'Drumline 2' Cast 2014; 'Aaliyah Movie' Star Alexandra Shipp Defends Playing Late Singer Amidst Backlash, 'A Lot of People Don't Know Who She Is' [VIDEO]
Aaliyah Haughton was truly a star. From the age of 14, she lit up stages with her voice and impeccable dance skills. When her life tragically ended in a plane crash when she was only 22-years-old, her fans were completely damaged by the news. The media took on a new fascination with the R&B singer and her celebrity peers missed her, and still do, deeply.
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Her rise to fame only took five years and now, more than a decade after her untimely death, Wendy Williams and Debra Martin Chase wanted to bring her behind the scenes story to life. The producing pair created their own film under Wendy Williams Productions, and now the film will show nationwide on Lifetime, Nov. 15.
Still, Aaliyah's family had a problem with the creation of the film because it was done without their knowledge or consent. In an interview with The Wrap, Aaliyah's cousin Jomo Hankerson was upset because the producers did not reach out the family and "to put it on the small screen ... it's not the right treatment for her legacy."
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After actress and singer Zendaya backed out of playing the lead, "Drumline 2" star Alexandra Shipp stepped in. In her defense, she wanted to play the role to bring the younger generation up to speed with who Aaliyah was. According to her, the "Are You That Somebody" singer was "goofy" and always with her friends.
Watch her explanation on why she took on the role and what she learned in our exclusive interview.
"Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B" airs on Saturday, November 15 at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime. Will you be watching?
Keep up with the cast on Twitter, @LetoyaLuckett, @AlexShippp and @JordanCalloway1.
