It looks like fallen divas Britney Spears and Whitney Houston will go head-to-head later this year in the battle to crowned the comeback queen of pop.

Bosses at Britney’s record label Jive are said to be convinced the recovering pop wreck can trounce her aging rival in a Christmas chart showdown, after being impressed with recent demos.

The UK's Sun quotes a label source as saying, “Britney has been on fire in the studio of late.

“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.”

Britney was papped leaving an LA gym clutching a copy of Radiohead album In Rainbows this week, prompting speculation that the singer may be back with a new sound.

Last night, the singer's comeback preparations were hampered, however, by a big brown bag.

Whitney is taking her own tentative steps back into the spotlight, bagging a cool £1million for playing charity event the Cauldwell Children Legends Ball in London’s Battersea last night.