Fans camp for Spears CD, critics unmoved
500 get to meet star, get autograph
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NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Critics may not have been moved by Britney Spears' album, "In the Zone," released Tuesday, but hundreds of excited fans were inspired to camp out in Times Square to get the pop star to sign a copy of the CD.
Five hundred people, some who had waited three days outside the Virgin Megastore, were ushered into a room where they would meet Spears, 21, and get her autograph on a CD The New York Times called "almost perversely devoid of personality."
"Nothing Britney does could suck," said Jessica Mullen, one of the first in line.
Nearby were Mirta Delacruz and her 16-year-old son, Charles, who had been in line since Sunday after flying in from Miami expressly for the chance to meet Spears.
"He's a loyal Britney fan and I'm his mom and I'm here and supporting him. She's a good role model," she said.
Spears' fourth album is intended to showcase the personal and musical evolution of the former children's television performer turned teenaged sex symbol as she embraces adulthood.
Many critics have commented that Spears' vocals are closer to sex sounds than singing.
New York's Daily News said she "doesn't so much sing as heavy breathe in rhythm." The New York Post said her CD was "oversexed," and the Times said Spears "works hard to prove that she's hot-blooded, although she sounds colder than ever."
Delacruz said there was nothing wrong with any of that.
"She's provocative. There's no nasty words, she doesn't bring violence. Britney brings love and unity to the kids," she said. "So what if she shows a little skin? Thumbs up for Britney Spears."
Charles Delacruz said he's been following Spears since he first saw her on "The Mickey Mouse Club" when he was 4.
"She keeps growing and growing and growing into new things," he said. "I think she's great."
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Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
