Spears, 'N Sync Sign On For Rio Fest

Britney Spears and 'N Sync have signed on to headline the third "Rock In Rio For A Better World" festival, to be held Jan. 12-21 in Rio De Janeiro. Native stars such as Funk 'n Lata, Fernanda Abreu, and Pato Fu will also be on the bill, which will eventually grow to nearly 100 international acts.

Staged by Brazilian businessman Roberto Medina, "Rock In Rio" follows the 1991 event, which featured performances from Guns 'N Roses, Santana, and George Michael. Proceeds from the 2001 festival will benefit Viva Rio, a Rio-based social services organization that aids the youth of the city.

"Rock In Rio" will be broadcast live in Brazil and will be licensed to more than 50 countries. AOL will sponsor the event and will create a network of cyber-areas allowing concertgoers to communicate with people throught the world.