Unless you were under self-imposed media exile last year, you saw the avalanche of coverage following the Britney Spears appearance at the VMAs. Spears poorly performed “Gimme More” to seven million home viewers last year, though many more would witness her antics thanks to the streaming videos which cropped up everywhere. Will MTV really give her the chance to do it again?

President Van Toffler (MTV Networks Music Group) gave a somewhat tongue-in-cheek comment to the Associated Press that “everyone deserves a second or third chance, right?” But don’t take his comment too lightly. In a world where any press is good press, the mere promise of Spears at this year’s VMAs could create a whirlwind of media coverage. MTV likes press.

The Video Music Awards will air live on September 7, with performances being given from sound stages and rooftops. Right now, it isn’t certain whether Brit will actually perform - but it is certain MTV will want her there for the sake of ratings alone.