Britney Spears made a triumphant comeback last night, playing her first gig in three years.

The pop princess took to the stage at the House of Blues in San Diego for just 16 minutes but after she had belted out five of her classic tunes, fans were left shouting for more.

Spears’ return to the stage marks a major turnaround for the star, whose professional hiatus was marked by a very public meltdown.

Just 10 weeks ago, Spears shaved her head and allegedly attacked a paparazzi vehicle with an umbrella.

She then checked into Promises rehab clinic in LA for a month of treatment.

Since leaving the facility, Spears has focused on returning to her former glory, taking regular dance classes and transforming her body to its current toned form.

As word of her secret gig spread, eager fans snapped up all of the tickets, which were changing hands for up to £100 each - that’s £6.25 a minute!

Queues started forming around the block from early afternoon as Spears made her way from Los Angeles in a new tour bus.

The mother of two, 25, took to the stage at 10pm in a brunette wig, sparkling bustier, fur coat, white skirt and boots.

She kicked off the set with Hit Me Baby One More Time, followed by I’m A Slave For You, Breathe On Me, Do Something and Toxic.

One fan said: “She was absolutely fantastic. You would never know she had been away.”

Spears seemed to have put her troubles behind her as she beamed at the crowd and said: “Thanks everyone for coming.”

In another brave move, the star created her own comeback dance routines after reportedly having a bust-up with her choreographer Brian Friedman - one of the judges on ITV reality show Grease Is The Word.

And judging from the crowd’s reaction last night, she has pulled it out of the bag.