Lifestyle’s Original Movie to air 8pm ET/PT on November 15
Much controversy has been surrounding the upcoming first Aaliyah biopic. From her parents not partaking in the production process, citing a theatrical release is most needed and even conflicts on who will assume the role – Lifetime gives fans a sigh of relief today announcing the original movie wil indeed be arriving this fall.
Executive produced by Wendy Williams, Howard Braunstein and Debra Martin Chase, Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B stars actress Alexandra Shipp. Disney star Zendaya drew much criticism in the social media world, unfortunately, for her skin complexion playing the role of the late singer; which even led to her pulling away from the lead role over the summer. We’re just hoping the 23-year-old Shipp is put in the right storyline for fans and most of her family to respect, to lead to future posthumous projects and unreleased material.
She was the princess of R&B and now her story is being told. #AaliyahMovie premieres Saturday, November 15. pic.twitter.com/uLOw8BMHlz
— Lifetime (@lifetimetv) September 18, 2014
Before Beyoncé and before Rihanna, self-proclaimed “street but sweet” Aaliyah was poised to become a global icon with top-selling albums, a hot movie career and an adoring fan base. The film follows the beautiful and talented performer’s inspirational journey, from her debut on “Star Search” at the age of ten to the challenges she faced during her rise to become the Princess of R&B. On August 25, 2001, at the height of her popularity, her life was tragically cut short when a plane carrying the singer and some of her video crew crashed after takeoff from a Bahamian runway. Although just 22-years-old at the time of her death, Aaliyah continues to lead a legacy as Billboard’s tenth most famous R&B artist of the past 25 years and one of the recording industry’s most successful artists in history.