Prior to her passing, Whitney Houston had been working on Sparkle, a remake of a 1976 film that centers on teenage sisters who form a singing group in Harlem.
She co-stars in the film, which hits theaters on August 17 and will be dedicated to the late legend, with former American Idol champion Jordin Sparks, who fought through tears yesterday while honoring Houston at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
“When you see Sparkle, you will be so happy to see the joy that is on her face,” Sparks said of Whitney, with whom she shares an interview below. “Everyday started with Whitney saying, ‘How are my babies doing? Are you guys good? God is good.’ It translates on the screen.”
Speaking to attendees that included Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Emma Stone, Paula Patton, Pam Grier and Kerry Washington, Sparks concluded:
“The first day she got [to the set] she’s scolding me, and I’m thinking this is the best day ever. She went from being this unreachable supernova pop star to my costar, friend and someone who was like a mentor to me. It was a gift and an honor to play opposite Whitney Houston in the film.”