Now with video goodness from Britney's official site!

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Much like her idol Madonna, Circus diva Britney Spears is big on leading a special prayer circle with her dancers and crew before a performance.

These exclusive photos from BritneySpears.com were taken recently of the singer, 27, and her entourage in Japan, just before taking the stage on NTV Best Artist 2008.

Madonna, 50, famously cried during a scene in her 1991 tour documentary Truth or Dare, while leading a prayer circle with her dancers backstage.

"As much as I loved Japan, I am so happy to be home with my babies," Britney said on her official site after returning to Los Angeles.

And, the pop singer has much to be thankful for these days; she's got a hit album on her hands, an upcoming world tour and—perhaps best of all—she got to go Christmas caroling with Ellen DeGeneres!