008/11/27/7555066-sun.html |title=Lighter, brighter Circus |date=December 2, 2008 |publisher=Canoe |access-date=December 2, 2008|url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711135006/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/S/Spears_Britney/AlbumReviews/2008/11/27/7555066-sun.html |archive-date=July 11, 2012}}</ref> and ],<ref name="indpndnt">{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-britney-spears-circus-zombasony-1038411.html |title=Album: Britney Spears, Circus (Zomba/Sony) |newspaper=] |date=November 28, 2008 |access-date=September 6, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105184455/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-britney-spears-circus-zombasony-1038411.html |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as the songwriting of ],<ref name="Canoe" /> ] and ].<ref name="indpndnt"/> It incorporates lyrical themes previously acknowledged in Spears' work: "]" and "]" discuss ], much like "]" (2007),<ref name="Levine" /> while "]" and "Shattered Glass" talk about a ] man. ''Circus'' opens with its lead single "Womanizer", which features synth sirens with a repetitive chorus, and lyrically discusses a cheating man; it was described by Spears as a "girl anthem".<ref name="wmz">{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20229574,00.html |title=Britney Spears Calls New Song 'A Girl Anthem' |work=People . |date=September 29, 2008 |access-date=October 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030060232/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20229574,00.html |archive-date=October 30, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> "Circus" addresses her feelings as an entertainer and performing, highlighted in the lines "All eyes on me in the centre of the ring just like a circus / When I crack that whip everybody gonna trip just like a circus". Its ] elements were compared by ] to those of Spears' earlier single "]" (2008).<ref name="circussrw">{{cite web |url=http://www.popjustice.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3182&Itemid=9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219192538/http://www.popjustice.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3182&Itemid=9 |archive-date=December 19, 2008 |title=It's some Britney bits |publisher=PopJustice |date=November 11, 2008 |access-date=March 2, 2013}}</ref> The ballad "Out from Under" incorporates acoustic guitar backings, while "Kill the Lights" is a ] track speaking about Spears's conflict with ].<ref name="Levine" /> "Shattered Glass" utilizes dark electronic beats and details a non-repairable relationship. "]" integrates "glam-rave" elements with traditional pop styles;<ref>{{cite web |last=Levine |first=Nick |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a135219/notes-on-the-new-britney-album.html |title=Notes on the new Britney album – Music The Sound |publisher=Digital Spy. Hearst Corporation |date=November 10, 2008 |access-date=August 7, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024075822/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a135219/notes-on-the-new-britney-album.html |archive-date=October 24, 2012}}</ref> it gained controversy for its ], where the title sounds phonetically like "F-U-C-K me".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1602458/britney-spears-if-u-seek-amy-poses-censorship-problems-for-radio/ |title=Britney Spears' 'If U Seek Amy' Poses Censorship Problems For Radio |work=MTV News. Viacom |date=January 12, 2009 |access-date=January 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521104726/http://www.mtv.com/news/1602458/britney-spears-if-u-seek-amy-poses-censorship-problems-for-radio/ |archive-date=May 21, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


]" during ] in 2009]]
] worked on songs for Spears that did not make ''Circus''.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/28005340.html | title=Junkie XL's tracks did not make it onto Britney's 'Circus' album | work=Oh No They Didn't! | publisher=] | date=2008-09-19 | accessdate=2008-09-20 }}</ref>
The ] track "Unusual You" deals with a woman finding unexpected love. It has been compared to musical themes from the 1980s and 1990s, and has been noted as a "pulsating ballad", with the song also drawing comparisons to the "shimmering waterfall mood first popularized by Janet Jackson".<ref name="latimes"/><ref name="EW" /><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Willman |first=Chris |url=https://ew.com/article/2008/11/29/circus/ |title=Circus Review |magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=November 29, 2008 |access-date=August 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112223902/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20242634,00.html |archive-date=January 12, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> "Blur", which features Spears singing in a lower register, sees the inclusion of urban influences, and lyrically recalls the morning after a party: "Can't remember what I did last night/I gotta get my head right, where the hell am I? Who are you? What'd we do last night?";<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/britney-spears/10019 |title=Circus Review |work=] |date=November 28, 2008 |access-date=September 6, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122084024/http://www.nme.com/reviews/britney-spears/10019 |archive-date=January 22, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> it drew similarities to Spears' song "Early Mornin" from '']'' (2003).<ref name="RS"/> "Mmm Papi" draws elements from a 1960s ] ] guitar, as well as ] and ] themes.<ref name="EW"/><ref name="hitquarters">{{cite web |url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Nicole_Morier_Interview.html |title=Interview with Nicole Morier |publisher=HitQuarters |date=August 23, 2010 |access-date=August 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314062509/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview%2Fopar%2Fintrview_Nicole_Morier_Interview.html |archive-date=March 14, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Despite its "fun" nature, it was criticized for appearing to "revisit the ] persona of "'']''".<ref name="guardianrw">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/28/britney-spears-circus |title=Review: Britney Spears: Circus |last=Petridis |first=Alexis |newspaper=] |date=November 28, 2008 |access-date=December 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930145401/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/28/britney-spears-circus |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> It has been suggested that its lyrics deal with either Spears' father Jamie or paparazzo and Spears' ex-boyfriend ].<ref name="RS" /> "Mannequin" is a ]-influenced ] track; while being noted for its "risky" and "futuristic" nature, it has also been suggested that Spears' vocals sound "lifeless".<ref name="guardian" /> "Lace and Leather" is an ]-] track which gained comparisons to "'']'' era ]", ], and ]'s works from the 1980s, and featured a then-unknown ] as a ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Levine |first1=Nick |title=Britney Spears: 'Circus' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/album-reviews/a137205/britney-spears-circus/ |website=] |access-date=March 9, 2020 |date=February 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605023619/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/album-reviews/a137205/britney-spears-circus/ |archive-date=June 5, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Canoe" /><ref name=muumuse>{{cite news |url=http://www.muumuse.com/2008/11/britney-spears-circus-album-review.html/ |title=Britney Spears: Circus (Album Review) – MuMuuse |date=November 17, 2008 |work=MuuMuse |access-date=September 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003062647/http://www.muumuse.com/2008/11/britney-spears-circus-album-review.html/ |archive-date=October 3, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> "My Baby", described as having a "faux-Janet Jackson vocal",<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ocregister.com/soundcheck/strong-480163-self-time.html |title=A better Britney doesn't make for a better Britney album: Soundcheck blog: Orange County Register |last=Wener |first=Ben |date=December 4, 2013 |work=] |access-date=January 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926193134/http://www.ocregister.com/soundcheck/strong-480163-self-time.html |archive-date=September 26, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> was written by Spears about her two sons Sean Preston and Jayden James Federline.<ref name="latimes" /><ref name="RS" /> ''Circus'' closes with its bonus track "]", an electropop and ] song featuring distorted ]s emulating ] pulses, which received comparisons to those of ]'s "]" (1981).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1571813/britney-spears-new-album-blackout-a-track-by-track-report/|title=Britney Spears' New Album, Blackout: A Track-By-Track Report|work=MTV News|last=Vineyard|first=Jennifer|date=October 12, 2007|access-date=February 9, 2023|archive-date=September 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921111552/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1571813/20071012/spears_britney.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Decent early reviews of new Britney tracks|publisher=]|date=September 12, 2007|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/decent-early-reviews-new-britney-tracks-wbna20746646|access-date=April 27, 2022|df=mdy|archive-date=October 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001022026/https://www.today.com/popculture/decent-early-reviews-new-britney-tracks-wbna20746646|url-status=live}}</ref> In its lyrics, Spears lets the subject know he is on her radar, while she lists the qualities the man has.<ref>{{cite web|author=Chou, Kimberly|title=Britney? Back|work=]|date=September 19, 2007|url=https://www.michigandaily.com/uncategorized/britney-back/|access-date=April 27, 2022|archive-date=July 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714085240/http://www.michigandaily.com/content/britney-back|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Title and packaging==
==Promotion==
Spears commented on the title of ''Circus'': "I like the fact that you're always on the edge of your seat when you're at a ]. You're never bored You're just really engulfed in what's going on around you. And you want to know what's going to happen next."<ref name="MTV" /> Spears also revealed she titled the album ''Circus'' due to her life being "a circus" at the time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1594761/britney-spears-new-album-circus-slated-for-december-2-release/ |title=Britney Spears' New Album, Circus, Slated For December 2 Release |last=Vineyard |first=Jennifer |date=September 15, 2008 |website=] |access-date=May 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801205917/http://www.mtv.com/news/1594761/britney-spears-new-album-circus-slated-for-december-2-release/ |archive-date=August 1, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The album's ]work and booklet images were photographed by Kate Turning and feature Spears in circus-styled settings.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.famousfix.com/post/britney-spears-photoshoot-by-kate-turning-for-circus-album-2008-15503214 |title=Britney Spears Photoshoot By Kate Turning For Circus Album 2008 |website=famousfix.com |access-date=May 28, 2020 |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223101122/https://m.famousfix.com/post/britney-spears-photoshoot-by-kate-turning-for-circus-album-2008-15503214 |url-status=live }}</ref> Spears revealed the album's cover alongside its track listing via her official website on October 31, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/hl4h3w/britney-spears-unveils-circus-cover-and-tracks|last=Vineyard|first=Jennifer|date=October 31, 2008|title=Britney Spears Unveils 'Circus' Cover And Tracks|work=MTV News|access-date=February 9, 2023|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209183357/https://www.mtv.com/news/hl4h3w/britney-spears-unveils-circus-cover-and-tracks|url-status=dead}}</ref>
It was reported by '']'' on September 13, 2008 that Spears will be performing at the ] in ] on ] to promote her new album, in what would be "one of the biggest comebacks in history".<ref></ref> ], ] and ] himself have reported that Spears will perform at the British reality television contest ] at the end of the year. <ref></ref><ref></ref> This will mark her first return to the ] since her ].


===2009 World Tour=== ==Release and promotion==
{{see also|The Circus Starring Britney Spears}}
During an interview on New York's ] Spears announced she would be going on a worldwide tour in early 2009 to support her two recent albums, and that rehearsals had already begun.
In September 2008, it was announced ''Circus'' would be released on December 2, Spears' 27th birthday;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20225735,00.html |title=Britney to Release New Album on Her Birthday |author-link=Stephen M. Silverman |last=Silverman |first=Stephen M. |work=] |date=September 15, 2008 |access-date=August 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110329075909/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20225735,00.html |archive-date=March 29, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> it shared its release date with the similarly titled album '']'' by British group ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7669987.stm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119114613/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7669987.stm |publisher=BBC News. BBC |title=Take That set to spar with Spears |date=October 14, 2008 |archive-date=November 19, 2010 |access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> However, following unauthorized online leaks, ] began streaming ''Circus'' on November 25.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1600166/britney-spears-circus-now-available-for-streaming-on-imeem/ |title=Britney Spears' Circus Now Available For Streaming On Imeem |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |work=MTV News|date=November 25, 2008 |access-date=August 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514052552/http://www.mtv.com/news/1600166/britney-spears-circus-now-available-for-streaming-on-imeem/ |archive-date=May 14, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> To promote the album, ] set up a hotline where fans could leave a message for Spears, some of which received a return phone call from her.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britney.com/es/node/7121 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316071709/http://www.britney.com/es/node/7121 |title=Mobile |publisher=Britney.com |archive-date=March 16, 2011 |access-date=August 7, 2011}}</ref> Some songs were previewed through the website of the New York radio station ] and ].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1599280/britney-spears-circus-gets-online-preview.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107210334/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1599280/britney-spears-circus-gets-online-preview.jhtml |title=Britney Spears Gives Fans A Taste Of Circus With Online Preview |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |date=December 13, 2008 |work=MTV News|archive-date=November 7, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> ] aired a 90-minute documentary '']'' on November 30, documenting her return.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1596736/20081009/spears_britney.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024124401/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1596736/britney-spears-documentary-air-november-30-check-out-preview.jhtml |title=Britney Spears Documentary To Air November 30 |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |work=MTV News|date=October 9, 2008 |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> In May 2009, Jive's official website held the "Global ] Contest", which required participants to submit a 200-word story based on one of the album's tracks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britney.com/us/fan-fiction |title=Britney.com Global Fan Fiction Contest |publisher=Britney.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725080711/http://www.britney.com/us/fan-fiction |archive-date=July 25, 2011}}</ref> The public was allowed to vote for their favorite short story, which would be produced into an animated ]. The winning story was based on the song "]", and the video premiered on July 27.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britney.com/us/blog/world-premiere-kill-lights-animated-video |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090730041217/http://www.britney.com/us/blog/world-premiere-kill-lights-animated-video |title=World Premiere: "Kill The Lights" Animated Video |publisher=Britney.com |archive-date=July 30, 2009 |access-date=December 31, 2009}}</ref>


Spears' live comeback and promotional activities for ''Circus'' began on November 6, 2008, with a ] at the ] show of ]'s ] (2008–2009). Midway through the performance of "]", Spears joined Madonna on stage.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7715435.stm |title=Britney joins Madonna on US stage |publisher=BBC News. BBC |date=November 7, 2008 |access-date=November 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081108020248/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7715435.stm |archive-date=November 8, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> The week prior to the album's release, Spears performed in several countries as a part of the Circus Promo Tour. On November 27, Spears performed "]" live at the 2008 ] in ], Germany, where she received an award for Best International Pop Star.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/music/britney-spears-to-perform-live-at-bambi-awards-germany/story-e6frexl9-1111118137456 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811215017/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/music/britney-spears-to-perform-live-at-bambi-awards-germany/story-e6frexl9-1111118137456 |title=Britney Spears to perform live at Bambi Awards, Germany |newspaper=] |publisher=Lee Enterprises |date=November 26, 2008 |archive-date=August 11, 2011 |access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> In addition, she performed the song on '']'' in France the following day and on '']'' in the United Kingdom on November 29.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/10/22/britney-spears-exclusive-pictures-singer-prepares-raunchy-routine-for-x-factor-115875-20826739/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218230312/http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/10/22/britney-spears-exclusive-pictures-singer-prepares-raunchy-routine-for-x-factor-115875-20826739/ |title=Britney Spears exclusive pictures: Singer prepares raunchy routine for X Factor |last=Tetteh |first=Sarah |date=October 22, 2008 |newspaper=] |archive-date=December 18, 2008 |access-date=March 3, 2013}}</ref> Her performance on ''The X Factor'' was watched by an average of 11,880,000 citizens in the UK.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s103/the-x-factor/news/a137127/x-factor-hits-128m-ratings-high.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010171232/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s103/the-x-factor/news/a137127/x-factor-hits-128m-ratings-high.html |title='X Factor' hits 12.8m ratings high |publisher=Digital Spy. Hearst Corporation |date=November 30, 2008 |archive-date=October 10, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> Spears premiered the second single "]" alongside "Womanizer" at the ] on '']'' on December 2.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/britney-spears-tv-comeback-good-morning-america-article-1.353710 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021170809/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/britney-spears-tv-comeback-good-morning-america-article-1.353710 |title=Britney Spears Makes TV Comeback On 'Good Morning America' |last=Piazza |first=Joe |newspaper=Daily News |date=December 2, 2008 |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1600486/britney-spears-wows-fans-family-with-gma-performance.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103183922/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1600486/britney-spears-wows-fans-family-with-gma-performance.jhtml |title=Britney Spears Wows Fans, Family With 'Good Morning America' Birthday Performance |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |work=MTV News |date=December 2, 2008 |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> On December 16, she performed on ]'s ''Best Artist of 2008''.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/britney-spears-wows-japan-tv-fans-with-womanizer-show/story-e6frexfi-1111118342268 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809063828/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/britney-spears-wows-japan-tv-fans-with-womanizer-show/story-e6frexfi-1111118342268 |title=Britney Spears Wows Japan TV fans With Womanizer Show |newspaper=] |date=December 17, 2008 |archive-date=August 9, 2011 |access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref>
==Track listing==


]" during ] in 2009]]
*1)Intro<br>
While performing on '']'' on December 2, Spears announced her fifth worldwide ], titled ]. She initially revealed the first leg of 25 dates in the United States and two in the United Kingdom. Her longtime manager ] stated that the tour would "blow people's minds and promises to show Britney's fans something they will never forget",<ref name="sales">{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1601043/britney-spears-adds-circus-tour-dates.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105065239/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1601043/britney-spears-adds-circus-tour-dates.jhtml |title=Britney Spears Adds Circus Tour Dates Thanks To Strong Sales |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=December 10, 2008 |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2013 |work=MTV News}}</ref> later adding: "she goes full-speed the whole show — about an hour and a half. It's pretty intense. This is a full-blown, full-out Britney Spears show, It is everything everybody expects from her — and more!".<ref name="extrava">{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1606182/britney-spears-circus-tour-pop-extravaganza.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105204141/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1606182/britney-spears-circus-tour-pop-extravaganza.jhtml |title=Britney Spears' Manager Calls Circus Tour A 'Pop Extravaganza' |date=March 3, 2009 |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2013 |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |work=MTV News}}</ref> Spears also expressed excitement in including songs from '']'' into the ], as she did not tour to promote it.<ref name="MTV" /> The tour commenced on March 3, 2009, in New Orleans' ] and finished on November 29, in Adelaide's ]. The tour consisted of four legs: two in North America, one in Europe and one in Oceania.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1600471/britney-spears-to-kick-off-circus-tour-in-march/ |title=Britney Spears To Kick Off Circus Tour In March |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |work=MTV News|date=December 2, 2008 |access-date=August 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819025616/http://www.mtv.com/news/1600471/britney-spears-to-kick-off-circus-tour-in-march/ |archive-date=August 19, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The stage was composed of three rings and set in-the-round to resemble an actual circus. Fashion designers ] created the costumes. A giant cylinder screen was set above the stage to showcase videos and backdrops. Effects were provided by Solotech. The setlist was composed generally from her albums '']'' (2003), ''Blackout'' and ''Circus''. In June, Spears announced she would tour Australia for the first time; she was also rumored to tour South America, though her manager ] denied this despite their efforts to do so.<ref name="southtwitter">{{cite news |url=https://www.twitter.com/AdamLeber/status/2839980111 |title=No South American leg |date=July 25, 2009 |access-date=December 23, 2009 |last=Leber |first=Adam |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219044912/https://twitter.com/AdamLeber/status/2839980111 |archive-date=February 19, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*2)Womanizer<br>

