Singing superstars Britney Spears and Whitney Houston are headed for a Christmas battle on the Billboard charts, a new tabloid report claims. Both songstresses are planning to release new albums in December. Brit’s bosses at Zomba are so confident that the pop tart can reclaim her once prominant impact on the recording industry, the singer is going head to head with Houston.

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

“Britney has been on fire in the studio of late,” says a tabloid source. “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’s 2003 album, Christmas-themed One Wish: The Holiday Album, opened to an ill reception. The Grammy-winning diva’s upcoming LP will feature collaborations with Will.i.am, R. Kelly and John Legend.