
Britney Spears is mourning the death of former Star Search host Ed McMahon, whom the pop star credits with helping launch her career seventeen years ago.
At the tender age nine, the future pop star performed "Love can Build a Bridge" on the famous syndicated talent competition program hosted by McMahon.
McMahon died at the age of 86 yesterday after a prolonged battle with cancer.
"I am deeply saddened by today's news about Ed McMahon," Spears reported last night.
"He is responsible for giving so many artists their first shot, including myself," Spears added. "He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed."