WHITNEY HOUSTON HEADED TO RUSSIA: Singer to headline two shows in December before touring Europe and Asia.

       The singer's official website lists the two engagements on Dec. 9 at the Olympisky Stadium in Moscow, and Dec. 12 at the Ice Palace in St. Petersburg.       

       The concerts will be Whitney's first since the Aug. 31 release of her first studio recording in seven years, "I Look to You." The Europe-Asia dates represent the first tour for Houston in 11 years, according to the singer's reps, PMK HBH.       

       Her more recent appearances were for a studio audience on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and a Central Park set for "Good Morning America."       

       The shows, according to Variety, will apparently be used as a testing ground for a possible U.S. tour.  Following the dates in Moscow, Houston's website lists five nights of performances in Japan, followed by five dates in the U.K. beginning April 8 and eight cities in Germany.