From teen sex symbol to married mother of two to comeback queen, Britney Spears’ life is accurately summed up by the title of her latest album: Circus. For the second leg of her 2009 tour, Spears is continuing to prove that after years of erratic behavior and public stumbles, she is at last the ringmaster—at least of her performances.

Much has been said and written about Britney, but through all of her ups and downs, her fan base has never faded. After the pop star’s breakdown in early 2008, Spears’ supporters waited with bated breath for her imminent reemergence. And they were rewarded.

For the first time in awhile, Spears is on top of her game: Circus is a fun, slinky album full of club-ready beats that has already spawned a couple of hit singles since its release last December. If the album and tour are any indication, Britney is back to preside as the princess of pop—at least for a while longer.

Britney Spears appears with Jordin Sparks at the Mandalay Bay Events Center September 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $55 to $578.

By Caitlin McGarry