BROWN: 'SPEARS IS A SPECIAL ARTIST'

BOBBY BROWN hated BRITNEY SPEARS cover version of his track MY PREROGATIVE - but insists the singer is a "special artist" and should be given the chance to rescue her career.

Although the R+B star "loved the video" for Spears' 2004 track, he insists she didn't do justice to the version he took to number one 20 years ago.

But Brown insists his own battles with drugs show how fame can cause stars to meltdown.

He says, "She's a special artist and people should treat her like a special artist. She's a very beautiful girl.

"I'm a perfect example of how this business can mess with your head. Just let that girl live for a minute."