United Kingdom, Sept. 27 -- Whitney Houston inspired the winner of the world's first AI awards for music.

The late singer, who died aged 48 in February 2012, was cited as a guiding influence by US-based creator who goes by the name Sword for Hire, winner of a new global competition dubbed the "Grammys for AI music".

Sword for Hire, who works in digital marketing, said their winning track Sweetest Illusion began with a moment of inspiration during yoga.

The song, a sultry R and B number, was designed to echo the spirit of Whitney's work, with the creator saying: "The story came to me in an instant - that electric tension of connection, and the mature choice to keep it unspoken.

"I wanted a song Whitney Houston would be proud to sing. I...