*3)Circus<br>
Controversy arose during the Australian leg of the tour after several fans walked out of the performances due to Spears' alleged ]; such claims were later denied by Spears' management and promoters.<ref name="LipSynching">{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/britney-spears-extremely-upset-by-australia-lip-synch-controversy-20091109 |title=Britney Spears "Extremely Upset" By Australia Lip-Synch Controversy |work=Rolling Stone LLC |date=November 9, 2009 |access-date=January 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130105231641/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/britney-spears-extremely-upset-by-australia-lip-synch-controversy-20091109 |archive-date=January 5, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The tour was ranked as the fourth highest-grossing tour of the year in North America, becoming the highest-grossing tour of the year by a solo artist.<ref name="psend">{{cite web |url=http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2009/12/30/703577.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322064619/http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2009/12/30/703577.aspx |title=The Pollstar Top 50 |date=December 30, 2009 |archive-date=March 22, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2013 |last=Reinartz |first=Joe |work=]}}</ref> In February 2010, ] released their Top 50 Worldwide Concert Tours of 2009; the Circus Starring Britney Spears was ranked as the world's fifth highest-grossing tour of the year, with a gross of $131.8 million.<ref name="psyearend">{{cite web |url=http://www.pollstarpro.com/SpecialFeatures2009/2009YearEndTop50WorldwideConcertTours.pdf |title=2009 Year End Top 50 Worldwide Concert Tours |year=2010 |access-date=February 8, 2010 |work=Pollstar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215025847/http://www.pollstarpro.com/SpecialFeatures2009/2009YearEndTop50WorldwideConcertTours.pdf|archive-date=February 15, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> In May 2010, ''Hollyscoop'' ranked the tour at number five on their "15 Most Profitable Female Tours Ever" list.<ref name="femaletours">{{cite web |url=http://www.hollyscoop.com/music/madonna/15-most-profitable-female-tours-ever_2133.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321024250/http://www.stereotude.com/madonna/15-most-profitable-female-tours-ever.html |archive-date=March 21, 2012 |title=15 Most Profitable Female Tours Ever |publisher=Stereotude |date=May 21, 2010 |last=Esmailian |first=Ani |access-date=March 3, 2013}}</ref>
*4)Kiss Kiss<br>
*5)My Everything<br>
*6)Amnesia<br>
*7)Mannequin<br>
*8)My Baby<br>
*9)Scandalous<br>
*10)Beat Your Heart Out<br>
*11)Spotlight<br>
*12)Love<br>
*13)Kill The Lights<br>
*14)Scarred<br>
*15)Womanizer<br>


==Singles== ==Singles==
{{listen|filename=Womanizer_-_Britney_Spears.ogg|title="Womanizer"
===Womanizer===
|description=The pre-chorus of "Womanizer", in which the title is repeated eight times.|format=]}}
{{Main|Womanizer (song)}}
"]" was released as the ] from ''Circus'' on September 26, 2008. The song was met with positive response from critics, who complimented its hook and empowering lyrics, deeming it a return of form and a "comeback" single for Spears.<ref name="observer">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/oct/12/britneyspears-popandrock |title=Pop review: Britney Spears, Womanizer (JIVE) |date=October 12, 2008 |access-date=January 1, 2010 |last=Robinson |first=Peter |newspaper=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227113803/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/oct/12/britneyspears-popandrock |archive-date=December 27, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> It debuted at number 96 on the US ] before leaping to the summit the following week, breaking the record for the largest leap on the chart.<ref name="bbjump">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043782/spears-scores-record-setting-hot-100-jump |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110200153/http://www.billboard.com/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003874105#/web/20121110200153/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043782/spears-scores-record-setting-hot-100-jump |archive-date=November 10, 2012 |title=Spears Scores Record-Setting Hot 100 Jump |magazine=Billboard |date=November 12, 2012 |access-date=March 2, 2013}}</ref>{{efn|] broke the record three months later with "]" (2009), which registered a 97&ndash;1 leap in its second week.<ref name="kelly">{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/266384/best-of-2009-part-1 |title=Best Of 2009: Part 1 |date=December 15, 2009 |access-date=March 3, 2013 |last=Trust |first=Gary |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303023328/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/266384/best-of-2009-part-1 |archive-date=March 3, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>}} The song has sold over 3,500,000 digital downloads in the United States.<ref name="digital2016">{{Cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7439077/ask-billboard-britney-spears-career-sales-how-big-a-hit-will |title=Ask Billboard: Britney Spears' Career Sales & How Big a Hit Will 'Make Me' Be? |date=July 17, 2016 |last=Trust |first=Gary |access-date=July 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331043017/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7439077/ask-billboard-britney-spears-career-sales-how-big-a-hit-will |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Internationally, it reached number one in Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Israel, Norway, Sweden and Turkey, and on the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=Womanizer&cat=s|title=Britney Spears &ndash; Womanizer|language=nl|publisher=]|accessdate=February 9, 2023|archive-date=October 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025080517/http://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=Womanizer&cat=s|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="can100">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/Britney-Spears/chart-history/CAN|title=Britney Spears Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)|magazine=]|accessdate=February 9, 2023|archive-date=January 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109233709/https://www.billboard.com/artist/britney-spears/chart-history/can/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hrt.hr/hr/top20/strana_lista.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 3, 2008|title=Top Lista Hrvatskog Radija|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081103083300/http://www.hrt.hr/hr/top20/strana_lista.html|access-date=February 9, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com.tr/pages/Turkiye_top20.aspx/|title=Top 20 - Türkiye|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120181332/http://www.billboard.com.tr/pages/Turkiye_top20.aspx/|archive-date=November 20, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Hits of the World: Euro Singles Sales|magazine=]|volume=120|issue=51|page=172|date=December 20, 2008}}</ref> At the ] (2010), the song was nominated for ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/britney-spears/15406|title=Britney Spears|publisher=]|work=]|accessdate=February 9, 2023|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209170709/https://www.grammy.com/artists/britney-spears/15406|url-status=live}}</ref> Its accompanying ] premiered on October 18, as a spiritual sequel to "]" (2004); both videos were directed by ]. It portrays Spears as a woman who disguises herself in different costumes and follows her boyfriend through his daily activities to expose him in the end.<ref name="toxic">{{Cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597273/20081016/spears_britney.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107005227/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597273/womanizer-director-talks-toxic-comparisons.jhtml |title=Britney Spears' 'Womanizer' Director Joseph Kahn Talks 'Toxic' Comparisons |date=October 17, 2008 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2013 |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |work=MTV News}}</ref> The video won ] and was nominated for ] at the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1621418/lady-gaga-beyonce-taylor-swift-light-up-2009-vmas/|title=Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Taylor Swift Light Up 2009 VMAs|date=September 14, 2009|access-date=February 9, 2023|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|work=]|archive-date=December 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231014434/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1621418/20090914/eminem.jhtml?rsspartner=rss|url-status=dead}}</ref> "Womanizer" remains one of Spears' biggest hits and has been covered by numerous other artists.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://genius.com/Britney-spears-womanizer-sample/covers|title=Britney Spears &ndash; Womanizer Covers|website=]|accessdate=February 9, 2023|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209172211/https://genius.com/Britney-spears-womanizer-sample/covers|url-status=live}}</ref>


"]" was released as the second single from ''Circus'' on December 2, 2008.<ref name="mtvreview" /> It debuted and peaked at number three on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name="number3">{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266126/britneys-circus-debuts-atop-album-chart |title=Britney's 'Circus' Debuts Atop Album Chart |last=Hasty |first=Katie |date=December 10, 2008 |access-date=January 4, 2010 |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523020331/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266126/britneys-circus-debuts-atop-album-chart |archive-date=May 23, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The song has sold over 3,200,000 digital downloads in the US.<ref name="digital2016"/> Internationally, it peaked atop the ] and within the top ten in Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Hungary, Israel, New Zealand, Scotland and Sweden.<ref>{{cite magazine| title=Billboard Türkiye Chart History| url=http://www.billboard.com.tr/pages/Turkiye_top20.aspx/| magazine=]| accessdate=February 9, 2023| archive-date=February 1, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201021758/http://www.billboard.com.tr/pages/Turkiye_top20.aspx/| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=Circus&cat=s|title=Britney Spears &ndash; Circus|publisher=]|accessdate=February 9, 2023|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209170709/https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=Circus&cat=s|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bamp-bg.org:80/read.php?id=184 |title=NMC Airplay TOP 10 Week08 (16.02.2009 - 22.02.2009) |publisher=BAMP |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409044411/http://www.bamp-bg.org/read.php?id=184 |archive-date=April 9, 2009 |access-date=February 9, 2023 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>
On ], ] released a statement announcing that the first single off ''Circus'' will be "]". The single was to be released to radio stations on ]. However it was delayed due to the leak of a low quality 40-second demo, and last minute changes were made to the track. On ], Britney Spears' official website on Jive records announced that the single will be released to radio stations the following morning, on ], ].<ref>http://www.britney.com/blog/better-keep-your-radios-on-tomorrow</ref> ] of Pennsylvania then confirmed that it would play the single live at approximately 6.00am, and soon after made the single available at its website for streaming.<ref>http://www.961kiss.com/pages/britneysback.html</ref> On September 26, the song made its world premiere on ] at 6:00am EST. It premiered on British airwaves on ] at 4:40pm GMT the same day.
{{cite web | title=Media Forest: Airplay chart | url=http://www.mediaforest.biz/WeeklyCharts/HistoryWeeklyCharts.aspx?year=2009&week=02 | publisher=mediaforest.biz | access-date=February 9, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407074256/http://www.mediaforest.biz/WeeklyCharts/HistoryWeeklyCharts.aspx?year=2009&week=02 | archive-date=April 7, 2014 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref> Its ]-directed accompanying music video portrays Spears as a ringleader of a circus accompanied by different performers, and features scenes of Spears in different circus settings. The video received positive reviews from critics, but was criticized for featuring "cruelly trained animals"; however, those claims were dismissed.<ref name="mtvreview">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1600845/20081205/spears_britney.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103183646/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1600845/britney-spears-circus-video-check-it-out-here.jhtml |title=Britney Spears' 'Circus' Video – Check It Out Here! |date=December 5, 2008 |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2013 |last=Montgomery |first=James |work=MTV News}}</ref> It won a Best Video award on ],<ref name="fuse">{{cite magazine |url=http://fuseblog.typepad.com/fuseblog/2009/12/and-the-best-of-2009-winner-is.htmlvnu_content_id=1003874105 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110200153/http://www.billboard.com/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003874105#/web/20121110200153/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043782/spears-scores-record-setting-hot-100-jump |archive-date=November 10, 2012 |title=And The Best Of 2009 Winner Is... |magazine=Billboard |date=December 12, 2009 |access-date=March 3, 2013}}</ref> and was nominated for three ] in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1617542/complete-list-of-mtv-video-music-award-nominees/|title=Complete List Of MTV Video Music Award Nominees|date=August 4, 2009|access-date=February 9, 2023|website=MTV News|archive-date=December 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227200849/http://www.mtv.com/news/1617542/complete-list-of-mtv-video-music-award-nominees/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


"]" was released as the third single from ''Circus'' on March 10, 2009. Due to the song's ] in the chorus, the ] (PTC) threatened to file indecency complaints with the ] (FCC) against any station that played the song between 6&nbsp;a.m. and 10&nbsp;p.m.<ref name="dn">{{cite news |last=Hinckley |first=David |title=Z100 needs Britney Spears to clean up |newspaper=] |date=January 23, 2009 |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/z100-britney-spears-clean-article-1.424732 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025210414/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/z100-britney-spears-clean-article-1.424732 |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> A clean edit of the song, titled "If U See Amy", was later sent to radio by ].<ref name="dn" /> The song peaked at number 19 on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100,<ref name="bbchart">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/297529/britney-spears/chart?page=1 |title=Britney Spears – Chart history |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709062148/http://www.billboard.com/artist/297529/britney-spears/chart?page=1 |archive-date=July 9, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> making ''Circus'' Spears' first album since ''...Baby One More Time'' to produce three top-20 singles. Internationally, it peaked atop the ], whilst reaching the top ten in Belgium, Israel, Malaysia and Mexico.<ref>"Brasil Hot 100 Airplay". '']'' (Brasil: bpp) (2): 96. April 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=If+U+Seek+Amy&cat=s|title=Britney Spears &ndash; If U Seek Amy|language=fr|publisher=]|accessdate=February 9, 2023|archive-date=November 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111060549/http://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=If+U+Seek+Amy&cat=s|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/RecordingIndustryMalaysia/posts/pfbid02Yh597zbPxzK8o6GkoqrTtmu972bsdvviKo72qAYimFZyqvCnNZubR1qjfDtj9HS2l|title=Top 20 Most Streamed International Singles In Malaysia Week 21 (20/05/2022-26/05/2022)|publisher=]|date=June 4, 2022|access-date=February 9, 2023|via=]|archive-date=February 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223101122/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRecordingIndustryMalaysia%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02Yh597zbPxzK8o6GkoqrTtmu972bsdvviKo72qAYimFZyqvCnNZubR1qjfDtj9HS2l|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zocalo.com.mx/desbanca-paulina-rubio-a-la-quinta-estacion-del-primer-lugar-radial-2/|title=Desbanca Paulina Rubio a La Quinta Estación del primer lugar radial|publisher=]|access-date=February 9, 2023|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209170717/https://www.zocalo.com.mx/desbanca-paulina-rubio-a-la-quinta-estacion-del-primer-lugar-radial-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> Its ]-directed accompanying music video was released on March 12, and depicts Spears poking fun at American culture.<ref name="videopremiere">{{Cite magazine |title=Britney Spears Premieres Video For Controversial "If U Seek Amy" |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=March 12, 2009 |magazine=] |issn=0035-791X}}</ref>
==Leaks==

*In anticipation of the release of "Circus", many fans and bloggers have leaked Spears's new and old recordings. In early September a video of Spears rehearsing a song called "Mannequin" was leaked by ],<ref>http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/09/05/britney-spears-secret-dance-rehearsal-video/</ref> minutes after the leak, the video received over three million views.<ref>].
"]" was originally included on Spears' fifth studio album '']'' (2007) and set to be released as its fourth single. However, its release was canceled when Spears began work on ''Circus'', and it was instead released as a promotional single in 2008.<ref name="digspy"/> It was subsequently included as a bonus track on ''Circus'' and was released as its fourth single on June 5, 2009. The song originally entered the US ] at number 52 due to ] from ''Blackout''. After being confirmed as a single, entered the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 at number 90, peaking at number 88 the following week; it became Spears' lowest-peaking US-released single on the chart.<ref name="bb">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/song/britney-spears/radar/10668320 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107143513/http://www.billboard.com/song/britney-spears/radar/10668320#/web/20121107143513/http://www.billboard.com/song/britney-spears/radar/10668320 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |title=Britney Spears – Radar charts |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 2, 2013}}</ref> Its ]-directed accompanying music video portrays Spears as an aristocrat at a ] mansion, who's involved in a love triangle with two polo players.<ref name="mtvl">{{cite web |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |title=Britney Spears' New 'Radar' Video Leaks |work=MTV News |date=July 1, 2009 |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1615088/20090701/spears_britney.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103124136/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1615088/britney-spears-new-radar-video-leaks.jhtml |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref>
*On ], ], a low quality 40-second clip from her new single "]" was leaked via Nashville's 107.5 The River.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b29901_britney_spears_womanizer_gets_leak.html | title=Britney Spears' "Womanizer" gets leak treatment | author=Peter Gicas | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-09-19 | accessdate=2008-09-20 }}</ref> Jive later released a statement to MTV stating that the clip was from the "rough mix" of the track, not the finalized single.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1595270/20080919/spears_britney.jhtml | title=Snippet of Britney Spears' new single, 'Womanizer,' leaks online | author=Jocelyn Vena | work=] | publisher=] | date=2008-09-19 | accessdate=2008-09-20 }}</ref> The DJ who played the clip was later suspended and was fined $250,000 by Jive Records.<ref></ref>

