Britney Spears Apologizes for Halting Concert Show

Britney Spears tells fans she's sorry for walking off the stage during a concert last night in Vancouver.

A statement posted on the pop star's Web site explains why she had to delay the concert shortly after it began. "We want to apologize to all the fans who attended our Vancouver show tonight for the brief pause in Britney's set. Crew members above the stage became ill due to a ventilation issue."

Britney, currently in the middle of her latest "Circus" world tour, appeared on the circus-themed stage in front of excited fans at Vancouver's GM Place around 8:17 p.m., according to the Vancouver Sun. But after performing a couple of songs she suddenly vanished, "leaving a chanting, swaying crowd calling for her return." She reappeared about 30 minutes later and finished the concert.

The delay was explained to fans as occurring due to heavy smoke in the arena. A voice announced to the crowd, "The building is awfully smoky. It is uncomfortable for everyone on stage, including Ms. Spears. Please extinguish all cigarettes - this is a non-smoking building, and the show will resume when the smoke on the stage is cleared," the Vancouver Sun said.

After about 45 minutes, one hour later,