Gwen Stefani is the latest celebrity to leap to the defense of troubled pop star Britney Spears.

Stefani admits she's concerned about Spears' recent erratic behavior - including rehab rejection and an extreme makeover - and hopes her issues get sorted soon.

She says, "I used to live in the same area as Britney for a while. I just want to scoop her up and give her a kiss.

"I hope she's all right. She's just had a new baby and stuff. I hope she can just enjoy it because it's an incredible thing."

Yesterday former boyfriend Justin Timberlake defended Spears' new look, hailing the bald scalp "a smart choice".

And Stefani agrees her pop rival sports the buzz cut well, enthusing, "She looks good with her hair shaved off."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)