Despite not being released as singles, several tracks from ''Circus'' appeared on ] upon its release. "Shattered Glass", peaked at number 70 on the US ], higher than the actual single "Radar". It additionally peaked at number 29 on the US ] and number 75 on the ].<ref name="hot100">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/britney-spears/chart-history/|title=Britney Spears|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=February 9, 2023|archive-date=February 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206222006/https://www.billboard.com/artist/britney-spears/chart-history/|url-status=live}} ''Note: Select a chart listed inside the drop-down menu.''</ref><ref name="can100" /> The song also entered the US Pop 100 chart, peaking at number 57.<ref name="allmusicharts">{{cite web |url=https://allmusic.com/artist/britney-spears-p320976/charts-awards/billboard-singles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225042927/http://allmusic.com/artist/britney-spears-p320976/charts-awards/billboard-singles |title=Britney Spears – US and Canadian Chart History |website=AllMusic |publisher=Rovi Corporation |archive-date=February 25, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> "Lace and Leather" and "Mmm Papi" peaked at numbers 84 and 94 on the Pop 100, respectively.<ref name="allmusicharts"/> "Out from Under" debuted at number 40 on the ] on August 14, 2009, reaching number 32 the following week and staying on the chart for five weeks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=Out+From+Under&cat=s |title=Swedishcharts.com – Britney Spears – Out from Under |publisher=Singles Top 60. Hung Medien |access-date=April 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125065054/http://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=Out+From+Under&cat=s |archive-date=November 25, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Critical reception==
{{Music ratings
| title = Professional ratings
<!-- Aggregate scores -->
| ADM = 6.1/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/204/Britney-Spears-Circus.aspx |title=Circus by Britney Spears reviews |work=AnyDecentMusic? |access-date=December 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226054908/http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/204/Britney-Spears-Circus.aspx |archive-date=December 26, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC = 64/100<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |title=Circus by Britney Spears |website=] |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/circus/britney-spears |access-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525110519/https://www.metacritic.com/music/circus/britney-spears |archive-date=May 25, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>
<!-- Reviewers -->
| rev1 = ]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/circus-mw0000802321 |title=Circus: Britney Spears |author=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |publisher=AllMusic. Rovi Corporation |access-date=November 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013224547/https://www.allmusic.com/album/circus-mw0000802321 |archive-date=October 13, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev2 = '']''
| rev2Score = B<ref name="EW">{{cite web |url=https://ew.com/article/2008/11/29/circus/ |title=Circus Review |last=Willman |first=Chris |work=Entertainment Weekly . |date=November 29, 2008 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222116/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20242634,00.html |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev3 = '']''
| rev3Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="guardian">{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/28/britney-spears-circus |title=CD Review: Britney Spears 'Circus' review |last=Petridis |first=Alexis |date=November 28, 2008 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=November 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930145401/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/28/britney-spears-circus |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev4 = '']''
| rev4Score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name="TheIndependent">{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-britney-spears-circus-zombasony-1038411.html |title=Album: Britney Spears, Circus (Zomba/Sony) |newspaper=] |publisher=Independent Print |date=November 28, 2008 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105184455/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-britney-spears-circus-zombasony-1038411.html |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev5 = '']''
| rev5score = {{rating|2|4}}<ref name="LAT">{{cite web |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2008/11/album-review--1.html |title=Album review: Britney Spears' 'Circus' |last=Powers |first=Ann |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=November 30, 2008 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100809005902/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2008/11/album-review--1.html |archive-date=August 9, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev6 = '']''
| rev6Score = 5/10<ref name="NME">{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/britney-spears/10019 |title=NME Album Reviews – Britney Spears |last=MacBain |first=Hamish |work=] |date=November 28, 2008 |access-date=April 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313142203/http://www.nme.com/reviews/britney-spears/10019 |archive-date=March 13, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev7 = ]
| rev7Score = {{Rating-Christgau|hm2}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Christgau |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Christgau |date=n.d. |url=https://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=Britney+Spears |title=CG: Britney Spears |website=robertchristgau.com |access-date=March 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331181321/https://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=Britney+Spears |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev8 = '']''
| rev8Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="RS">{{cite magazine |last1=Ganz |first1=Caryn |title=Circus |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/circus-189513/#! |magazine=] |access-date=February 6, 2020 |date=December 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525110530/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/circus-189513/#! |archive-date=May 25, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev9 = '']''
| rev9Score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name="Slant">{{cite web |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/britney-spears-circus/1589 |title=Britney Spears: Circus |last=Henderson |first=Eric |publisher=] |date=November 25, 2008 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203053444/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/britney-spears-circus/1589 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev10 = '']''
| rev10Score = {{Rating|3|4}}<ref name="USAToday">{{Cite news |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2008-11-25-britney-spears-circus_N.htm |title=Britney Spears maximizes her pop appeal in 'Circus' |last=Jones |first=Steve |newspaper=] |date=November 26, 2008 |access-date=April 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024043912/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2008-11-25-britney-spears-circus_N.htm |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}
Upon its release, ''Circus'' received generally favorable reviews from ]. At ], which assigns a ] rating out of hundred to reviews from mainstream critics, ''Circus'' received an ] score of 64, based on 22 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/circus |title=Circus Reviews |publisher=]. CBS Interactive |access-date=November 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329082820/http://www.metacritic.com/music/circus |archive-date=March 29, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Stephen Thomas Erlewine provided a favorable review, describing it as a "friendly remake of the hedonistic '']''", but preferred its predecessor for being more "sleek or addictive" than ''Circus''.<ref name="Allmusic"/> Genevieve Koski of '']'' appreciated that Spears appeared to "put some real effort into her ''Circus'' performances", rather than seeming "flat-sounding" as she felt ''Blackout'' had.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/review/britney-spears-emcircusem-6704 |title=Britney Spears: Circus |last=Koski |first=Genevieve |work=] |publisher=] |date=December 8, 2008 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203112148/http://www.avclub.com/review/britney-spears-emcircusem-6704 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Writing for ], Nick Levine opined that Spears "sounds more confident" than she had on ''Blackout''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a135219/notes-on-the-new-britney-album.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024075822/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a135219/notes-on-the-new-britney-album.html |title=Notes on the new Britney album |last=Levine |first=Nick |publisher=Digital Spy. Hearst Corporation |date=November 10, 2008 |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |access-date=November 28, 2013}}</ref> While Chris Willman from '']'' appreciated the overall production of ''Circus'', he was critical of Spears' recently established pattern of "putting out albums with titles that promise more self-revelation than she's ultimately able to provide."<ref name="EW"/> ] gave ''Circus'' a ], stating that it was "still fun more often than not".<ref>{{cite web |last=Christgau |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Christgau |url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=britney+spears |title=CG: Britney Spears |publisher=RobertChristgau.com |access-date=July 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627120625/http://robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=britney+spears |archive-date=June 27, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Jon Pareles of '']'' expressed his enjoyment of the "crisp" material that incorporated "catchy melodic interludes".<ref name="NYT">{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/01/arts/music/01choi.html?_r=0 |title=Critics' Choice – New CDs From – Britney Spears, Akon, Cynic and John Escreet |last=Pareles |first=Jon |newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 30, 2008 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220044756/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/01/arts/music/01choi.html?_r=0 |archive-date=December 20, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Caryn Ganz from '']'' opined that the "clubby, adventurous pop" included on the album could have been a satisfactory successor to her fourth studio album '']'' (2003).<ref name="RS"/>

Writing for '']'', Steve Jones applauded Spears for being "resilient" and " who she is as a singer" and not " time searching for artistic direction or overthinking her appeal."<ref name="USAToday"/> '']'' considered ''Circus'' "no better or worse than Janet Jackson's dominatrix-lite '']''."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-12-10/music/on-britney-spears-s-sadly-generic-circus/full/ |title=On Britney Spears's Sadly Generic Circus |work=Village Voice |publisher=Lewis, Miles Marshall |date=December 10, 2008 |access-date=February 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320021733/https://www.villagevoice.com/2008-12-10/music/on-britney-spears-s-sadly-generic-circus/full/ |archive-date=March 20, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Alexis Petridis of '']'' gave a more mixed review, suggesting that Spears "frequently sounds disconnected, even a bit bored" throughout the record, whereas ''Blackout'' was a "relentless, risky album made by a woman whose obituary was apparently being prepared by ]."<ref name="guardian"/> A writer for '']'' gave a negative review, opining that Spears' vocal delivery sounded emotionless in mid-tempo and ballad-paced tracks.<ref name="TheIndependent"/> '']''{{'}}s Eric Henderson shared a similar sentiment, suggesting that the album's "self-actualization" gave off a "hollow" feel through the majority of the record.<ref name="Slant"/> Ann Powers from '']'' felt that ''Circus'' served as a "bang-up job" of stating that "Spears is still a young woman trying to manage an impossible situation."<ref name="LAT"/> Writing for '']'', Hamish MacBain was disappointed that "Spears is quite simply rubbish at being sexy", adding that ''Circus'' is the "umpteenth attempt to turn the perceived chaos of Britney's transition to adulthood – she's 27 next week! – into sleazy, raunchy, dirrty adult-pop product."<ref name="NME"/>

==Accolades==

=== Awards and nominations ===
{{Awards table|5|caption=Awards and nominations for ''Circus''}}
|-
! scope="row"| 2008
| Virgin Media Music Awards
| Best Album
| rowspan="6"| ''Circus''
| {{Runner-up}}
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.virginmedia.com/music/awards2008/winners.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305081909/http://www.virginmedia.com/music/awards2008/winners.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 5, 2009 |title=Virgin Media Music Awards 2008: Best Album |work=Virgin Media Music Awards |access-date=November 22, 2019 }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| 2009
| Bravo A-list Awards
| A-list Album
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.bravotv.com/bravo-a-list-awards/2009-nominees |title=A-List Award Nominees! |date=July 2, 2012 |website=]|access-date=June 12, 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090723164940/https://www.bravotv.com/bravo-a-list-awards/2009-nominees |archive-date=July 23, 2009}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| 2009
| ]
| Foreign Dance-Pop Album of the Year
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web | url=http://fonogram.hu/?menu=jeloltek |title=A 2009. évi Fonogram - Magyar Zenei Díj jelöltjei |trans-title=Nominees for the 2009 Phonogram - Hungarian Music Award |language=Hungarian |website=Fonogram |publisher=]&mdash;Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége |access-date=June 19, 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130044847/http://fonogram.hu/?menu=jeloltek |archive-date=January 30, 2009 }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| ]
| ]
| Worst Album
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/jonas-brothers-8-1305928 |title=Jonas Brothers 'win' Worst Album award at Shockwaves NME Awards&mdash;The clean-living band have won the award ahead of Razorlight |website=] |date=February 25, 2009 |publisher=] (BBC) |access-date=June 25, 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419051312/https://www.nme.com/news/music/jonas-brothers-8-1305928 |archive-date=April 19, 2021 }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| ]
| ]
| English Album of the Year
| {{nom}}
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=http://musikislife.net/nominados-premios-oye-2009/ |title=Nominados Premios Oye! 2009 |work=Blog Telenovelas |access-date=October 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110319050202/http://musikislife.net/nominados-premios-oye-2009/ |archive-date=March 19, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| ]
| ]
| ]
| {{nom}}
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=http://junoawards.ca/awards/artist-summary/?artist_name=britney+spears&submit=Search |title=Artist Summary – The JUNO Awards |publisher=junoawards.ca|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123115332/http://junoawards.ca/awards/artist-summary/?artist_name=britney+spears&submit=Search |archive-date=January 23, 2015}}</ref>
|}

===Listings ===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ Listings for ''Circus''
! scope="col"| Year
! scope="col"| Publication
! scope="col"| List
! scope="col"| Position
! scope="col" class="unsortable"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2"| 2008
| '']''
| Readers' Choice &ndash; Best Album of 2008
| {{center|1}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite news|url= http://princesbritneyspears.blog.cz/0912/vyhry|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191128094306/http://princesbritneyspears.blog.cz/0912/vyhry|archive-date= November 28, 2019|title= Zprávy a události z domova i ze světa &#124; TN.cz}}</ref>}}
|-
| IFPI Switzerland Top 100 Albums of 2008
| Best Album of 2008
| {{center|1}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite news| url=http://princesbritneyspears.blog.cz/0912/vyhry |title=AOL Awards |date=October 21, 2011 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=June 1, 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128094306/http://princesbritneyspears.blog.cz/0912/vyhry |archive-date=November 28, 2019 |quote=AOL Awards }}</ref>}}
|}

==Commercial performance==
]" during ] in 2009|alt=A female blond performer. She is leaning against a pole, grabbing it with her right hand. She is wearing a black sparkly bra, high-waisted shorts and laced-up high-heeled boots with fishnet stockings.]]

In the United States, ''Circus'' debuted atop the ], with first-week sales of over 505,000 copies. It registered the second biggest debut-week sales of 2008 for a female artist, only behind ]'s '']''.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Hasty |first1=Katie |title=Britney's 'Circus' Debuts Atop Album Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266126/britneys-circus-debuts-atop-album-chart |access-date=July 16, 2015 |magazine=Billboard |date=December 10, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523020331/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266126/britneys-circus-debuts-atop-album-chart |archive-date=May 23, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The album spent nine weeks within the top ten, making it Spears's longest-running top-ten album since '']'' (2000), which spent 23 weeks inside the top ten.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-jan-25-2009-setting-a-hot-100-record.html |title=Week Ending Jan. 25, 2009: Setting A Hot 100 Record – Chart Watch |publisher=Yahoo! Music. Yahoo! |date=January 28, 2009 |access-date=April 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407145411/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-jan-25-2009-setting-a-hot-100-record.html |archive-date=April 7, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-feb-1-2009-thats-why-they-call-him-the-boss.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920215230/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-feb-1-2009-thats-why-they-call-him-the-boss.html |title=Week Ending Feb. 1, 2009: That's Why They Call Him The Boss – Chart Watch |publisher=Yahoo! Music. Yahoo! |date=February 4, 2009 |archive-date=September 20, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> It was certified ] by the ] (RIAA) on January 29, 2009.<ref name="riaa"/> The album placed sixth on the year-end ''Billboard'' 200 for 2009.<ref name="us09"/> According to ], the album had sold 1.7 million copies in the US by March 2015.<ref name="sales1">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6509510/ask-billboard-britney-spearss-career-sales |title=Ask Billboard: Britney Spears's Career Sales |last=Trust |first=Gary |magazine=] |date=March 24, 2015 |access-date=March 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150327234706/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6509510/ask-billboard-britney-spearss-career-sales |archive-date=March 27, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> With over 51,000 units sold in its first week, the album opened atop the ]; it marked her highest first-week sales in Canada since ''Oops!... I Did It Again'', which sold 95,000 copies.<ref name="canadadebutsales">{{cite web |last=Williams |first=John |url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/S/Spears_Britney/2008/12/10/7697401-ca.html |title=Britney returns to No. 1 |publisher=Canoe Jam! |date=December 10, 2008 |access-date=June 20, 2009| url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120526052621/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/S/Spears_Britney/2008/12/10/7697401-ca.html |archive-date=May 26, 2012 }}</ref> In less than a month, it became the ninth best-selling album of 2008 in the country, selling 143,000 copies, and one of the top ten best-selling digital albums of the year with over 10,100 downloads.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2009/01/07/idUS228425+07-Jan-2009+BW20090107 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114200459/https://www.reuters.com/article/2009/01/07/idUS228425%2B07-Jan-2009%2BBW20090107 |title=The Nielsen Company 2008 Canadian Music Industry Report |work=] |publisher=] |date=January 7, 2009 |archive-date=November 14, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In March 2009, the album was certified triple platinum by the ] (CRIA).<ref name="cria"/> In Mexico, ''Circus'' debuted atop the international album chart and at number three on ], selling over 46,000 copies and being certified gold by the ] (AMPROFON) in its first week.<ref name="mexico">{{cite web |url=http://tabascohoy.com.mx/noticia.php?id_nota=167303 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722224459/http://tabascohoy.com.mx/noticia.php?id_nota=167303 |archive-date=July 22, 2011 |title=A Britney Spears ¡Mexicanos le dan Oro! |publisher=Tabasco Hoy |date=December 10, 2008 |access-date=March 3, 2013}}</ref><ref name="amprofon"/>

Across Oceania, ''Circus'' was a top-ten success, peaking at number three in Australia and number six in New Zealand.<ref name="Charts">{{cite web |title=Britney Spears – Circus |url=http://acharts.us/album/40790 |publisher=aCharts |access-date=April 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115174046/http://acharts.us/album/40790 |archive-date=January 15, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was later certified double platinum by the ] (ARIA) and platinum by the ] (RIANZ).<ref name="aria"/><ref name="rmnz"/> In Japan, the album peaked at number five on the ] and was certified gold by the ] (RIAJ).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200901.html |title=一般社団法人 日本レコード協会|各種統計 |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |access-date=August 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810033532/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200901.html |archive-date=August 10, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/search/result.php?kbn=ja&types=rnk&search_type=album&year=2008&month=11&week=7&web.x=46&web.y=4 |title=検索結果-Oricon Style アーティスト/CD検索 |publisher=Oricon |access-date=August 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604103219/http://www.oricon.co.jp/search/result.php?kbn=ja&types=rnk&search_type=album&year=2008&month=11&week=7&web.x=46&web.y=4 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the United Kingdom, ''Circus'' debuted and peaked at number four on the ], spending 31 weeks on the chart,<ref name="Charts" /> and at number seven on the ].<ref name="sco"/> The album was certified platinum by the ] (BPI).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britney.com/uk/news/circus-album-goes-platinum-uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616064632/http://www.britney.com/uk/news/circus-album-goes-platinum-uk|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 16, 2009 |title=The Circus Album Goes Platinum In The UK |publisher=Britney.com |date=June 12, 2009 |access-date=March 3, 2013}}</ref> In France, the album sold 18,319 copies in its first two days, debuting at number five.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chartsinfrance.net/Britney-Spears/news-67189.html |title=Tops : Britney déçoit, Quentin surprend |publisher=Charts in France |date=December 2, 2008 |access-date=December 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205081111/http://www.chartsinfrance.net/Britney-Spears/news-67189.html |archive-date=December 5, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> Across Europe, it peaked at the summit in Russia, Switzerland, the international album chart in Greece, and the ].<ref name="rus"/><ref name="Charts"/><ref name="grint">{{cite web |url=http://www.ifpi.gr/chart01.htm |title=Top 50 Ξένων Αλμπουμ – Εβδομάδα 10/2009 |trans-title=Top 50 Foreign Albums – Week 10/2009 |language=el |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326185536/http://www.ifpi.gr/chart01.htm |archive-date=March 26, 2009}}</ref><ref name="eur"/> Furthermore, the album reached the top ten in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain.<ref name="Charts"/> By September 2009, ''Circus'' had sold over four million copies worldwide.<ref name="CircusWWes" /><ref name="CircusWWbbjp" />

