Stars 'Sparkle' On The Red Carpet

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks thrilled a crowd attending a special screening of the upcoming movie "Sparkle" Sunday. The movie stars Sparks alongside Whitney Houston -- in the film many describe as Houston's 10-year-long labor of love.

Franklin -- walking the red carpet at the Emagine Theater in Royal Oak -- said she thinks this movie will do Houston proud.

"Well, I saw Jump(ing) the Broom and I'm glad that Bishop (T.D.) Jakes his this movie, particularly for her image and her lasting image," Franklin said.

Franklin also told reporters she was thrilled the remake was filmed in her hometown.

"I love it ... some of this was filmed at the home of one of my florists down in Palmer Woods," Franklin said. "He told me that they were there then; I was talking to him -- getting some flowers for something else -- he said, oh they're down here filming now. And, Sissy told me that she was on her way into town, too, at one point."

Franklin's music played a prominent part of the original "Sparkle," which starred Lonette McKee, Philip Michael Thomas and Irene Cara in the title role.

The remake of "Sparkle" opens August 17th. It also features Mike Epps, Derek Luke, Carmen Ejogo and Tika Sumpter.