Britney Spears' marriage proposal knocked back by latest boyfriend

THE boyfriend of pop princess Britney Spears has knocked back a marriage proposal from the world famous singer she made on her tour here.

Just as it worked its magic on megastars Elton John and Michael Jackson, Sydney apparently brought Spears to her knees on Friday when she is said to have proposed marriage to her manager-boyfriend of some three years, Jason Trawick.

Perhaps feeling emotionally open after a difficult Australian tour, the serial bride with two failed marriages at age 27 is said to have been devastated by the rejection.

The handsome celebrity agent, who flew to Australia from LA two weeks ago bringing Spears' two young sons with him, is credited with helping the pop star claw her way back from a very public breakdown two years ago.

While involved with Trawick, Spears has grown into a mature woman who now eschews the substances that once threatened to destroy her stellar career.

"She is in love with the idea of marriage," a source said. "She has been married only twice, but has proposed to many more."With his background in celebrity management it appears Trawick is unfazed by fickle fame and does not take marriage lightly.

The knockback may have caused ripples - on Friday night, for what is said to be the first time in the month-long tour, she gave an impromptu address to her audience, with one tour source saying she introduced a song on these lines: "Have you ever really loved somebody? Have you ever really been hurt by somebody?"