==Controversies==
{{quote box|align=right|width=28%|quote="There is no misinterpreting the lyrics to this song, and it's certainly not about a girl named Amy. It's one thing for a song with these lyrics to be included on a CD so that fans who wish to hear it can do so, but it's an entirely different matter when this song is played over the publicly-owned airwaves, especially at a time when children are likely to be in the listening audience."|source=—PTC's president Tim Water on the controversy over "If U Seek Amy" lyrics.<ref>{{cite magazine | last=Cohen | first=Jonathan | title=Parents TV Council Protests Britney Song | magazine=] | date=January 21, 2009 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/parents-tv-council-protests-britney-song-269569/ | access-date=February 10, 2023 | archive-date=February 10, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210191113/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/parents-tv-council-protests-britney-song-269569/ | url-status=live }}</ref>}}

''Circus'' and endeavors during its promotional campaign were subjects of various controversies. Controversy first arose on December 5, 2008, when Australian music site Undercover.com.au reported a complaint on the lyrical content of "]" from Leonie Barsenbach, a housewife from ], who stated: "I was astonished and totally taken aback when I heard my 5 and 7-year-old kids walking around the house singing 'F-U-C-K'&nbsp;... When I asked them what it was, they told me it was Britney Spears. I was horrified. I got them the ''Circus'' album but there was no warning on it&nbsp;... It is extremely offensive. I feel deceived."<ref>{{cite web | author=Cashmere, Paul | author-link=Paul Cashmere | title=Parents Outraged By Britney Spears Song | work=Undercover News | publisher=Cashmere Media Pty Ltd | date=December 5, 2008 | url=http://undercover.com.au/News-Story.aspx?id=7081 | access-date=February 10, 2023 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091013092203/http://undercover.com.au/News-Story.aspx?id=7081 | archive-date=October 13, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Adams | first=Guy | title=Britney forced to rerecord 'sexually offensive' song | work=] | date=January 21, 2009 | url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10552846 | access-date=February 10, 2023 | archive-date=October 24, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024055801/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10552846 | url-status=live }}</ref> '']'' writer Daniel Kreps defended Spears, arguing that parents should have been aware of her lyrical themes.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Britney News : Song Title Angers Parents, First Husband goes to Jail|date=December 5, 2008|magazine=]|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|issn=0035-791X}}</ref> After the song was announced as the third single from the album in January 2009, American radio stations were unsure about playing it due to its ] in the chorus; ] produced their own edit of the song, titled "If U See Amy".<ref>{{cite web | last=Kaufman | first=Gil | title=Britney Spears' Suggestive Single 'If U Seek Amy' Edited By Radio Stations | publisher=MTV. MTV Networks | date=January 22, 2009 | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1603367/20090122/spears_britney.jhtml | access-date=February 10, 2023 | archive-date=April 26, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426174521/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1603367/20090122/spears_britney.jhtml | url-status=dead }}</ref> Shortly after, the ] (PTC) threatened to file indecency complaints with the ] (FCC) against any station that played the song between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.<ref>{{cite web | last=Hinckley | first=David | title=Z100 needs Britney Spears to clean up | work=] | publisher=] | date=January 23, 2009 | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/z100-britney-spears-clean-article-1.424732 | access-date=February 10, 2023 | archive-date=February 3, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203070740/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2009/01/23/2009-01-23_z100_needs_britney_spears_to_clean_up.html | url-status=live}}</ref> RBR.com reported that "interestingly, ''Circus'' was reviewed by Common Sense Media, another organization whose mission is to help parents manage their children's media consumption. It rated it appropriate for age 13 and up, but made no specific mention of 'If U Seek Amy'. Even more interestingly, reputed incoming FCC Chair ] is a founding board member of Common Sense."<ref>{{cite web | author=Staff Reporter | title= PTC seeks blackout for "...seek Amy"| work=Radio & Television Business Report| date=January 22, 2009 | url=https://www.rbr.com/ptc-seeks-blackout-for-seek-amy/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125170605/http://www.rbr.com/radio/12466.html | archive-date=January 25, 2009 | access-date=February 10, 2023}}</ref>

The accompanying music video for the ] of ''Circus'' caused further controversy due to its use of exotic animals. On December 9, 2008, animal rights organization ] (PETA) issued a press release condemning Spears for using "cruelly trained lions and elephants" and demanding her to "stop using exotic animals in her videos and concerts once and for all". Spears had previously received criticism from the organization when she used an ] and a caged tiger during a performance of "]" at the ]. Kari Johnson from Have Trunk Will Travel responded by saying: " has never issued a written endorsement, nor does it condone using electrical devices to discipline and control elephants except in situations where elephant or human safety is at risk. The ] monitors animal action in film and television. A representative was on the set of the Britney Spears 'Circus' video with our elephants, ] and Kitty, to ensure their safety and welfare Britney, the director, producers and the entire crew were respectful of the elephants' needs and comfort and a pleasure to work with."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1600992/britney-spears-circus-video-taken-to-task-by-peta-but-trainers-insist-animals-were-treated-well/|title=Britney Spears' 'Circus' Video Taken To Task By PETA, But Trainers Insist Animals Were Treated Well|date=December 9, 2008|access-date=June 2, 2022|last=Montgomery|first=James|work=MTV|archive-date=April 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420121956/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1600992/20081209/spears_britney.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Australian leg of the album's accompanying tour ] caused controversy following its opening show in ] on November 6, 2009, when '']'' writer Rebekah Devlin reported that a number of fans had walked out of the show; they were apparently "disappointed" and "outraged" regarding Spears' ]ing and subdued dancing.<ref name=devlinone>{{cite news|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/music/disgruntled-fans-walk-out-on-britney-spears-concert-in-perth/story-e6freeuu-1225795263270|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815022204/http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/music/disgruntled-fans-walk-out-on-britney-spears-concert-in-perth/story-e6freeuu-1225795263270|title=Disgruntled fans walk out on Britney Spears concert in Perth |date=November 7, 2009|archive-date=August 15, 2012|access-date=February 10, 2023| last=Devlin|first=Rebekah|work= ]}}</ref> Australian tour promoter Paul Dainty denied the allegations,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/nation/britney-spears-mouthpiece-paul-dainty-gives-lip/news-story/4d117f31d415c69d2cba7921998a8371|title=Britney Spears' mouthpiece, Paul Dainty, gives lip |date=November 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091112001922/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/britney-spears-mouthpiece-paul-dainty-gives-lip/story-e6frg6nf-1225795567353|archive-date=November 12, 2009|access-date=February 10, 2023|last=Shedden|first=Iain|work=]}}</ref> while Spears' manager responded via his ] account by saying: "It's unfortunate that one journalist in Perth didn't enjoy the show last night. Fortunately the other 18,272 fans in attendance did"; Spears' official website also posted a list of positive reviews from a number of fans.<ref name=leber>{{cite news|url=http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/britney-bites-back-20091108-i3e3.html|title=Britney bites back|date=November 8, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091111011827/http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/britney-bites-back-20091108-i3e3.html|archive-date=November 11, 2009|access-date=February 10, 2023|work=]}}</ref>

== Track listing ==
{{Track listing
| headline = ''Circus''{{nobold|&nbsp;– Standard edition}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 46:15
| title1 = ]
| writer1 = {{flatlist|
*]
*]
}}
| extra1 = ]<!-- Per the album booklet, this is how they are credited. DO NOT remove "K. Briscoe" and only list "The Outsyders". Thank you. -->
| length1 = 3:43
| title2 = ]
| writer2 = {{flatlist|
*]
*]
*]
}}
| extra2 = {{flatlist|
*]
*]
}}
| length2 = 3:12
| title3 = Out from Under
| writer3 = {{flatlist|
*]
*]
*]
}}
| extra3 = ]
| length3 = 3:54
| title4 = ]
| writer4 = {{flatlist|
*]
*]
*]
*]
}}
| extra4 = {{flatlist|
*]
*]{{ref|a|}}
}}
| length4 = 3:59
| title5 = Shattered Glass
| writer5 = {{flatlist|
*Gottwald
*Kelly
*Levin
}}
| extra5 = {{flatlist|
*Dr. Luke
*Blanco
*Kelly{{ref|a|}}
}}
| length5 = 2:53
| title6 = ]
| writer6 = {{flatlist|
*]
*]
*]
*]
}}
| extra6 = Martin
| length6 = 3:37
| title7 = Unusual You
| writer7 = {{flatlist|
*]
*]
*]
*]
}}
| extra7 = ]
| length7 = 4:23
| title8 = Blur
| writer8 = {{flatlist|
*Hills
*]
*Araica
}}
| extra8 = Danja
| length8 = 3:09
| title9 = Mmm Papi
| writer9 = {{flatlist|
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
}}
| extra9 = {{flatlist|
*]
*Morier{{ref|a|}}
}}
| length9 = 3:22
| title10 = Mannequin
| writer10 = {{flatlist|
*Spears
*]
*]
*]
}}
| extra10 = {{flatlist|
*Mason, Jr.
*Rob Knox
}}
| length10 = 4:06
| title11 = Lace and Leather
| writer11 = {{flatlist|
*Gottwald
*Levin
*Frankie Storm
*]
}}
| extra11 = {{flatlist|
*Dr. Luke
*Blanco{{ref|b|}}
}}
| length11 = 2:48
| title12 = My Baby
| writer12 = {{flatlist|
*Spears
*Sigsworth
}}
| extra12 = Sigsworth
| length12 = 3:20
| title13 = ]
| note13 = bonus track
| writer13 = {{flatlist|
*Karlsson
*Winnberg
*Jonback
*]
*]
*]
*]
}}
| extra13 = {{flatlist|
*Bloodshy & Avant
*]{{ref|b|}}
}}
| length13 = 3:49
}}

{{Track listing
| headline = ''Circus''{{nobold|&nbsp;– Germany Musicload edition and Mexican digital edition (bonus track)}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.musicload.de/web/album?id=1274386 |title=Musicload - Album - Circus |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402114800/https://www.musicload.de/web/album?id=1274386 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/mx/album/circus/id296274741 |title=iTunes – Música – Circus de Britney Spears |publisher=iTunes Store (MX). Apple Inc. |date=November 28, 2008 |access-date=July 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228153057/https://itunes.apple.com/mx/album/circus/id296274741 |archive-date=February 28, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 49:36

| title14 = Rock Boy
| writer14 = {{flatlist|
*Hills
*Araica
*Tina Parol-Gemza
*Michael Shimshack
}}
| extra14 = Danja
| length14 = 3:21
}}

{{Track listing
| headline = ''Circus''{{nobold|&nbsp;– Japanese and UK edition (bonus track)}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ebay.com/itm/394733436777|title=Japan CD Britney Spears Circus|website=eBay}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://store.britneyspears.com/collections/from-britney-s-circus-archives/circus-cd.html |title=Circus |website=store.britneyspears.com|access-date=August 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809210255/http://store.britneyspears.com/collections/from-britney-s-circus-archives/circus-cd.html|archive-date=August 9, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 50:12

| title14 = Amnesia
| writer14 = {{flatlist|
*]
*Livingston
}}
| extra14 = Garibay
| length14 = 3:57
}}

{{Track listing
| headline = ''Circus''{{nobold|&nbsp;– Deluxe edition (bonus tracks)}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 53:07

| title14 = Rock Me In
| writer14 = {{flatlist|
*Spears
*]
*Morier
}}
| extra14 = {{flatlist|
*Kurstin
*Morier{{ref|a|}}
}}
| length14 = 3:17
| title15 = Phonography
| writer15 = {{flatlist|
*Karlsson
*Winnberg
*Jonback
*Muhammad
*Nelson
*Lewis
*Smith
}}
| extra15 = {{flatlist|
*Bloodshy & Avant
*The Clutch
}}
| length15 = 3:35
}}

{{Track listing
| headline = ''Circus''{{nobold|&nbsp;– US ] pre-order and French ] deluxe edition (bonus track)}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 56:41

| title16 = Trouble
| writer16 = {{flatlist|
*Karlsson
*Winnberg
*Jonback
*Muhammad
*Nelson
*Lewis
*Smith
}}
| extra16 = {{flatlist|
*Bloodshy & Avant
*The Clutch
}}
| length16 = 3:34
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = ''Circus''{{nobold|&nbsp;– European ] deluxe edition (bonus track)}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/circus-deluxe-version/id296284896 |title=iTunes – Music – Circus (Deluxe Version) by Britney Spears |publisher=iTunes Store (IE). Apple Inc. |date=November 28, 2008 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228235601/https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/circus-deluxe-version/id296284896 |archive-date=February 28, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://itunes.apple.com:80/se/album/circus-deluxe-version/id296284896 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091125033922/http://itunes.apple.com:80/se/album/circus-deluxe-version/id296284896 | archive-date=November 25, 2009 | title=Circus (Deluxe Version) by Britney Spears - Download Circus (Deluxe Version) on iTunes }}</ref>
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 57:12

| title16 = Quicksand
| writer16 = {{flatlist|
*]
*Garibay
}}
| extra16 = Garibay
| length16 = 4:05
}}

{{Track listing
| headline = ''Circus''{{nobold|&nbsp;– Britney.com digital premium edition (bonus tracks)}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 65:30

| title14 = Phonography
| writer14 = {{flatlist|
*Karlsson
*Winnberg
*Jonback
*Muhammad
*Nelson
*Lewis
*Smith
}}
| extra14 = {{flatlist|
*Bloodshy & Avant
*The Clutch
}}
| length14 = 3:35
| title15 = Amnesia
| writer15 = {{flatlist|
*Garibay
*Livingston
}}
| extra15 = Garibay
| length15 = 3:57
| title16 = Womanizer
| note16 = ] Radio Edit #2
| writer16 = {{flatlist|
*Briscoe
*Akinyemi
}}
| extra16 = K. Briscoe/The Outsyders
| length16 = 3:13
| title17 = Womanizer
| note17 = Junior's Superstar Mix
| writer17 = {{flatlist|
*Briscoe
*Akinyemi
}}
| extra17 = K. Briscoe/The Outsyders
| length17 = 7:30
}}

{{Track listing
| headline = ''Circus''{{nobold|&nbsp;– Deluxe edition (bonus DVD)}}
| title1 = Making of the Album
| length1 = 9:34

| title2 = Womanizer
| note2 = director's cut) (music video
| length2 = 3:54

| title3 = Photo Gallery
}}

'''Notes'''
* "Out from Under" is a cover of the song of the same title recorded by ] for '']'' (2007).
* {{sup|{{note|a|a}}}} signifies a vocal producer
* {{sup|{{note|b|b}}}} signifies a co-producer

==Personnel==
Credits are adapted from the liner notes of ''Circus''.<ref name="liner"/>

{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
* Rafael Akinyemi &ndash; songwriting (track 1)
* All Sets &ndash; set design
* ] &ndash; additional engineering (track 1), engineering (tracks 4, 8), mixing (tracks 4, 8), songwriting (track 8)
* ] &ndash; songwriting (track 8)
* ] &ndash; additional engineering (track 1), songwriting (track 4), vocal production (track 4)
* Matt Beckly &ndash; engineering (track 2), vocal editing (track 2)
* ] &ndash; songwriting (track 3)
* ] &ndash; drums (tracks 2, 5 and 11), keyboards (tracks 2, 5 and 11), production (tracks 2, 5 and 11), programming (tracks 2, 5 and 11), songwriting (tracks 2, 5 and 11)
* ] &ndash; bass (tracks 7 and 13), engineering (tracks 7 and 13), guitar (tracks 7 and 13), keyboards (tracks 7 and 13), mixing (track 7), production (tracks 7 and 13), programming (track 7 and 13), songwriting (tracks 7 and 13)
* David Boyd &ndash; additional engineering (track 10)
* ] &ndash; backing vocals (track 8), songwriting (track 4)
* Nikesha Briscoe &ndash; production (track 1), songwriting (track 1)
* Jim Carauna &ndash; additional engineering (track 13)
* Chad Carlisle &ndash; engineering assistance (track 2)
* ] &ndash; engineering (track 13), production (track 13), songwriting (track 13)
* ] &ndash; mastering (all tracks)
* ] &ndash; production (tracks 4 and 8), songwriting (tracks 4 and 8)
* Brendan Dekora &ndash; engineering (track 1), engineering assistance (track 12), mixing assistance (track 12)
* ] &ndash; backing vocals (track 2)
* ] &ndash; drums (tracks 2, 5 and 11), guitar (tracks 2, 5 and 11), keyboards (tracks 2, 5 and 11), production (tracks 2, 5 and 11), programming (tracks 2, 5 and 11), songwriting (tracks 2, 5 and 11)
* Pati Dubroff &ndash; make-up
* Bojan "Genius" Dugić &ndash; engineering (track 1)
* Laura Duncan &ndash; styling
* Eric Eylands &ndash; engineering assistance (tracks 5, 6, 9 and 11)
* ] &ndash; songwriting (track 10)
* Niklas Flyckt &ndash; mixing (track 13)
* ] &ndash; mixing (tracks 1, 2, 5, 6 and 11)
* Angela N. Golightly &ndash; production coordination (track 10)
* Aniela Gottwald &ndash; engineering assistance (tracks 5 and 11)
* Tatiana Gottwald &ndash; engineering assistance (track 2)
* John Hanes &ndash; additional Pro Tools engineering (tracks 1, 2, 5, 6 and 11)
* Dabling Harward &ndash; engineering (track 10)
* Leah Haywood &ndash; backing vocals (track 3)
* ] &ndash; songwriting (track 3)
* Jeri Heiden &ndash; art direction
* John Heiden &ndash; design
* Andrew Hey &ndash; engineering (track 10)
* Sam Holland &ndash; engineering (tracks 2, 5 and 11)
* ] &ndash; mixing (track 7)
* Steven Jacobi &ndash; production management
* ] &ndash; bass (track 13), engineering (tracks 7 and 13), guitar (tracks 7 and 13), songwriting (tracks 7 and 13)
* Chris Kasych &ndash; engineering assistance (tracks 2, 5)
* ] &ndash; backing vocals (tracks 2 and 5), songwriting (tracks 2 and 5), vocal production (track 5)
* ] &ndash; backing vocals (track 6)
* ] &ndash; production (track 10), songwriting (track 10)
* ] &ndash; songwriting (track 6)
* ] &ndash; songwriting (track 6)
* Derik Lee &ndash; engineering assistance (track 1)
* ] &ndash; instrumentation (track 9), production (track 9), programming (track 9), songwriting (track 9)
* ] &ndash; backing vocals (track 7), songwriting (track 7)
* Myah Marie &ndash; backing vocals (track 2)
* ] &ndash; backing vocals (track 6), production (track 6), programming (track 6), songwriting (track 6)
* ] &ndash; mixing (track 9)
* ] &ndash; mixing (track 10), production (track 10), songwriting (track 10)
* Chris McMillan &ndash; hair
* ] &ndash; backing vocals (track 9), songwriting (track 9), vocal production (track 9)
* Jackie Murphy &ndash; art direction
* Candice Nelson &ndash; backing vocals (track 13)
* Jared Newcomb &ndash; engineering assistance (tracks 4 and 8), mixing assistance (tracks 4 and 8)
* ] &ndash; backing vocals (track 11)
* ] &ndash; production (track 1)
* Andy Page &ndash; acoustic guitar (tracks 3 and 12), drum programming (tracks 3 and 12), electric guitar (tracks 3 and 12), engineering (tracks 3 and 12), mixing (tracks 3 and 12), piano (track 12), synth bass (track 3), synthesizer (track 12), strings (track 12)
* ] &ndash; songwriting (track 3)
* Tim Roberts &ndash; mixing assistance (tracks 1, 2, 5, 6 and 11)
* ] &ndash; executive production, management
* Anna Schoenberger &ndash; prop design
* ] &ndash; backing vocals (track 11)
* ] &ndash; programming (track 6), songwriting (track 6)
* ] &ndash; drum programming (track 3), hang samples (track 3), keyboards (track 3), production (tracks 3 and 12), songwriting (track 12), strings (track 3)
* ] &ndash; songwriting (tracks 9, 10 and 12), vocals (all tracks)
* Nick Steinhardt &ndash; design
* Ron Taylor &ndash; Pro Tools editing (tracks 4 and 8)
* Valente Torrez &ndash; engineering assistance (track 3), mixing assistance (track 3)
* Kate Turning &ndash; photography
* Windy Wagner &ndash; backing vocals (track 5)
* Seth Waldmann &ndash; engineering (track 6)
* ] &ndash; engineering (track 9)
* Eric Weaver &ndash; additional engineering (track 9), engineering assistance (track 2, 5 and 11)
* ] &ndash; A&R, executive production
* Chris Worthy &ndash; guitars (track 9)
* David "Touch" Wright &ndash; production coordination (track 10)
* ] &ndash; engineering (tracks 2, 5 and 11), vocal editing (tracks 2, 5 and 11)
* ] &ndash; engineering (track 7)
{{div col end}}

