Fans of the late Whitney Houston will have one more chance to see the singer perform.
Later this year, the film “Sparkle” is set to debut — Whitney’s last role, where she plays a mother concerned about the influence of fame and drugs on her three daughters, who form a singing group.
According to the Associated Press, Whitney sings “His Eye is on the Sparrow” on camera and does a duet with co-star Jordin Sparks over the credits in the film.
After a long stretch of drug use, Whitney’s voice appeared damaged the last several years. But TMZ says she was clean and sober while filming “Sparkle” and her voice sounded “phenomenal.”
Bishop T.D. Jakes told the AP that her rendition of “Sparrow” is moving. “She delivered it with such conviction that it was a very touching moment in the filming,” said T.D., a Texas minister who helped produce the film.
The movie and a soundtrack are set for release in August.
“She was on top of her game,” executive producer Howard Rosenman told the AP.
He saw a rough cut of the movie a day before the singer’s death.
“She was really coming back.”
Star-studded service
Whitney’s most well-known bodyguard, Kevin Costner, is slated to speak at her funeral on Saturday, a family source tells People magazine. The two co-starred in the blockbuster smash “The Bodyguard” in 1992.
Aretha Franklin, the late singer’s godmother, and Stevie Wonder are both expected to sing during the privates service, which is to take place in Newark, N.J.
Whitney’s rep has confirmed that Clive Davis, her longtime mentor and the record producer credited with her discovery, will also speak.
“Clive has been a complete rock for her family this entire time. He’s been with her since the beginning, and he’s been everything to them. They’re leaning on him for emotional support,” her rep said. “They’re thanking God for Clive.”
Keeping it classy
Rumor has it that Chris Brown not only showed up to Rihanna’s birthday party, but also tried to make everyone in attendance sign confidentiality agreements.
TMZ is reporting that Breezy entered the bash even though not everyone signed the nondisclosure agreement.
Despite admitting to assaulting her three years ago, he reportedly spend most of the night cuddled up with the “We Found Love” singer.
Sweet baby name
Jason Bateman and his wife have a new baby girl, his rep confirmed to Us Weekly.
The actor welcomed Maple Sylvie Bateman last Friday.
Maple is the second daughter for the pair, who have been married 10 years. Jason’s father-in-law, singer Paul Anka, broke news of the second pregnancy in August, saying, “I’m going to be a grandfather again. It’s another baby girl.”
