Just like the good old times… Britney Spears was her smiling shiny self once again Sunday night, at the 25^th edition of the MTV Video Music Awards, where she smiled on cheerfully as she collected three sparkly Moonmen.

She’s back, isn’t she? Last night, in Hollywood, on the stage, a bit nervous but smiling with all those white teeth of hers. A bit like a little girl and yet a survivor, considering the terrible times she has been through.

Her hair was nice, the makeup looked professional, the vintage mini-dress, a silver Versace, complemented her svelte figure… just like the old days.

Those spots she filmed with Russell Brand, the English comedian who hosted the show, really were auspicious: her glow endured until it was time to start the show and she was on hand to declare the beginning of the games.

It’s an interesting symmetry. MTV made a lot of noise a year ago, when Britney Spears was supposed to have her “comeback” and instead fed tabloids for weeks on end with her lip-synching, traipsing around the scene and general confusion.

This year, Britney Spears was once again pushed to the forefront, only this time she looked gracious and was funny. At least in the spots. While on stage, she was concise and grateful.

Nominated in three categories, the pop princess who is reclaiming her tiara took home all three awards: best female video, best pop video and video of the year, for her song “Piece of Me.”

Britney Spears garnered 16 other nominations throughout her career but it was only now that she also won.

Polite and warm, she thanked God for “just blessing me like this,” mentioned her two young boys, later thanked manager Larry Rudolph, who accompanied her and dedicated one of the trophies to the fans.