==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Weekly chart performance for ''Circus''
! scope="col"| Chart (2008–2009)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
! scope="row"| Argentine Albums (])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.capif.org.ar:80/Default.asp?CodOp=ESCS&CO=6 |title=CAPIF – Representando a la Industria Argentina de la Música |publisher=Adminlic.capif.org.ar |access-date=June 9, 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217143452/http://www.capif.org.ar/Default.asp?CodOp=ESCS&CO=6 |archive-date=December 17, 2008 }}</ref>
| 2
|-
{{album chart|Australia|3|artist=Britney Spears|album=Circus|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
{{album chart|Austria|9|artist=Britney Spears|album=Circus|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
{{album chart|Flanders|7|artist=Britney Spears|album=Circus|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
{{album chart|Wallonia|4|artist=Britney Spears|album=Circus|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardCanada|1|artist=Britney Spears|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
{{album chart|CroatiaCombined|13|id=471|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
{{album chart|Czech|23|date=200850|rowheader=true|access-date=December 22, 2016}}
|-
{{album chart|Denmark|4|artist=Britney Spears|album=Circus|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
{{album chart|Netherlands|10|artist=Britney Spears|album=Circus|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
! scope="row"| ] ('']'')<ref name="eur">{{cite magazine |last=Sexton |first=Paul |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1300438/britney-scores-euro-chart-double |title=Britney Scores Euro Chart Double |magazine=Billboard |date=December 11, 2008 |access-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001110811/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1300438/britney-scores-euro-chart-double |archive-date=October 1, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 1
|-
{{album chart|Finland|16|artist=Britney Spears|album=Circus|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
{{album chart|France|3|artist=Britney Spears|album=Circus|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
{{album chart|Germany4|9|id=99011|artist=Britney Spears|album=Circus|rowheader=true|access-date=December 22, 2016}}
|-
! scope="row"| Greek Albums (])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ifpi.gr/chart04.htm |title=Top 50 Ελληνικών και Ξένων Αλμπουμ – Εβδομάδα 6/2009|trans-title=Top 50 Greek and Foreign Albums – Week 6/2009 |language=el |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226234339/http://www.ifpi.gr/chart04.htm |archive-date=February 26, 2009}}</ref>
| 14
|-
{{album chart|Hungary|22|year=2009|week=3|rowheader=true|access-date=December 22, 2016}}
|-
{{album chart|Ireland|2|year=2008|week=49|rowheader=true|access-date=December 22, 2016}}
|-
{{album chart|Italy|9|artist=Britney Spears|album=Circus|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
! scope="row"| Japanese Albums (])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/145326/products/791734/1/ |script-title=ja:サーカス {{!}} ブリトニー・スピアーズ |trans-title=Circus {{!}} Britney Spears |language=ja |publisher=] |access-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222023149/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/145326/products/791734/1/ |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 5
|-
! scope="row"| Mexican Albums (])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mexicancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=Circus&cat=a |title=Britney Spears – Blackout |publisher=mexicancharts.com. Hung Medien |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019161914/http://mexicancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Britney+Spears&titel=Circus&cat=a |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 3
|-
! scope="row"| Mexican International Albums (])<ref name="mexico"/>
| 1
|-
{{album chart|New Zealand|6|artist=Britney Spears|album=Circus|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
{{album chart|Norway|21|artist=Britney Spears|album=Circus|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
{{album chart|Poland|32|id=492|rowheader=true|access-date=December 22, 2016}}
|-
{{album chart|Portugal|28|artist=Britney Spears|album=Circus|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
! scope="row"| Russian Albums (])<ref name="rus">{{cite web |url=http://2m-online.ru/news/detail.php?ID=5191 |script-title=ru:Россия Top 25: Андрей Бандера – Не любить невозможно (неделя 07–2009) |language=ru |publisher=2M |date=February 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224193312/http://2m-online.ru/news/detail.php?ID=5191 |archive-date=February 24, 2009 |access-date=August 30, 2016}}</ref>
| 1
|-
{{album chart|Scotland|7|date=December 7, 2008|rowheader=true|access-date=December 22, 2016|refname="sco"}}
|-
!scope="row"| Slovenian Albums (])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rtvslo.si/val202/news/article/34 |title=Slovenian Album Chart |access-date=April 29, 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125055845/http://rtvslo.si/val202/news/article/34 |archive-date=January 25, 2009}}</ref>
| 30
|-
{{album chart|Spain|10|artist=Britney Spears|album=Circus|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
{{album chart|Sweden|19|artist=Britney Spears|album=Circus|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
{{album chart|Switzerland|1|artist=Britney Spears|album=Circus|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
! scope="row"|Taiwanese Albums (])<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.5music.com.tw/billboard.asp|title=Western Weekly Top 20, Week 48, 2008 |language=Chinese |publisher=Five-Music |accessdate=August 5, 2024 }}</ref>
| 1
|-
! scope="row"| Uruguay Albums (])<ref name="CUD">{{cite web|url=http://www.cudisco.org/ranking.htm|title=Ranking de Artistas Internacionales|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309005517/http://www.cudisco.org/ranking.htm|archive-date=March 9, 2009|publisher=]|access-date=August 26, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 3
|-
{{album chart|UK|4|artist=Britney Spears|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|1|artist=Britney Spears|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2013|refname="bb200"}}
|}
{{col-2}}

===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+2008 year-end chart performance for ''Circus''
! scope="col"| Chart (2008)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| Australian Albums (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-albums-2008.htm |title=ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 100 Albums 2008 |website=] |access-date=March 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629134119/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-albums-2008.htm |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 25
|-
! scope="row"| Australian Dance Albums (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-dance-albums-2008.htm |title=ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 50 Dance Albums 2008 |website=Australian Recording Industry Association |access-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320111015/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-dance-albums-2008.htm |archive-date=March 20, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 5
|-
! scope="row"| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2008&cat=a |title=Rapports Annuels 2008 – Albums |website=Ultratop |language=fr |access-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003032819/http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2008&cat=a |archive-date=October 3, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 96
|-
! scope="row"| Danish Albums (Hitlisten)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hitlisterne.dk/hl07/annuals/top08.html |title=Album 2008 Top-100 |website=Hitlisten.NU |language=da |access-date=January 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719124655/http://www.hitlisterne.dk/hl07/annuals/top08.html |archive-date=July 19, 2011}}</ref>
| 33
|-
! scope="row"| French Albums (SNEP)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.snepmusique.com/fr/pag-259376-Classements-Annuels.html?year=2008&type=2 |title=Classement Albums – année 2008 |website=] |language=fr |access-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205082044/http://www.snepmusique.com/fr/pag-259376-Classements-Annuels.html?year=2008&type=2 |archive-date=December 5, 2013}}</ref>
| 50
|-
! scope="row"| Greek International Albums (IFPI)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ifpi.gr/chart01_annual.htm |title=Annual Charts – Year 2008: Top 50 Ξένων Αλμπουμ |trans-title=Annual Charts – Year 2008: Top 50 Foreign Albums |website=IFPI Greece |language=el |access-date=March 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210161619/http://www.ifpi.gr/chart01_annual.htm |archive-date=February 10, 2012}}</ref>
| 23
|-
! scope="row"| Italian Albums (FIMI)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musicaedischi.it/notizie_dettaglio.php |publisher=] |title=Le cifre degli album più venduti nel 2008 |access-date=March 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831101026/http://musicaedischi.it/notizie_dettaglio.php |archive-date=August 31, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| 67
|-
! scope="row"| Mexican Albums (AMPROFON)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amprofon.com.mx/Archivos/PDF/top_anual/Top_100_Album_2008.pdf |title=Los Más Vendidos 2008 |website=] |language=es |access-date=March 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215041322/http://www.amprofon.com.mx/Archivos/PDF/top_anual/Top_100_Album_2008.pdf |archive-date=February 15, 2010}}</ref>
| 44
|-
! scope="row"| Mexican International Albums (AMPROFON)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amprofon.com.mx/Archivos/PDF/top_anual/Top_100_Album_2008.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215041322/http://www.amprofon.com.mx/Archivos/PDF/top_anual/Top_100_Album_2008.pdf |url-status=dead |title=Los Más Vendidos 2008 (Ingles) |website=] |language=es |archive-date=February 15, 2010}}</ref>
| 11
|-
! scope="row"| Russian Albums (2M)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://2m-online.ru/charts/detail2.php?TYPE=78&SALL=72&CONTRY=4773 |script-title=ru:CD Кириллика Top 10: (2008) |language=ru |publisher=2M |date=December 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091218183923/http://2m-online.ru/charts/detail2.php?TYPE=78&SALL=72&CONTRY=4773 |archive-date=December 18, 2009 |access-date=April 12, 2023 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 2
|-
! scope="row"| Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sverigetopplistan.se/netdata/ghl002.mbr/lista?liid=83&dfom=20080001 |title=Årslista Album – År 2008 |website=] |language=sv |access-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111213/http://www.sverigetopplistan.se/netdata/ghl002.mbr/lista?liid=83&dfom=20080001 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 86
|-
! scope="row"| UK Albums (OCC)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-artist-albums-chart/20080106/37502/ |title=End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2008 |website=Official Charts Company |access-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712032120/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-artist-albums-chart/20080106/37502/ |archive-date=July 12, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 61
|-
! scope="row"| Worldwide Albums (IFPI)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ifpi.org/content/library/top50-2008.pdf |title=Top 50 Global Best Selling Albums for 2008 |website=] |access-date=August 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090407080035/http://www.ifpi.org/content/library/top50-2008.pdf |archive-date=April 7, 2009}}</ref>
| 15
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+2009 year-end chart performance for ''Circus''
! scope="col"| Chart (2009)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| Australian Albums (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-albums-2009.htm |title=ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 100 Albums 2009 |website=Australian Recording Industry Association |access-date=October 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413111457/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-albums-2009.htm |archive-date=April 13, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 47
|-
! scope="row"| Australian Dance Albums (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-dance-albums-2009.htm |title=ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 50 Dance Albums 2009 |website=Australian Recording Industry Association |access-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410111016/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-dance-albums-2009.htm |archive-date=April 10, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 6
|-
! scope="row"| Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://austriancharts.at/year.asp?cat=a&id=2009 |title=Jahreshitparade Alben 2009 |website=austriancharts.at |language=de |access-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222222941/http://www.austriancharts.at/year.asp?cat=a&id=2009 |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 66
|-
! scope="row"| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=2009&cat=a |title=Jaaroverzichten 2009 – Albums |website=Ultratop |language=nl |access-date=October 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920230031/http://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=2009&cat=a |archive-date=September 20, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 63
|-
! scope="row"| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2009&cat=a |title=Rapports Annuels 2009 – Albums |website=Ultratop |language=fr |access-date=October 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022011614/http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2009&cat=a |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 40
|-
! scope="row"| Canadian Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2009/top-canadian-albums |title=Canadian Albums – Year-End 2009 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417180124/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2009/top-canadian-albums |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 5
|-
! scope="row"| Danish Albums (Hitlisten)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hitlisterne.dk/yearlist.asp |title=Album 2009 Top-100 |website=Hitlisten.NU |language=da |access-date=October 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100926182233/http://hitlisterne.dk/yearlist.asp |archive-date=September 26, 2010}}</ref>
| 91
|-
! scope="row"| European Top 100 Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2009/european-100-albums |title=Year End Charts – European Top 100 Albums |magazine=Billboard |year=2009 |access-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003174206/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2009/european-100-albums |archive-date=October 3, 2012}}</ref>
| 44
|-
! scope="row"| French Albums (SNEP)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.snepmusique.com/fr/pag-259376-Classements-Annuels.html?year=2009&type=2 |title=Classement Albums – année 2009 |website=Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique |language=fr |access-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921185658/http://www.snepmusique.com/fr/pag-259376-Classements-Annuels.html?year=2009&type=2 |archive-date=September 21, 2013}}</ref>
| 101
|-
! scope="row"| Japanese Albums (Oricon)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/y/2009/p/10/ |script-title=ja:オリコン年間 CDアルバムランキング 2009年度 |trans-title=Oricon Annual CD Album Ranking 2009 |website=Oricon |language=ja |access-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222052022/http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/y/2009/p/10/ |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 99
|-
! scope="row"| Mexican Albums (AMPROFON)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amprofon.com.mx/Archivos/PDF/top_anual/Top_100_Album_2009.pdf |title=Los Más Vendidos 2009 |website=Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas |language=es |access-date=March 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215042213/http://www.amprofon.com.mx/Archivos/PDF/top_anual/Top_100_Album_2009.pdf |archive-date=February 15, 2010}}</ref>
| 51
|-
! scope="row"| Mexican International Albums (AMPROFON)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amprofon.com.mx/Archivos/PDF/top_anual/Top_100_Album_2009.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215042213/http://www.amprofon.com.mx/Archivos/PDF/top_anual/Top_100_Album_2009.pdf |url-status=dead |title=Los Más Vendidos 2009 (Ingles) |website=] |language=es |archive-date=February 15, 2010}}</ref>
| 16
|-
! scope="row"| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://swisscharts.com/charts/jahreshitparade/2009 |title=Swiss Year-End Charts 2009 |website=Swiss Charts |access-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116075024/http://swisscharts.com/charts/jahreshitparade/2009 |archive-date=November 16, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 94
|-
! scope="row"| UK Albums (OCC)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/UKChartsPlusYE2009.pdf |title=UK Year-End Charts 2009 |work=] |page=7 |access-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420053935/http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/UKChartsPlusYE2009.pdf |archive-date=April 20, 2022|url-status=live }}</ref>
| 139
|-
! scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' 200<ref name="us09">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2009/top-billboard-200-albums |title=Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2009 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228075838/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2009/top-billboard-200-albums |archive-date=February 28, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 6
|}
{{col-end}}

