December 6, 2000 17:46

OOPS! I PULLED OUT AGAIN!

The star will not be at the Smash Hits Poll Winners' Party - but the reason behind her decision is a mystery...

BRITNEY SPEARS has pulled out of this weekend's (December 10) SMASH HITS POLL WINNERS' PARTY, in spite of being in the running for a number of awards - but the reasoning behind her sudden decision remains a mystery.

Show organisers are unable to offer an explanation, while Britney's UK spokeswoman tells NME.COM that "We haven't been given a reason. Obviously she's only just been in the UK and it would mean coming back again for the show. She's probably hoping to spend time with her family in the run-up to Christmas, but I don't think it would be fair to speculate."

Meanwhile, shortlisted nominations for the Awards have been released. They include Backstreet Boys, Five, Westlife, a1 and Steps battling it out for Best Band On Planet Pop, and Melanie C, Samantha Mumba, Louise, Britney Spears and Billie Piper competing for Best Female Solo star.

As usual the 'worst' awards promise to be the most entertaining. Daphne & Celeste have two singles ('UGLY' and 'Ooh Stick You') in the running for Worst Single, while Robbie Williams is up for Worst Male Singer.

The Spice Girls are represented in Worst Female Singer, Worst Group, Worst Dressed Person, Worst Album, Worst Video, Most Tragic Haircut, Least Fancied Person, and Sad Loser.