Britney channels Madonna with religious art

LOS ANGELES - Britney Spears returns with “Blackout,” her first studio album in three years on Tuesday, and the release is already generating controversy.

In a move that seems to be modeled after her idol, Madonna, a sexily dressed Britney appears in the CD booklet, seated on a priest’s lap. Wearing a cross necklace, a short outfit and fishnet stockings, Spears poses seductively as the priest figure looks on.

In another photo from the booklet, Spears leans with her back to the confessional window and the priest, while her fishnet-clad legs are hoisted in the air.

The move is no doubt set to cause controversy among religious fans of the singer.

In fact, even before news of the CD booklet emerged, members of Southland Christian Church were asked to send letters of support for the star, according to the Associated Press.

“Take a few minutes and write a note to Britney Spears,” pastor John Weece said in a sermon and on a Web site blog, the AP reported. “No preaching. No criticizing. Just love. As a church, let’s love Britney the way Jesus loves her.”

Despite an religious imagery controversy, Spears CD is expected by many to be a hit.

The 12-track album, which features songs including “Break The Ice,” “Hot As Ice” and “Ooh Ooh Baby,” received rave reviews from USA Today and the New York Daily news.

MORE FROM ACCESS HOLLYWOOD

Access Hollywood Section Front

Janet Jackson, Dupri reportedly split Mischa Barton hospitalized under psych hold Jackson probe not being treated as homicide Debbie Rowe won’t trade kids for $4 million Jackson witness wants accuser to recant Joe Jackson wants to take kids on tour in 2010 Molly Ringwald gives birth to twins ‘Idol’s’ Seacrest to earn $15 million per year Jon Gosselin steps out with woman in Paris Maura Tierney finds tumor in her breast Access Hollywood Section Front