==Certifications and sales==
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for ''Circus''}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Argentina|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2009|access-date=July 14, 2015}}<ref name="CAPIF">{{cite web |url=http://www.capif.org.ar/Default.asp?PerDesde_MM=0&PerDesde_AA=0&PerHasta_MM=0&PerHasta_AA=0&interprete=Britney+Spears&album=Circus&LanDesde_MM=0&LanDesde_AA=0&LanHasta_MM=0&LanHasta_AA=0&Galardon=O&Tipo=1&ACCION2=+Buscar+&ACCION=Buscar&CO=5&CODOP=ESOP |title=Circus Oro Argentina |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090710171358/http://www.capif.org.ar/Default.asp?PerDesde_MM=0&PerDesde_AA=0&PerHasta_MM=0&PerHasta_AA=0&interprete=Britney+Spears&album=Circus&LanDesde_MM=0&LanDesde_AA=0&LanHasta_MM=0&LanHasta_AA=0&Galardon=O&Tipo=1&ACCION2=+Buscar+&ACCION=Buscar&CO=5&CODOP=ESOP |archive-date=July 10, 2009}}</ref>
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2009|access-date=April 17, 2013|refname="aria"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2008|relmonth=11|certyear=2008|access-date=April 17, 2013}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Gold|salesamount=30,000|nocert=true|access-date=July 14, 2015|salesref=<ref>{{cite web |url=https://portalpopline.com.br/circus-de-britney-spears-e-disco-de-ouro-no-brasil-em-13-dias/ |title="Circus" de Britney Spears é disco de ouro no Brasil em 13 dias |website=POPline |date=December 16, 2008 |access-date=November 11, 2024 |language=pt}}</ref>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Platinum|number=4|relyear=2008|relmonth=11|certyear=2023|certmonth=10|access-date=October 18, 2023|refname="cria"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|source=archive|salesamount=200,000|salesref=<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/cstar/status/1069169301767122946|title=La seule et unique @britneyspears fête ses 37 ans aujourd'hui. Retour sur 5 de ses plus grands tubes|website=]|access-date=September 18, 2020|archive-date=June 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617065207/https://twitter.com/cstar/status/1069169301767122946|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=GCC|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Gold|certyear=2009|access-date=April 17, 2013}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2009|access-date=April 17, 2013}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Greece|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2009|id=20090326185536|access-date=April 17, 2013}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Hungary|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2009|access-date=April 17, 2013}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Ireland|title=Circus|artist=Britney
Spears|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=February 15, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|nocert=true|salesamount=40,000|salesref=<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musicaedischi.it/notizie_dettaglio.php?id=2599#selection-421.0-491.26 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906225443/http://www.musicaedischi.it/notizie_dettaglio.php?id=2599#selection-421.0-491.26 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 6, 2012 |language=it | access-date = March 10, 2019 |title=Le cifre degli album più venduti nel 2008 |publisher=]}}</ref>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|title=サーカス|artist=ブリトニー・スピアーズ|type=album|award=Gold|certyear=2009|certmonth=1|salesamount=150,000|salesref=<ref name="CircusWWbbjp"/>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Mexico|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|refname="amprofon"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Platinum|source=archive|access-date=April 17, 2013|refname="rmnz"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Gold|certyear=2009|relyear=2008}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Russia|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=August 19, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Gold|access-date=April 17, 2013|relyear=2008}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=The Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Platinum|access-date=April 17, 2013|id=6841-3355-2}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|title=Circus|artist=Britney Spears|type=album|award=Platinum|number=3|certyear=2023|access-date=October 24, 2023|refname="riaa"}}
{{Certification Table Summary}}
{{Certification Table Entry|nocert=true|region=Worldwide|salesamount=4,000,000|salesref=<ref name="CircusWWes">{{cite web|title=Britney Spears vendió un millón de copias de "Blackout"|url=http://www.voanoticias.com/content/britney-spears-blackout/1145339.html|publisher=]|access-date=April 20, 2013|date=May 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531224758/http://www.voanoticias.com/content/britney-spears-blackout/1145339.html|archive-date=May 31, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="CircusWWbbjp">{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/193/2 |title=ブリトニー・スピアーズ デビュー10周年記念、全ヒット・シングルを完全網羅する 最強ベスト盤11月25日に全世界同時緊急発売が決定! Japan |language=ja |date=September 24, 2009 |access-date=July 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190710210142/http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/193/2 |archive-date=July 10, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}


==Release history== ==Release history==
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Release dates and formats for ''Circus''
! Country
! scope="col"| Region
! Date
! scope="col"| Date
! scope="col"| Format(s)
! scope="col"| Edition(s)
! scope="col"| Label(s)
! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
|- |-
! scope="row"| Denmark
| rowspan="1" | ]
| rowspan="1" | ], ] | rowspan="3"| November 28, 2008
| ]
| Standard
| ]
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://imusic.dk/music/0886974038726/britney-spears-2008-circus-cd|title=Britney Spears • Circus (CD) (2008)|language=da|website=iMusic|date=November 28, 2008|accessdate=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213122728/https://imusic.dk/music/0886974038726/britney-spears-2008-circus-cd|url-status=live}}</ref>
|- |-
! scope="row"| France
| rowspan="1" | ]
| {{hlist|CD|CD+]}}
| rowspan="1" | ], ]
| rowspan="3"| {{hlist|Standard|deluxe}}
| ]
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fnac.com/a2511878/Britney-Spears-Circus-CD-album|title=Circus &ndash; Britney Spears &ndash; CD album|language=fr|location=France|publisher=]|date=November 28, 2008|accessdate=December 13, 2022|archive-date=August 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828232929/https://www.fnac.com/a2511878/Britney-Spears-Circus-CD-album|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fnac.com/a2510225/Britney-Spears-Circus-Inclus-DVD-bonus-CD-album|title=Circus &ndash; Inclus DVD bonus &ndash; Britney Spears &ndash; CD album|language=fr|location=France|publisher=]|date=November 28, 2008|accessdate=December 13, 2022|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019155633/https://www.fnac.com/a2510225/Britney-Spears-Circus-Inclus-DVD-bonus-CD-album|url-status=live}}</ref>
|- |-
| rowspan="1" | ] ! scope="row"| Germany
| {{hlist|CD|CD+DVD|]}}
| rowspan="2" | ], ]
| rowspan="3"| Sony
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.de/Circus-Britney-Spears/dp/B001GO09MI |title=Circus – Britney Spears: Amazon.de: Musik |work=Amazon.de |date=November 28, 2008 |access-date=October 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013225046/https://www.amazon.de/Circus-Britney-Spears/dp/B001GO09MI |archive-date=October 13, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.de/Circus-Deluxe-Bonus-DVD-incl-Poster/dp/B001HMHMBU |title=Circus – Deluxe Edition mit Bonus-DVD — incl. Poster – Britney Spears: Amazon.de: Musik |website=Amazon Germany |access-date=August 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228012155/https://www.amazon.de/Circus-Deluxe-Bonus-DVD-incl-Poster/dp/B001HMHMBU |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/de/album/circus/id296059733 |title=Circus von Britney Spears in iTunes |publisher=iTunes Store (DE). Apple Inc. |date=November 28, 2008 |access-date=October 13, 2017 |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004103508/https://itunes.apple.com/de/album/circus/id296059733 |archive-date=October 4, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|- |-
! scope="row"| Australia
| rowspan="1" | ]
| November 29, 2008
| {{hlist|CD|CD+DVD}}
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/aw/d/B00290FVP8|title=Circus|location=Australia|publisher=]|accessdate=December 13, 2022|archive-date=February 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223101133/https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00290FVP8/ref=redir_mobile_desktop/357-8961415-2372661?_encoding=UTF8&%2AVersion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/aw/d/B002JP1LE8|title=Circus|location=Australia|publisher=]|accessdate=December 13, 2022|archive-date=February 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223101136/https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B002JP1LE8/ref=redir_mobile_desktop/355-8305023-0397846?_encoding=UTF8&%2AVersion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0|url-status=live}}</ref>
|- |-
! scope="row"| Poland
| rowspan="2"| December 1, 2008
| CD
| Standard
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empik.com/circus-spears-britney,prod4620641,muzyka-p|title=Circus &ndash; Spears Britney|language=pl|location=Poland|publisher=]|date=December 1, 2008|accessdate=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213122728/https://www.empik.com/circus-spears-britney,prod4620641,muzyka-p|url-status=live}}</ref>
|- |-
| rowspan="1" | ] ! scope="row"| United Kingdom
| rowspan="2" | ], ] | rowspan="2"| {{hlist|CD|CD+DVD|digital download}}
| rowspan="2"| {{hlist|Standard|deluxe}}
| ]
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/circus/id296059733 |title=Circus by Britney Spears on iTunes |publisher=iTunes Store (GB). Apple Inc. |date=November 28, 2008 |access-date=October 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014041315/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/circus/id296059733 |archive-date=October 14, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Circus-Britney-Spears/dp/B00WTZ17LA |title=Circus: Britney Spears: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads |work=Amazon.co.uk |date=November 28, 2008 |access-date=October 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014034138/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Circus-Britney-Spears/dp/B00WTZ17LA |archive-date=October 14, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|- |-
! scope="row"| United States
| rowspan="1" | ]
| December 2, 2008
| Jive
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Circus-Deluxe-Version-Britney-Spears/dp/B001L2BIHU |title=Amazon.com: Circus (Deluxe Version): Britney Spears: MP3 Downloads |date=December 2, 2008 |access-date=October 13, 2017 |work=Amazon Music |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202232807/https://www.amazon.com/Circus-Deluxe-Version-Britney-Spears/dp/B001L2BIHU |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Circus-Britney-Spears/dp/B001GO09MI |title=Britney Spears – Circus – Amazon.com Music |date=December 2, 2008 |access-date=October 13, 2017 |work=Amazon Music |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509171354/http://www.amazon.com/Circus-Britney-Spears/dp/B001GO09MI |archive-date=May 9, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/circus/id296059733 |title=Circus by Britney Spears on iTunes |publisher=iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc. |date=November 28, 2008 |access-date=October 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014033800/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/circus/id296059733 |archive-date=October 14, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|- |-
! scope="row" rowspan="2"| Japan
| December 3, 2008
| {{hlist|CD|digital download}}
| Standard
| rowspan="2"| ]
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=http://hmv.co.jp/en/artist_Britney-Spears_000000000122859/item_Circus_2795737 |title=Circus : Britney Spears |work=HMV |date=December 3, 2008 |access-date=October 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014035415/http://www.hmv.co.jp/en/artist_Britney-Spears_000000000122859/item_Circus_2795737 |archive-date=October 14, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/circus/id296059733 |title=ブリトニー・スピアーズ「Circus」を iTunes で |publisher=iTunes Store (JP). Apple Inc. |date=November 28, 2008 |access-date=October 13, 2017 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014033722/https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/circus/id296059733 |archive-date=October 14, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|- |-
| March 25, 2009
| rowspan="1" | ]
| CD+DVD
| rowspan="1" | ], ]
| Deluxe
| align="center"| <ref name="japandeluxe">{{cite AV media |title=サーカス-デラックス・エディション |medium=CD+DVD, Deluxe Edition, Limited Edition |publisher=] (JP)}}</ref>
|- |-
| rowspan="1" | ] ! rowspan="3" scope="row"| United States
| November 28, 2019
| rowspan="4" | ], ]
| ] {{small|(] exclusive)}}
| rowspan="7" | Standard
| rowspan="3" | ]
| align="center"| <ref>{{Cite tweet |user=UrbanOutfitters |number = 1191725787633897473 |title=it's here! Circus by @britneyspears is now available on 5k units of clear vinyl with gold and white swirl! https://bddy.me/2NJ6t1i pic.twitter.com/Xr8Ho4PgRn |author=Urban Outfitters |date=November 5, 2019 |language=en|access-date=November 9, 2019}}</ref>
|- |-
| January 7, 2021
| rowspan="1" | ]
| Cassette {{small|(Urban Outfitters exclusive)}}
| align="center"| <ref>{{Citation |title=Britney Spears - Circus |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/16814676-Britney-Spears-Circus |language=en |access-date=2023-02-12 |archive-date=February 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212131534/https://www.discogs.com/release/16814676-Britney-Spears-Circus |url-status=live }}</ref>
|- |-
| March 31, 2023
| rowspan="1" | ]
| Black vinyl
| align="center"| <ref>{{Cite web |title=Britney Spears - Circus {{!}} RECORD STORE DAY |url=https://recordstoreday.com/UPC/196587738914 |access-date=2023-02-12 |website=recordstoreday.com |archive-date=February 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212131534/https://recordstoreday.com/UPC/196587738914 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|- |-
! scope="row"| Australia
| rowspan="1" | ]
| rowspan="4"| April 28, 2023
| rowspan="4"| Opaque red vinyl
| rowspan="4"| Sony
| align="center"| <ref>{{Cite web |title=Circus (Red Vinyl) |url=https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/vinyl-spears-britney-circus-red-vinyl-lp-colour-may-vary |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=JB Hi-Fi |language=en |archive-date=March 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304141611/https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/vinyl-spears-britney-circus-red-vinyl-lp-colour-may-vary |url-status=live }}</ref>
|- |-
| rowspan="1" | ] ! scope="row"| Germany
| align="center"| <ref>{{Cite web |title=Britney Spears: Circus (Opaque Red Vinyl) (LP) – jpc |url=https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/poprock/detail/-/art/britney-spears-circus-opaque-red-vinyl/hnum/11165094 |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=www.jpc.de |language=de |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223100250/https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/poprock/detail/-/art/britney-spears-circus-opaque-red-vinyl/hnum/11165094 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rowspan="2" | ], ]
|- |-
| rowspan="1" | ] ! scope="row"| Poland
| align="center"| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.empik.com/circus-spears-britney,p1365251214,muzyka-p|title=Circus - Spears Britney {{!}} Muzyka Sklep EMPIK.COM|last=Spears|first=Britney|author-link=Britney Spears|date=April 28, 2023|website=].com|language=pl|access-date=March 6, 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306133946/https://www.empik.com/circus-spears-britney,p1365251214,muzyka-p|archive-date=March 6, 2023}}</ref>
|- |-
! scope="row"| United Kingdom
| align="center"| <ref>{{Cite web |title=Britney Spears Circus Vinyl LP Red Colour Due Out 28/04/23 |url=https://assai.co.uk/products/britney-spears-circus-vinyl-lp-red-colour-due-out-28-04-23 |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=Assai Records |language=en |archive-date=March 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304141611/https://assai.co.uk/products/britney-spears-circus-vinyl-lp-red-colour-due-out-28-04-23 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|} |}


==References== == See also ==
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==External links== == Notes ==
{{notelist}}
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*
== References ==
*
{{Reflist|30em}}
* {{imdb name|0005453|Britney Spears}}

*
== Further reading ==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite web|last=Benardello|first=Karen|date=January 21, 2019|title=Derrick Barry Presents Britney's Circus: The 10th Anniversary at Lincoln Center Event Recap and Review|url=https://www.shockya.com/news/2019/01/21/derrick-barry-presents-britneys-circus-10th-anniversary-lincoln-center-event-recap-review/|website=Shock Ya!|accessdate=February 10, 2023|archive-date=June 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620192316/https://www.shockya.com/news/2019/01/21/derrick-barry-presents-britneys-circus-10th-anniversary-lincoln-center-event-recap-review/|url-status=live}}
* {{cite web|last=Harrison|first=Quentin|date=November 27, 2018|title=Britney Spears' 'Circus' Turns 10 <nowiki>|</nowiki> Anniversary Retrospective|url=https://albumism.com/features/britney-spears-circus-turns-10-anniversary-retrospective|website=Albumism|accessdate=February 10, 2023|archive-date=February 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210202318/https://albumism.com/features/britney-spears-circus-turns-10-anniversary-retrospective|url-status=live}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://www.britneyspears.com}}
* {{Discogs master|11278}}
* at ]


{{Britney Spears}} {{Britney Spears}}

{{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 13:45, 4 January 2025

2008 studio album by Britney Spears

Circus
Standard edition cover
Studio album by Britney Spears
ReleasedNovember 28, 2008 (2008-11-28)
Recorded
  • November 8, 2006
  • March–September 2008
Studio
Genre
Length46:15
LabelJive
Producer
Britney Spears chronology
Blackout
(2007)
Circus
(2008)
The Singles Collection
(2009)
Singles from Circus
  1. "Womanizer"
    Released: September 26, 2008
  2. "Circus"
    Released: December 2, 2008
  3. "If U Seek Amy"
    Released: March 10, 2009
  4. "Radar"
    Released: June 22, 2009

Circus is the sixth studio album by American singer Britney Spears. It was released to coincide with her 27th birthday on December 2, 2008, in the United States, by Jive Records. Transitioning from the "darker and more urban" themes of her fifth studio album Blackout (2007), Spears wanted to make her next project "a little bit lighter". She recorded much of the album between March and September 2008, after being involuntarily placed under a conservatorship earlier that year, following her highly publicized personal struggles in 2007. As executive producers, Larry Rudolph and Teresa LaBarbera Whites enlisted Spears' previous collaborators such as Max Martin, Bloodshy & Avant, Guy Sigsworth and Danja, as well as new ones, including Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco and Claude Kelly. Their efforts resulted in a primarily pop and dance record, whose lyrical themes addressed fame, infidelity, and infatuation.

Deemed Spears' comeback record, Circus received generally favorable reviews from music critics upon its release; the production was complimented but lyrical content and Spears' vocal performance were met with ambivalence. A global commercial success, the album debuted atop the US Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 505,000 copies, becoming her fifth number-one album. Since then, it has been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). By September 2009, the album had sold over four million copies worldwide. At the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, its lead single "Womanizer" was nominated for Best Dance Recording.

Circus produced four singles. "Womanizer" debuted at number 96 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and ascended to the summit in its second week, registering the largest leap on the chart at the time. It became Spears' best-selling single in the country since her debut "...Baby One More Time" (1998). "Circus" debuted and peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100; consequently, Circus became Spears' first album since her debut ...Baby One More Time (1999) to have two top-ten singles. Subsequent singles "If U Seek Amy" and "Radar" peaked at numbers 19 and 88 on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively. To further promote the album, Spears embarked on the world tour The Circus Starring Britney Spears (2009).

Background and development

Throughout 2007, Spears' professional endeavors were tremendously overshadowed by her personal struggles, including the aftermath of her vigorous partying and suffering from a nervous breakdown, during which she shaved her head to intense media scrutiny. Despite the difficulties, Spears released her fifth studio album Blackout–considered her best and most influential work by numerous critics–in October. However, it became her first studio album not to debut atop the US Billboard 200–debuting at number two–but nevertheless produced "Gimme More", Spears' first Billboard Hot 100 top-three hit since her debut "...Baby One More Time" (1998). Upon its release, Spears' publicized behavior began clashing with her image; Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic said the album served as a soundtrack "for Britney's hazy, drunken days, reflecting the excess that's splashed all over the tabloids", while noting that the album had a coherence that the public Spears lacked.

