Aretha Franklin, Martha Reeves and Jordin Sparks walked the red carpet Sunday for a special advanced screening of 'Sparkle,' a remake of the 1976 film.
The film, starring Sparks and the late Whitney Houston, was filmed in Detroit and was supposed to be Houston's comeback before her untimely death earlier this year.
Sparks plays Sparkle, a struggling music prodigy trying to balance a new life and her singing group during the Motown-era. "For me it was a complete learning experience," said Sparks during the premiere at Royal Oak's Emagine Theatre Sunday.
Click the video player to watch a string of interviews with Sparks.
Houston plays Spark's mother. "I admired here and I idolized her when I was younger," said Sparks. "She was just so giving and open and she just wanted to get to know all of us. She wanted to see us shine."
Franklin, who performed on the original 70s soundtrack, was pleased with Sparks' performance. "I like her. I like her a lot," said Franklin. But she admitted seeing her goddaughter Houston onscreen was a bittersweet moment.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:39 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:39:46 GMT
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:28 AM EDT2013-05-22 06:28:15 GMT
More than 2,000 people were in attendance to hear Donald Trump speak at Oakland County's Lincoln Day Dinner. Before the event, he told reporters he believes Detroit is "on the right path."
More than 2,000 people were in attendance to hear Donald Trump speak at Oakland County's Lincoln Day Dinner. Before the event, he told reporters he believes Detroit is "on the right path."
Monday, May 20 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:08:56 GMT
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:30:30 GMT
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:28:22 GMT
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:21:55 GMT
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:53:47 GMT
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:39 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:39:46 GMT
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:38:56 GMT
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
