Britney Spears will kick off her long-awaited US tour in New Orleans later wearing an elaborate cheetah headress.

The design has been described as “totally wild” by its creators DSquared, who have previously designed stage costumes for Madonna and Justin Timberlake.

"It's a a kind of metamorphis from animal to ringmaster to slave, in keeping with the circus theme," designer Dan Caten told The Telegraph.

Spears 25-date Circus tour is her first in five years – and supports her latest album of the same name.

The singer gave fans a taste of what to expect from her live show in a video – see below – published on her official website.

As previously reported, Spears yesterday (March 2nd) warned fans about fake aftershow parties which have been advertised on the internet.

Spears' tour will head to Europe in the summer. The star is set to play eight nights in London and one in Manchester in June.

(by Jason Gregory)