In January 2008, Spears refused to relinquish custody of her sons to her ex-husband Kevin Federline's representatives. She was subsequently hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after police that had arrived at her house noted she appeared to be under the influence of an unidentified substance. The following day, Spears's visitation rights were suspended at an emergency court hearing, and Federline was given sole physical and legal custody of their sons. She was committed to the psychiatric ward of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and put on 5150 involuntary psychiatric hold under California state law. The court placed her under a conservatorship led by her father Jamie Spears and attorney Andrew Wallet, giving them complete control of her assets. She was released five days later, while the conservatorship would not be terminated until November 2021, following Spears' highly publicized battle against her father and others involved in the conservatorship. Soon after being placed under the conservatorship, work on Spears' sixth studio album commenced. Consequently, the release of "Radar" as the fourth single from Blackout was canceled so Spears could focus on Circus.

Recording and production

"Once and I were in the studio, he played me the music he was working on for , and we then based the song on what her life was like at the time and how people viewed her. It was a cool way to get people dancing and having fun, but also to have a slight message underneath of it all."

Producer Claude Kelly talks about the development, content and concept of Circus.

In July 2008, it was confirmed that Spears was in the process of recording her sixth studio album. "Radar" was originally included on Spears' fifth studio album Blackout (2007), and was recorded on November 8, 2006, the day after Spears filed for divorce from Kevin Federline, at the Sony Music Studios in New York City. Alongside the announcement of Circus came the additional confirmation of the involvement of producers Sean Garrett, Guy Sigsworth, Danja and Bloodshy & Avant. During its development, Garrett and vocal producer Jim Beanz complimented Spears's work ethic after her much-publicized personal struggles the previous year. Spears co-wrote four tracks on the album and worked to develop a more pop-influenced record with collaborators she had worked with earlier in her career. She stated that Circus marked the longest time she had spent recording an album, adding: "I think it is more urban I'm writing every day, right here at the piano in this living room" and also described the album as her best work to date.

Producer Claude Kelly discussed the initial lack of concept for Circus, saying: "When I went in with we knew we were going to maybe write something for , but there was no concept, it was just knowing her style and knowing what she does. Max Martin, who frequently collaborated with Spears on her first three studio albums ...Baby One More Time (1999), Oops!... I Did It Again (2000) and Britney (2001), wrote and produced "If U Seek Amy". The Outsyders, an Atlanta-based production team, produced the lead single "Womanizer", while Fernando Garibay worked on "Amnesia" and "Quicksand", neither of which made the standard edition track listing. Danja reported that he worked on tracks at the Chalice Recording Studios in Los Angeles, while Spears recorded them at the Glenwood Place Studios in Burbank, California. Canadian trio Let's Go to War co-wrote and produced the track "Mmm Papi". Guy Sigsworth, with whom Spears had previously collaborated with for her single "Everytime", produced two songs on the album: the ballads "My Baby" and "Out from Under", the latter of which is a cover song first performed by Joanna Pacitti for the soundtrack to the 2007 film Bratz. Lil Jon, Rodney Jerkins, Sean Garrett, and Taio Cruz announced they were working with Spears, though their songs weren't included on the final track listing.

Music and lyrics

"Circus is a little bit lighter than Blackout. I think a lot of the songs I did at that time, I was going through a really dark phase in my life, so a lot of the songs reflect that. But they're two totally different vibes. Blackout is a little bit more darker and edgier, and a little bit more urban."

— Spears comparing Circus to Blackout

Circus is predominantly a pop and dance record, described as a sequel to Spears' fifth studio album Blackout (2007). Spears described the album as "lighter" than the urban-oriented Blackout. The album has been compared to the works of Janet Jackson, Eurythmics, and New Order, as well as the songwriting of Prince, Leiber & Stoller and Phil Spector. It incorporates lyrical themes previously acknowledged in Spears' work: "Circus" and "Kill the Lights" discuss fame, much like "Piece of Me" (2007), while "Womanizer" and "Shattered Glass" talk about a womanizing man. Circus opens with its lead single "Womanizer", which features synth sirens with a repetitive chorus, and lyrically discusses a cheating man; it was described by Spears as a "girl anthem". "Circus" addresses her feelings as an entertainer and performing, highlighted in the lines "All eyes on me in the centre of the ring just like a circus / When I crack that whip everybody gonna trip just like a circus". Its electronic dance elements were compared by PopJustice to those of Spears' earlier single "Break the Ice" (2008). The ballad "Out from Under" incorporates acoustic guitar backings, while "Kill the Lights" is a dance-pop track speaking about Spears's conflict with paparazzi. "Shattered Glass" utilizes dark electronic beats and details a non-repairable relationship. "If U Seek Amy" integrates "glam-rave" elements with traditional pop styles; it gained controversy for its double entendre, where the title sounds phonetically like "F-U-C-K me".

Spears performing "Womanizer" during the Circus Starring Britney Spears in 2009

The electropop track "Unusual You" deals with a woman finding unexpected love. It has been compared to musical themes from the 1980s and 1990s, and has been noted as a "pulsating ballad", with the song also drawing comparisons to the "shimmering waterfall mood first popularized by Janet Jackson". "Blur", which features Spears singing in a lower register, sees the inclusion of urban influences, and lyrically recalls the morning after a party: "Can't remember what I did last night/I gotta get my head right, where the hell am I? Who are you? What'd we do last night?"; it drew similarities to Spears' song "Early Mornin" from In the Zone (2003). "Mmm Papi" draws elements from a 1960s go-go rock guitar, as well as Latin pop and dancehall themes. Despite its "fun" nature, it was criticized for appearing to "revisit the Lolita persona of "...Baby One More Time". It has been suggested that its lyrics deal with either Spears' father Jamie or paparazzo and Spears' ex-boyfriend Adnan Ghalib. "Mannequin" is a trip hop-influenced dance-pop track; while being noted for its "risky" and "futuristic" nature, it has also been suggested that Spears' vocals sound "lifeless". "Lace and Leather" is an electro-funk track which gained comparisons to "Control era Janet Jackson", Prince, and Vanity 6's works from the 1980s, and featured a then-unknown Kesha as a backing vocalist. "My Baby", described as having a "faux-Janet Jackson vocal", was written by Spears about her two sons Sean Preston and Jayden James Federline. Circus closes with its bonus track "Radar", an electropop and Eurodisco song featuring distorted synthesizers emulating sonar pulses, which received comparisons to those of Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" (1981). In its lyrics, Spears lets the subject know he is on her radar, while she lists the qualities the man has.

Title and packaging

Spears commented on the title of Circus: "I like the fact that you're always on the edge of your seat when you're at a circus. You're never bored You're just really engulfed in what's going on around you. And you want to know what's going to happen next." Spears also revealed she titled the album Circus due to her life being "a circus" at the time. The album's cover artwork and booklet images were photographed by Kate Turning and feature Spears in circus-styled settings. Spears revealed the album's cover alongside its track listing via her official website on October 31, 2008.

Release and promotion

See also: The Circus Starring Britney Spears

In September 2008, it was announced Circus would be released on December 2, Spears' 27th birthday; it shared its release date with the similarly titled album The Circus by British group Take That. However, following unauthorized online leaks, imeem began streaming Circus on November 25. To promote the album, Jive Records set up a hotline where fans could leave a message for Spears, some of which received a return phone call from her. Some songs were previewed through the website of the New York radio station WKTU and Amazon. MTV aired a 90-minute documentary Britney: For the Record on November 30, documenting her return. In May 2009, Jive's official website held the "Global Fan-Fiction Contest", which required participants to submit a 200-word story based on one of the album's tracks. The public was allowed to vote for their favorite short story, which would be produced into an animated music video. The winning story was based on the song "Kill the Lights", and the video premiered on July 27.

Spears' live comeback and promotional activities for Circus began on November 6, 2008, with a cameo appearance at the Dodger Stadium show of Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour (2008–2009). Midway through the performance of "Human Nature", Spears joined Madonna on stage. The week prior to the album's release, Spears performed in several countries as a part of the Circus Promo Tour. On November 27, Spears performed "Womanizer" live at the 2008 Bambi Awards in Offenburg, Germany, where she received an award for Best International Pop Star. In addition, she performed the song on Star Academy in France the following day and on The X Factor in the United Kingdom on November 29. Her performance on The X Factor was watched by an average of 11,880,000 citizens in the UK. Spears premiered the second single "Circus" alongside "Womanizer" at the Big Apple Circus on Good Morning America on December 2. On December 16, she performed on Nippon TV's Best Artist of 2008.

Spears performing "Circus" during the Circus Starring Britney Spears in 2009

While performing on Good Morning America on December 2, Spears announced her fifth worldwide concert tour, titled The Circus Starring Britney Spears. She initially revealed the first leg of 25 dates in the United States and two in the United Kingdom. Her longtime manager Larry Rudolph stated that the tour would "blow people's minds and promises to show Britney's fans something they will never forget", later adding: "she goes full-speed the whole show — about an hour and a half. It's pretty intense. This is a full-blown, full-out Britney Spears show, It is everything everybody expects from her — and more!". Spears also expressed excitement in including songs from Blackout into the setlist, as she did not tour to promote it. The tour commenced on March 3, 2009, in New Orleans' New Orleans Arena and finished on November 29, in Adelaide's Adelaide Entertainment Centre. The tour consisted of four legs: two in North America, one in Europe and one in Oceania. The stage was composed of three rings and set in-the-round to resemble an actual circus. Fashion designers Dean and Dan Caten created the costumes. A giant cylinder screen was set above the stage to showcase videos and backdrops. Effects were provided by Solotech. The setlist was composed generally from her albums In the Zone (2003), Blackout and Circus. In June, Spears announced she would tour Australia for the first time; she was also rumored to tour South America, though her manager Adam Leber denied this despite their efforts to do so.

Controversy arose during the Australian leg of the tour after several fans walked out of the performances due to Spears' alleged lip-synching; such claims were later denied by Spears' management and promoters. The tour was ranked as the fourth highest-grossing tour of the year in North America, becoming the highest-grossing tour of the year by a solo artist. In February 2010, Pollstar released their Top 50 Worldwide Concert Tours of 2009; the Circus Starring Britney Spears was ranked as the world's fifth highest-grossing tour of the year, with a gross of $131.8 million. In May 2010, Hollyscoop ranked the tour at number five on their "15 Most Profitable Female Tours Ever" list.

Singles

"Womanizer" The pre-chorus of "Womanizer", in which the title is repeated eight times.
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"Womanizer" was released as the lead single from Circus on September 26, 2008. The song was met with positive response from critics, who complimented its hook and empowering lyrics, deeming it a return of form and a "comeback" single for Spears. It debuted at number 96 on the US Billboard Hot 100 before leaping to the summit the following week, breaking the record for the largest leap on the chart. The song has sold over 3,500,000 digital downloads in the United States. Internationally, it reached number one in Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Israel, Norway, Sweden and Turkey, and on the European Hot 100 Singles. At the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards (2010), the song was nominated for Best Dance Recording. Its accompanying music video premiered on October 18, as a spiritual sequel to "Toxic" (2004); both videos were directed by Joseph Kahn. It portrays Spears as a woman who disguises herself in different costumes and follows her boyfriend through his daily activities to expose him in the end. The video won Best Pop Video and was nominated for Video of the Year at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. "Womanizer" remains one of Spears' biggest hits and has been covered by numerous other artists.

"Circus" was released as the second single from Circus on December 2, 2008. It debuted and peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song has sold over 3,200,000 digital downloads in the US. Internationally, it peaked atop the Türkiye Top 20 and within the top ten in Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Hungary, Israel, New Zealand, Scotland and Sweden. Its Francis Lawrence-directed accompanying music video portrays Spears as a ringleader of a circus accompanied by different performers, and features scenes of Spears in different circus settings. The video received positive reviews from critics, but was criticized for featuring "cruelly trained animals"; however, those claims were dismissed. It won a Best Video award on Fuse TV, and was nominated for three MTV Video Music Awards in 2009.

"If U Seek Amy" was released as the third single from Circus on March 10, 2009. Due to the song's double entendre in the chorus, the Parents Television Council (PTC) threatened to file indecency complaints with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) against any station that played the song between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. A clean edit of the song, titled "If U See Amy", was later sent to radio by Jive Records. The song peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making Circus Spears' first album since ...Baby One More Time to produce three top-20 singles. Internationally, it peaked atop the Brasil Hot 100 Airplay, whilst reaching the top ten in Belgium, Israel, Malaysia and Mexico. Its Jake Nava-directed accompanying music video was released on March 12, and depicts Spears poking fun at American culture.

"Radar" was originally included on Spears' fifth studio album Blackout (2007) and set to be released as its fourth single. However, its release was canceled when Spears began work on Circus, and it was instead released as a promotional single in 2008. It was subsequently included as a bonus track on Circus and was released as its fourth single on June 5, 2009. The song originally entered the US Digital Songs at number 52 due to digital downloads from Blackout. After being confirmed as a single, entered the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 90, peaking at number 88 the following week; it became Spears' lowest-peaking US-released single on the chart. Its Dave Meyers-directed accompanying music video portrays Spears as an aristocrat at a polo mansion, who's involved in a love triangle with two polo players.

Despite not being released as singles, several tracks from Circus appeared on Billboard's component charts upon its release. "Shattered Glass", peaked at number 70 on the US Billboard Hot 100, higher than the actual single "Radar". It additionally peaked at number 29 on the US Digital Songs and number 75 on the Canadian Hot 100. The song also entered the US Pop 100 chart, peaking at number 57. "Lace and Leather" and "Mmm Papi" peaked at numbers 84 and 94 on the Pop 100, respectively. "Out from Under" debuted at number 40 on the Swedish Singles Chart on August 14, 2009, reaching number 32 the following week and staying on the chart for five weeks.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?6.1/10
Metacritic64/100
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic
Entertainment WeeklyB
The Guardian
The Independent
Los Angeles Times
NME5/10
Robert Christgau(2-star Honorable Mention)(2-star Honorable Mention)
Rolling Stone
Slant Magazine
USA Today

Upon its release, Circus received generally favorable reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of hundred to reviews from mainstream critics, Circus received an average score of 64, based on 22 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Stephen Thomas Erlewine provided a favorable review, describing it as a "friendly remake of the hedonistic Blackout", but preferred its predecessor for being more "sleek or addictive" than Circus. Genevieve Koski of The A.V. Club appreciated that Spears appeared to "put some real effort into her Circus performances", rather than seeming "flat-sounding" as she felt Blackout had. Writing for Digital Spy, Nick Levine opined that Spears "sounds more confident" than she had on Blackout. While Chris Willman from Entertainment Weekly appreciated the overall production of Circus, he was critical of Spears' recently established pattern of "putting out albums with titles that promise more self-revelation than she's ultimately able to provide." Robert Christgau gave Circus a two-star honorable mention, stating that it was "still fun more often than not". Jon Pareles of The New York Times expressed his enjoyment of the "crisp" material that incorporated "catchy melodic interludes". Caryn Ganz from Rolling Stone opined that the "clubby, adventurous pop" included on the album could have been a satisfactory successor to her fourth studio album In the Zone (2003).

Writing for USA Today, Steve Jones applauded Spears for being "resilient" and " who she is as a singer" and not " time searching for artistic direction or overthinking her appeal." The Village Voice considered Circus "no better or worse than Janet Jackson's dominatrix-lite Discipline." Alexis Petridis of The Guardian gave a more mixed review, suggesting that Spears "frequently sounds disconnected, even a bit bored" throughout the record, whereas Blackout was a "relentless, risky album made by a woman whose obituary was apparently being prepared by Associated Press." A writer for The Independent gave a negative review, opining that Spears' vocal delivery sounded emotionless in mid-tempo and ballad-paced tracks. Slant Magazine's Eric Henderson shared a similar sentiment, suggesting that the album's "self-actualization" gave off a "hollow" feel through the majority of the record. Ann Powers from Los Angeles Times felt that Circus served as a "bang-up job" of stating that "Spears is still a young woman trying to manage an impossible situation." Writing for NME, Hamish MacBain was disappointed that "Spears is quite simply rubbish at being sexy", adding that Circus is the "umpteenth attempt to turn the perceived chaos of Britney's transition to adulthood – she's 27 next week! – into sleazy, raunchy, dirrty adult-pop product."

Accolades

Awards and nominations

Awards and nominations for Circus
Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2008 Virgin Media Music Awards Best Album Circus Runner-up
2009 Bravo A-list Awards A-list Album Won
2009 Hungarian Music Awards Foreign Dance-Pop Album of the Year Nominated
2009 NME Awards Worst Album Nominated
2009 Premios Oye! English Album of the Year Nominated
2010 Juno Award International Album of the Year Nominated

Listings

Listings for Circus
Year Publication List Position Ref.
2008 Billboard Readers' Choice – Best Album of 2008 1
IFPI Switzerland Top 100 Albums of 2008 Best Album of 2008 1

Commercial performance

A female blond performer. She is leaning against a pole, grabbing it with her right hand. She is wearing a black sparkly bra, high-waisted shorts and laced-up high-heeled boots with fishnet stockings.
Spears performing "Radar" during the Circus Starring Britney Spears in 2009

In the United States, Circus debuted atop the Billboard 200, with first-week sales of over 505,000 copies. It registered the second biggest debut-week sales of 2008 for a female artist, only behind Taylor Swift's Fearless. The album spent nine weeks within the top ten, making it Spears's longest-running top-ten album since Oops!... I Did It Again (2000), which spent 23 weeks inside the top ten. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on January 29, 2009. The album placed sixth on the year-end Billboard 200 for 2009. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the album had sold 1.7 million copies in the US by March 2015. With over 51,000 units sold in its first week, the album opened atop the Canadian Albums Chart; it marked her highest first-week sales in Canada since Oops!... I Did It Again, which sold 95,000 copies. In less than a month, it became the ninth best-selling album of 2008 in the country, selling 143,000 copies, and one of the top ten best-selling digital albums of the year with over 10,100 downloads. In March 2009, the album was certified triple platinum by the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA). In Mexico, Circus debuted atop the international album chart and at number three on Top 100 Mexico, selling over 46,000 copies and being certified gold by the Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas (AMPROFON) in its first week.

