Whitney Houston britwhit.jpg Talk about a clash of the titans - it's being reported that label execs are planning to pit Britney Spears' latest album against Whitney Houston's later this year!

The Sun reveals that, after bowling her label over with demos of her newest material, plans are in the works to release Brit's as-yet-untitled follow-up to Blackout during the crucial Christmas shopping season - in direct competition to Whitney's forthcoming LP.

"Britney has been on fire in the studio of late," one label spy told the paper. "She is determined to make a triumphant comeback. Top brass have been amazed by the quality of tracks they've heard."

Of course, Britney's been working on more than just her music - she's also been getting her style right, too!

Her aunt Chanda McGovern spoke to the Sun about Britney's transformation to the Sun, commenting that the whole Spears family is "very proud of her now" and opining that Britney's troubles came from the pop princess being "very headstrong" and resistant to guidance.

"I hope she'll never walk down that path again," McGovern said. "I think she's got a bright future."

Looks like Britney's label bosses agree!

But Whitney's not going down without a fight - in fact, not only will her album feature songs written by R. Kelly, Will.I.Am, and John Legend, but she's gearing up to release a collaboration with Akon as a single to get her fans pumped!

Either way, this Christmas is shaping up to be one heck of a showdown - who do you want to see win?