Jordan Sparks and founding member of the Supremes Mary Wilson were among the stars who lined up to talk about Whitney Houston's legacy at the "Sparkle" premiere in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Wilson said the late singer left her mark on the world through her unique voice.
SOUNDBITE: Mary Wilson, The Supremes founding member, saying (English):
"There was so much negativity surrounding her for so long. This is one of those statements, although she's not here to say it, she would say, 'See I told you I was great.' Her talent was just wonderful, so this is definitely a testament to that."
The movie is a remake of the 1976 film of the same name, tells the story of three sisters who become Motown stars who have to deal with the pressures of fame. The late Houston plays Jordin Sparks' mother.
SOUNDBITE: Jordin Sparks, The Supremes founding member, saying (English):
"I feel like it's her last gift to everybody. There were a lot of parallels in this film that Whitney lived herself and I think that was another reason why she was so excited to get it out because she had gone through that. It's a gift to young women and girls and men as well. It's what happens when you go through things and the decisions you make and the choices you make and how you deal with the consequences; that was very poignant for her, she really wanted to say something like that."
The role was Houston's comeback to the big screen after a 15-year hiatus from acting in movies like "The Bodyguard" and "The Preacher's Wife."
It is 22-year-old Sparks' first leading movie role, five years after becoming the youngest female to win "American Idol."
Sparkle hits movie theatres in the U.S. on August 17.
