It had been too long. It had just been too long.

We hadn't heard much from The Circus Starring Britney Spears in so long, we were starting to wonder if its ridiculous outfits, lip-synched tracks and wardrobe malfunctions had ceased to exist. We are pleased to say we were wrong.

And fortunately, there were no "You Oughta Know" covers.

The show rolled into Bossier City, La., on Saturday, and while even Louisiana native Britney probably had no idea where she was, she looked awesome ...

SEEING RED: Britney brings the house down in her home state.

It's amazing to think where she was less than two years ago. That would be a psych ward. Now she's back on top with one of the year's biggest albums and tours.

Click to enlarge a bunch more Britney Spears pictures from the Circus' latest stop ...

[Photos: BritneySpears.com]