Do you remember back in 2008 when Britney Spears, America’s Most Favorite Pop Princess took a tumble from grace? I do. I may be thirty, but I’m a big Britney fan. (Maybe I shouldn’t admit that to The Internet.)

Her weird and erratic behavior was documented in picture after ever-loving picture by the paparazzi who camped out in front of her house in droves. It was depressing to watch. I’d certainly had better and worse years, but no one was following me around with cameras, videotaping me while I ordered McDonald’s and mocking my double chins on the evening news.

Britney-Gate reached a fever-pitch when, in a stunning fit of terrible taste, the Associated Press wrote her obituary. Finally, Brit-Brit was hospitalized and placed under a conservatorship, which, as I understand it, means that her dad moved in with her and kept an eye on her money, her mental health and her behavior.

For many months, Britney stayed in her house, recovering, while the world patiently watched and waited. What would happen next? It was kind of like Willy Wonka, holed up in his chocolate factory, except (presumably) without the delicious chocolate factory.

When she finally emerged, it was clear that the Old Britney was back, y’all. She’d divorced that lug-nut K-Fed, recorded her album, Circus, gotten blond hair extensions to fix her brief run-in with baldness and was ready to go back on tour. She’s since recorded another album, Femme Fatal, due to be released March 29. She recently debuted her new single from that album, Hold it Against Me, and it’s fabulous, quintessential Britney.

If there was an award for Comeback of the Century, Britney would win. She should also win the Nobel Prize in Awesomeness (along with the guy who invented the bacon cheeseburger).

If anything can come out of the whole Britney-Gate incident, it’s this: the world loves to watch a celebrity fall from grace as much as it loves a good comeback story. It gives us faith that if Britney Spears can make a comeback from pre-written obituary, the rest of us can make it back from the edge, when we’re dangling there, too.

Brit-Brit, you have my deepest respect. Which, I’m sure, will help you to sleep much better at night.

Hey Charlie Sheen and Christina Aguilera: you taking notes over there?

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