Stars came out in droves for the much-anticipated premiere of the remake of Sparkle Tuesday night, the last film project of the late Whitney Houston. Among the stars were the movie’s stars: Jordin Sparks, Carmen Ejogo and Tika Sumpter all showed up looking dazzling.
Sparks worked a sleeveless red Alice & Olivia mini dress with matching stiletto pumps with long wavy curls that cascaded down her back. Sumpter went in another direction with a long sleeved glittery floor-length gown and long straight hair. Ejogo kept it simple with a messy bun and off shoulder little black dress.
The premiere of the movie is bittersweet for many. Sparkle was one of Whitney Houston’s last projects before her death in February. And, while she was missed by her co-stars and others involved with the project, Houston was fondly remembered.
“Watching the movie now with her not here, it holds even more weight,” Sparks said prior to the premiere. “I just got chills thinking about it.” Sparks also remembered some of the lessons she got from Houston. “She was just this ray of light,” she continued. “She told me, ‘Believe in your gift. Believe in the talent you have.’ That stuck with me. I will never forget that.”
Sumpter also remembers Houston’s spirit. “She wanted to get to know all of us on a genuine level. She was always there to encourage us,” Sumpter said. “She really wanted all of us to have our moments. That’s major.”
Another singing legend attended the premiere to honor Houston. “I came out because it was Whitney’s last performance,” Aretha Franklin said. She who was in a photo Sparks posted on her Twitter page.
Franklin also had some kind words for Sparks. “She was an excellent choice [for the film]. She has a lot of class,” the Queen of Soul said.
Other stars that attended the premiere included Adrienne Bailon, Gabby Sidibe, Rutina Wesley and June Ambrose.
