Whitney Houston sang the gospel classic "Eyes on the Sparrow" in the film and duets with Jordin Sparks, the film's star, on a new R. Kelly song, "Celebrate" over the end credits. Sony Pictures has it scheduled for release in early August. RCA will release the soundtrack.
"Sparkle" is a remake of the 1976 Irene Cara film. The picture was to be an acting comeback for the singer, who had not appeared in a theatrical release since "The Preacher's Wife" in 1996.
Whitney Houston was also one of five executive producers on the movie, having acquired remake rights in close to 12 years ago. Her original plan was to have Aaliyah star as Sparkle, until the singer died in a plane crash in August 2001.
