Britney Spears' Circus Spectacular

Certainly lived up to its name Tuesday night, as the 27-year-old pop star kicked off her tour at the New Orleans Arena in Louisiana.

The big-top-inspired extravaganza was indeed, as a source hinted to E! News last week, "like watching a big Cirque du Soleil high-tech circus, but with a really focused star in the middle."

Sure enough, ringleader Brit and Co. entertained the crowd with magic tricks, trapeze artists, cage dancing and, oh yeah, several of the singer's biggest hits during the 90-minute show.