Across Oceania, Circus was a top-ten success, peaking at number three in Australia and number six in New Zealand. It was later certified double platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and platinum by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ). In Japan, the album peaked at number five on the Oricon Albums Chart and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). In the United Kingdom, Circus debuted and peaked at number four on the UK Albums Chart, spending 31 weeks on the chart, and at number seven on the Scottish Albums Chart. The album was certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). In France, the album sold 18,319 copies in its first two days, debuting at number five. Across Europe, it peaked at the summit in Russia, Switzerland, the international album chart in Greece, and the European Top 100 Albums. Furthermore, the album reached the top ten in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. By September 2009, Circus had sold over four million copies worldwide.

Controversies

"There is no misinterpreting the lyrics to this song, and it's certainly not about a girl named Amy. It's one thing for a song with these lyrics to be included on a CD so that fans who wish to hear it can do so, but it's an entirely different matter when this song is played over the publicly-owned airwaves, especially at a time when children are likely to be in the listening audience."

—PTC's president Tim Water on the controversy over "If U Seek Amy" lyrics.

Circus and endeavors during its promotional campaign were subjects of various controversies. Controversy first arose on December 5, 2008, when Australian music site Undercover.com.au reported a complaint on the lyrical content of "If U Seek Amy" from Leonie Barsenbach, a housewife from Sydney, who stated: "I was astonished and totally taken aback when I heard my 5 and 7-year-old kids walking around the house singing 'F-U-C-K' ... When I asked them what it was, they told me it was Britney Spears. I was horrified. I got them the Circus album but there was no warning on it ... It is extremely offensive. I feel deceived." Rolling Stone writer Daniel Kreps defended Spears, arguing that parents should have been aware of her lyrical themes. After the song was announced as the third single from the album in January 2009, American radio stations were unsure about playing it due to its double entendre in the chorus; WFLZ-FM produced their own edit of the song, titled "If U See Amy". Shortly after, the Parents Television Council (PTC) threatened to file indecency complaints with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) against any station that played the song between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. RBR.com reported that "interestingly, Circus was reviewed by Common Sense Media, another organization whose mission is to help parents manage their children's media consumption. It rated it appropriate for age 13 and up, but made no specific mention of 'If U Seek Amy'. Even more interestingly, reputed incoming FCC Chair Julius Genachowski is a founding board member of Common Sense."

The accompanying music video for the title track of Circus caused further controversy due to its use of exotic animals. On December 9, 2008, animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) issued a press release condemning Spears for using "cruelly trained lions and elephants" and demanding her to "stop using exotic animals in her videos and concerts once and for all". Spears had previously received criticism from the organization when she used an albino python and a caged tiger during a performance of "I'm a Slave 4 U" at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards. Kari Johnson from Have Trunk Will Travel responded by saying: " has never issued a written endorsement, nor does it condone using electrical devices to discipline and control elephants except in situations where elephant or human safety is at risk. The American Humane Association monitors animal action in film and television. A representative was on the set of the Britney Spears 'Circus' video with our elephants, Tai and Kitty, to ensure their safety and welfare Britney, the director, producers and the entire crew were respectful of the elephants' needs and comfort and a pleasure to work with."

The Australian leg of the album's accompanying tour the Circus Starring Britney Spears caused controversy following its opening show in Perth on November 6, 2009, when The Advertiser writer Rebekah Devlin reported that a number of fans had walked out of the show; they were apparently "disappointed" and "outraged" regarding Spears' lip syncing and subdued dancing. Australian tour promoter Paul Dainty denied the allegations, while Spears' manager responded via his Twitter account by saying: "It's unfortunate that one journalist in Perth didn't enjoy the show last night. Fortunately the other 18,272 fans in attendance did"; Spears' official website also posted a list of positive reviews from a number of fans.

Track listing

Circus – Standard edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Womanizer" K. Briscoe/The Outsyders3:43
2."Circus" 3:12
3."Out from Under" Guy Sigsworth3:54
4."Kill the Lights" 3:59
5."Shattered Glass"
  • Gottwald
  • Kelly
  • Levin
  • Dr. Luke
  • Blanco
  • Kelly
2:53
6."If U Seek Amy" Martin3:37
7."Unusual You" Bloodshy & Avant4:23
8."Blur" Danja3:09
9."Mmm Papi" 3:22
10."Mannequin"
  • Mason, Jr.
  • Rob Knox
4:06
11."Lace and Leather"
  • Dr. Luke
  • Blanco
2:48
12."My Baby"
  • Spears
  • Sigsworth
Sigsworth3:20
13."Radar" (bonus track) 3:49
Total length:46:15
Circus – Germany Musicload edition and Mexican digital edition (bonus track)
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."Rock Boy"
  • Hills
  • Araica
  • Tina Parol-Gemza
  • Michael Shimshack
Danja3:21
Total length:49:36
Circus – Japanese and UK edition (bonus track)
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."Amnesia" Garibay3:57
Total length:50:12
Circus – Deluxe edition (bonus tracks)
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."Rock Me In"
  • Kurstin
  • Morier
3:17
15."Phonography"
  • Karlsson
  • Winnberg
  • Jonback
  • Muhammad
  • Nelson
  • Lewis
  • Smith
  • Bloodshy & Avant
  • The Clutch
3:35
Total length:53:07
Circus – US iTunes Store pre-order and French Amazon MP3 deluxe edition (bonus track)
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
16."Trouble"
  • Karlsson
  • Winnberg
  • Jonback
  • Muhammad
  • Nelson
  • Lewis
  • Smith
  • Bloodshy & Avant
  • The Clutch
3:34
Total length:56:41
Circus – European iTunes Store deluxe edition (bonus track)
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
16."Quicksand" Garibay4:05
Total length:57:12
Circus – Britney.com digital premium edition (bonus tracks)
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."Phonography"
  • Karlsson
  • Winnberg
  • Jonback
  • Muhammad
  • Nelson
  • Lewis
  • Smith
  • Bloodshy & Avant
  • The Clutch
3:35
15."Amnesia"
  • Garibay
  • Livingston
Garibay3:57
16."Womanizer" (Kaskade Radio Edit #2)
  • Briscoe
  • Akinyemi
K. Briscoe/The Outsyders3:13
17."Womanizer" (Junior's Superstar Mix)
  • Briscoe
  • Akinyemi
K. Briscoe/The Outsyders7:30
Total length:65:30
Circus – Deluxe edition (bonus DVD)
No.TitleLength
1."Making of the Album"9:34
2."Womanizer" (director's cut) (music video)3:54
3."Photo Gallery" 

Notes

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Circus.

  • Rafael Akinyemi – songwriting (track 1)
  • All Sets – set design
  • Marcella "Ms. Lago" Araica – additional engineering (track 1), engineering (tracks 4, 8), mixing (tracks 4, 8), songwriting (track 8)
  • Stacy Barthe – songwriting (track 8)
  • Jim Beanz – additional engineering (track 1), songwriting (track 4), vocal production (track 4)
  • Matt Beckly – engineering (track 2), vocal editing (track 2)
  • Arnthor Birgisson – songwriting (track 3)
  • Benny Blanco – drums (tracks 2, 5 and 11), keyboards (tracks 2, 5 and 11), production (tracks 2, 5 and 11), programming (tracks 2, 5 and 11), songwriting (tracks 2, 5 and 11)
  • Bloodshy & Avant – bass (tracks 7 and 13), engineering (tracks 7 and 13), guitar (tracks 7 and 13), keyboards (tracks 7 and 13), mixing (track 7), production (tracks 7 and 13), programming (track 7 and 13), songwriting (tracks 7 and 13)
  • David Boyd – additional engineering (track 10)
  • Luke Boyd – backing vocals (track 8), songwriting (track 4)
  • Nikesha Briscoe – production (track 1), songwriting (track 1)
  • Jim Carauna – additional engineering (track 13)
  • Chad Carlisle – engineering assistance (track 2)
  • The Clutch – engineering (track 13), production (track 13), songwriting (track 13)
  • Tom Coyne – mastering (all tracks)
  • Danja – production (tracks 4 and 8), songwriting (tracks 4 and 8)
  • Brendan Dekora – engineering (track 1), engineering assistance (track 12), mixing assistance (track 12)
  • Cathy Dennis – backing vocals (track 2)
  • Dr. Luke – drums (tracks 2, 5 and 11), guitar (tracks 2, 5 and 11), keyboards (tracks 2, 5 and 11), production (tracks 2, 5 and 11), programming (tracks 2, 5 and 11), songwriting (tracks 2, 5 and 11)
  • Pati Dubroff – make-up
  • Bojan "Genius" Dugić – engineering (track 1)
  • Laura Duncan – styling
  • Eric Eylands – engineering assistance (tracks 5, 6, 9 and 11)
  • James Fauntleroy II – songwriting (track 10)
  • Niklas Flyckt – mixing (track 13)
  • Serban Ghenea – mixing (tracks 1, 2, 5, 6 and 11)
  • Angela N. Golightly – production coordination (track 10)
  • Aniela Gottwald – engineering assistance (tracks 5 and 11)
  • Tatiana Gottwald – engineering assistance (track 2)
  • John Hanes – additional Pro Tools engineering (tracks 1, 2, 5, 6 and 11)
  • Dabling Harward – engineering (track 10)
  • Leah Haywood – backing vocals (track 3)
  • Wayne Hector – songwriting (track 3)
  • Jeri Heiden – art direction
  • John Heiden – design
  • Andrew Hey – engineering (track 10)
  • Sam Holland – engineering (tracks 2, 5 and 11)
  • Anders Hvenare – mixing (track 7)
  • Steven Jacobi – production management
  • Henrik Jonback – bass (track 13), engineering (tracks 7 and 13), guitar (tracks 7 and 13), songwriting (tracks 7 and 13)
  • Chris Kasych – engineering assistance (tracks 2, 5)
  • Claude Kelly – backing vocals (tracks 2 and 5), songwriting (tracks 2 and 5), vocal production (track 5)
  • Kinnda – backing vocals (track 6)
  • Rob Knox – production (track 10), songwriting (track 10)
  • Savan Kotecha – songwriting (track 6)
  • Alexander Kronlund – songwriting (track 6)
  • Derik Lee – engineering assistance (track 1)
  • Let's Go to War – instrumentation (track 9), production (track 9), programming (track 9), songwriting (track 9)
  • Kasia Livingston – backing vocals (track 7), songwriting (track 7)
  • Myah Marie – backing vocals (track 2)
  • Max Martin – backing vocals (track 6), production (track 6), programming (track 6), songwriting (track 6)
  • Tony Maserati – mixing (track 9)
  • Harvey Mason, Jr. – mixing (track 10), production (track 10), songwriting (track 10)
  • Chris McMillan – hair
  • Nicole Morier – backing vocals (track 9), songwriting (track 9), vocal production (track 9)
  • Jackie Murphy – art direction
  • Candice Nelson – backing vocals (track 13)
  • Jared Newcomb – engineering assistance (tracks 4 and 8), mixing assistance (tracks 4 and 8)
  • Debi Nova – backing vocals (track 11)
  • The Outsyders – production (track 1)
  • Andy Page – acoustic guitar (tracks 3 and 12), drum programming (tracks 3 and 12), electric guitar (tracks 3 and 12), engineering (tracks 3 and 12), mixing (tracks 3 and 12), piano (track 12), synth bass (track 3), synthesizer (track 12), strings (track 12)
  • Shelly Peiken – songwriting (track 3)
  • Tim Roberts – mixing assistance (tracks 1, 2, 5, 6 and 11)
  • Larry Rudolph – executive production, management
  • Anna Schoenberger – prop design
  • Kesha Sebert – backing vocals (track 11)
  • Shellback – programming (track 6), songwriting (track 6)
  • Guy Sigsworth – drum programming (track 3), hang samples (track 3), keyboards (track 3), production (tracks 3 and 12), songwriting (track 12), strings (track 3)
  • Britney Spears – songwriting (tracks 9, 10 and 12), vocals (all tracks)
  • Nick Steinhardt – design
  • Ron Taylor – Pro Tools editing (tracks 4 and 8)
  • Valente Torrez – engineering assistance (track 3), mixing assistance (track 3)
  • Kate Turning – photography
  • Windy Wagner – backing vocals (track 5)
  • Seth Waldmann – engineering (track 6)
  • Henry Walter – engineering (track 9)
  • Eric Weaver – additional engineering (track 9), engineering assistance (track 2, 5 and 11)
  • Teresa LaBarbera Whites – A&R, executive production
  • Chris Worthy – guitars (track 9)
  • David "Touch" Wright – production coordination (track 10)
  • Emily Wright – engineering (tracks 2, 5 and 11), vocal editing (tracks 2, 5 and 11)
  • Andrew Wyatt – engineering (track 7)

Charts

Weekly charts

Weekly chart performance for Circus
Chart (2008–2009) Peak
position
Argentine Albums (CAPIF) 2
Australian Albums (ARIA) 3
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria) 9
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders) 7
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia) 4
Canadian Albums (Billboard) 1
Croatian Albums (HDU) 13
Czech Albums (ČNS IFPI) 23
Danish Albums (Hitlisten) 4
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) 10
European Top 100 Albums (Billboard) 1
Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista) 16
French Albums (SNEP) 3
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) 9
Greek Albums (IFPI) 14
Hungarian Albums (MAHASZ) 22
Irish Albums (IRMA) 2
Italian Albums (FIMI) 9
Japanese Albums (Oricon) 5
Mexican Albums (AMPROFON) 3
Mexican International Albums (AMPROFON) 1
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ) 6
Norwegian Albums (VG-lista) 21
Polish Albums (ZPAV) 32
Portuguese Albums (AFP) 28
Russian Albums (2M) 1
Scottish Albums (OCC) 7
Slovenian Albums (IFPI) 30
Spanish Albums (PROMUSICAE) 10
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan) 19
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) 1
Taiwanese Albums (Five Music) 1
Uruguay Albums (CUD) 3
UK Albums (OCC) 4
US Billboard 200 1

Year-end charts

2008 year-end chart performance for Circus
Chart (2008) Position
Australian Albums (ARIA) 25
Australian Dance Albums (ARIA) 5
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia) 96
Danish Albums (Hitlisten) 33
French Albums (SNEP) 50
Greek International Albums (IFPI) 23
Italian Albums (FIMI) 67
Mexican Albums (AMPROFON) 44
Mexican International Albums (AMPROFON) 11
Russian Albums (2M) 2
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan) 86
UK Albums (OCC) 61
Worldwide Albums (IFPI) 15
2009 year-end chart performance for Circus
Chart (2009) Position
Australian Albums (ARIA) 47
Australian Dance Albums (ARIA) 6
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria) 66
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders) 63
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia) 40
Canadian Albums (Billboard) 5
Danish Albums (Hitlisten) 91
European Top 100 Albums (Billboard) 44
French Albums (SNEP) 101
Japanese Albums (Oricon) 99
Mexican Albums (AMPROFON) 51
Mexican International Albums (AMPROFON) 16
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) 94
UK Albums (OCC) 139
US Billboard 200 6

Certifications and sales

Certifications and sales for Circus
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Argentina (CAPIF) Gold 20,000
Australia (ARIA) 2× Platinum 140,000
Belgium (BEA) Gold 15,000
Brazil 30,000
Canada (Music Canada) 4× Platinum 320,000
France (SNEP) Gold 200,000
GCC (IFPI Middle East) Gold 3,000
Germany (BVMI) Gold 100,000
Greece (IFPI Greece) Gold 7,500
Hungary (MAHASZ) Gold 3,000
Ireland (IRMA) Platinum 15,000
Italy 40,000
Japan (RIAJ) Gold 150,000
Mexico (AMPROFON) Gold 40,000
New Zealand (RMNZ) Platinum 15,000
Poland (ZPAV) Gold 10,000
Russia (NFPF) 2× Platinum 40,000
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland) Gold 15,000
United Kingdom (BPI) Platinum 300,000
United States (RIAA) 3× Platinum 3,000,000
Summaries
Worldwide 4,000,000

Sales figures based on certification alone.
Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release dates and formats for Circus
Region Date Format(s) Edition(s) Label(s) Ref.
Denmark November 28, 2008 CD Standard Sony
France
  • Standard
  • deluxe
Jive
Germany Sony
Australia November 29, 2008
  • CD
  • CD+DVD
Poland December 1, 2008 CD Standard
United Kingdom
  • CD
  • CD+DVD
  • digital download
  • Standard
  • deluxe
RCA
United States December 2, 2008 Jive
Japan December 3, 2008
  • CD
  • digital download
Standard BMG Japan
March 25, 2009 CD+DVD Deluxe
United States November 28, 2019 Vinyl (Urban Outfitters exclusive) Standard Legacy
January 7, 2021 Cassette (Urban Outfitters exclusive)
March 31, 2023 Black vinyl
Australia April 28, 2023 Opaque red vinyl Sony
Germany
Poland
United Kingdom

See also

Notes

  1. The deluxe edition cover features the red and blue colors of the frame in vice-versa.
  2. "Radar" originally appeared on Spears' fifth studio album Blackout (2007), hence it was recorded earlier than the rest of Circus, being recorded on November 8, 2006 at the Sony Music Studios in New York City.
  3. Track 1
  4. ^ Track 13
  5. Tracks 2, 4 and 5
  6. Tracks 2, 3, 5–7, 9 and 11
  7. ^ Track 6
  8. Track 9
  9. Track 10
  10. Tracks 1, 2, 8 and 12
  11. Track 12
  12. Kelly Clarkson broke the record three months later with "My Life Would Suck Without You" (2009), which registered a 97–1 leap in its second week.

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