Kou Thao

I get sad when a popular singer’s career transforms from solid gold to a profane by-product.

These performers may not even be terribly talented, but they invest enough of their time to warrant a long, prosperous career.

That’s why when I saw Madonna, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera working together as a team to milk their remaining celebrity at MTV’s Video Music Awards Thursday, I was struck with a sense of heartwarming joviality.

To illustrate my point, I will explain to you the dire states of each of their careers.

Even though Madonna has proven that her chameleon sensibilities ensure her survival through tough times, this time it is different.

The buying public hated her film “Swept Away” and downright loathed her new album “American Life.” The Gap is her only successful gig at this point.

Spears obviously is on her way out the door.

Her last album, though it was an improvement in quality over her previous albums, did not fare well with pop fans. In addition, she has resorted to posing topless, with her arms covering the goods, for the British version of Elle.

It’s safe to say that her destiny lies in the hands of Hugh Hefner.

Aguilera is an entirely different story. Her career is probably the strongest of the three, but it is all based on the fact that she parades around like the poster child for legalized prostitution.

To be honest, when I watched the video for “Dirrty” it wasn’t the driving drumbeats and omnipotent vocals that kept me frighteningly close to the TV.

Thusly, when the three women decided to converge on stage, it was probably the most important moment in their careers.

Performing tried and true Madonna classics with the lady herself was the most intelligent public relations move I have seen in a long time.

Millions saw these vivacious chanteuses expertly tackle songs that would drive even the most masculine alpha male to frolic with exuberance.

I suppose that Madonna’s open-mouthed kissing of Spears and Aguilera didn’t hurt either.