Blond on Blond

HEY THERE é What's up with Madonna ''Like a Virgin'' Ciccone and Britney ''Still a Virgin'' Spears? As EW.com reported earlier this week, the former's New York City miniconcert, held Nov. 5 at the Roseland Ballroom, included head scratching nods to the top 10 teen queen. Not only did Maddy sport a sleeveless black tee emblazoned with Britney's glittery name, she dedicated the ballad ''What It Feels Like for a Girl,'' from her latest album, ''Music,'' to the buxom Britster.

''It was a fun, lighthearted tribute,'' explains Madonna rep Liz Rosenberg. Britney responded with a deliberately ''aw shucks'' statement: ''She's my idol. For her to dedicate -- [even] ironically -- my favorite song on the album is incredibly flattering and sweet.''

But some present for the free performance thought Madonna's name check was less about giving props than putting a copycat, midriff baring upstart in her place. ''There are originators and duplicators,'' says hip hop bluesman Everlast, who opened the show with an acoustic set. ''And Madonna was just letting it be known, 'Don't be fooled by ''TRL.''' We all know who was doing this first, who made it all right for all these girls to dress skimpy.''

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