Whitney Houston's first UK performance in 11 years has divided the critics.

The 46-year-old American diva took to the stage in Birmingham in front of a sell-out crowd.

The singer was forced to temporarily put off three concerts at the start of the UK leg of the tour while she recovered from an infection.

Dressed in tight white trousers and a metallic white jacket, she told the crowd: "I'm feeling pretty good myself, thank you so much for asking."

The two-hour show at Birmingham's LG Arena passed without any major dramas, despite fans becoming restless when the star's mid-show outfit change left them waiting for around 15 minutes.

At one point Whitney, who had been due to start her UK tour in Manchester last Thursday, took a programme from a fan in the audience and signed it.

She told her fans: "Thank you so much for your love, your support and your loyalty," adding: "I have nothing but love for you. Thank you so very much."

Houston had earlier shrugged off suggestions that she could be on a downward spiral due to drugs, branding speculation "ridiculous".

Speaking as she entered the UK earlier last week, she said: "I'm feeling great, I'm just ready to move on and continue my world tour."