Britney Spears has reportedly scrapped plans to perform in China in late September because she is suffering from exhaustion, and organizers say the Backstreet Boys will sit in for her on the original date.

Sources claim the sexy singer, who is currently on tour in Europe, has pulled out of the Far East Leg of her world tour this summer because she is too tired and needs a break.

The 22-year-old pop singer had planned to perform in five Chinese cities in late September as part of her Asian tour.

She could be one of the most high-profile western pop singer ever to visit China, following Mariah Carey's tour to Shanghai last year.

The Backstreet Boys, who are fading out from the music scene, will try to regain their popularity on tour in China as they are cutting a new album this year.

(CRI May 12, 2004)