Houston dazzles with rare live performance

Whitney Houston has taken her first step toward a career comeback with a well-received live performance at a charity ball in London.

In a bid to prove she has put her troubles behind her, the singer stepped onto the stage at the Caudwell Children Legends Ball on Thursday evening, where she wowed the packed venue with her greatest hits.

Wearing a full-length gown decorated with sparkling Chopard diamonds, Houston performed before a host of celebrity guests, including Elton John's partner, film producer David Furnish.

Furnish says: "I have seen Whitney sing live in New York about 10 years ago or 11 years ago at Sting and Trudie's Rainforest Party and she was fantastic.

"She hasn't been doing much live performing since then so I think this is a real coup to get her out and performing live again."

Furnish insists the 44-year-old doesn't need to prove herself in order to relaunch her career.

He adds: "I think relaunch is the wrong word, I think when you have someone like Whitney who is spectacularly talented, I think they can take as much time off as they want and if they get the right songs they can come back and sell lots of records."

Houston has been in the studio with her mentor, music mogul Clive Davis, working on her seventh studio album, due this winter.