Britney Spears fans have vented their frustration after her highly-anticipated comeback single was leaked online ahead of its release.
The track entitled Hold Me Closer is a duet with Sir Elton John and was shared across social media on Thursday night.
A reworking of Sir Elton’s 1971 hit Tiny Dancer, it’s Spears’ first new music in six years.
It also marks her first project since being freed from a controversial conservatorship last Novemeber, which controlled most aspects of her life for 13 years.
There was huge excitement among her fans when Sir Elton confirmed the collaboration earlier this month.
Her loyal fanbase is now furious however - and blasted the leak as “disrespectful”.
An official release date is yet to be confirmed but fans have tried to urge people to not to listen until it is.
“When Renaissance was leaking the Beyhive didn’t listen to it, they patiently waited out of respect for Beyoncé but a lot of Britney fans can’t even give Britney that respect for Hold Me Closer? Insane,” fumed one fan on Twitter.
“Ruining the release of Britney’s first single as a free woman in 15 years is honestly disrespectful. I can’t believe even Britney’s fans are spreading leaks. It’s not like we have to wait whole other years for a new song. STOP SPREADING LEAKS OF HOLD ME CLOSER,” agreed a second.
Those who couldn’t resist listening the unauthorised version were full of praise for the track, declaring it “perfect”.
“Hold Me Closer is beautiful,” enthused one. “The perfect toe dip back into music for Brit.”
“I love it! I can’t stop crying,” said another through tears.