Spears, Houston head for chart showdown

Britney Spears and Whitney Houston are heading for a Christmas chart battle, The Sun reports.

Despite receiving a mixed reception for her last album Blackout, bosses at Spears's label Zomba are confident that her new material will sink Houston's new album when they are both released this Christmas.

"Britney has been on fire in the studio of late," a source revealed.

"During recording sessions for the last album she was consumed by her chaotic private life. But she is determined to make a triumphant comeback. Top brass have been amazed by the quality of tracks they’ve heard.

"Whitney is set for another relaunch at the same time later in the year. They're determined Brit will come out on top."

Like Spears, Houston has suffered from drug and health problems in recent years. Her last studio album, 2003's Christmas-themed One Wish: The Holiday Album, flopped on the US Billboard chart.

Houston's upcoming LP will feature collaborations with Will.i.am, R. Kelly and John Legend.