[To the left is a page from Closer magazine about Madonna's attempt to get publicity via kissing pop singers Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera at the 2003 Video Music Awards. Below is the text from the page]

Madge: Desperately Seeking Attention!

Why Has the Queen of Pop Sunk to New Depths?

Madonna has made a career out of her shock tactics -- a raunchy blend of erotic outfits, naughty books and sexual experimentation.

But the ageing Queen of Pop's latest attempts at grabbing the limelight only ended up making her look rather sad and desperate.

At the MTV Video Music Awards last week, Madge, 45 -- whose last album, American Life, resulted in her worst UK sales figures for the last five years -- set out to shock the audience by snogging and groping her young rivals Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera as they belted out her '80s hit Like A Virgin.

What actually materialized (for the Material Girl) was an embarrassing spectacle that silenced the audience -- and showed how far Madonna's popularity has plunged since her early '90s heyday.

Madonna's six-year-old-daughter Lourdes first appeared on stage with a friend dressed as flower girls for a wedding, Britney, 21, and Christina, 22, emerged from a giant wedding cake hiding under veils.

They ripped off their dresses as Madge, dressed as their groom, sidled up to them. She then French-kissed both of them, touched up their pert behinds and removed a garter from Christina's leg.

Britney's ex, Justin Timberlake, 22, squirmed uncomfortablly as he watched in the audience.

And can you blame him? Maybe it's time for Madonna's to hang up her microphone and leave the shock tactics to the young guns.

By Rachael Kaufman