`` American Idol '' winner Jordin Sparks portrays the title character , Sparkle , one of three sisters , and Houston plays their mother . ` Whitney Houston took her first movie role in 15 years . The remake of ` ` Sparkle '' will be released later this summer . Producer T.D . Abrams and I was ` ` stunned '' by her performance . Jakes is attending Houston 's funeral in New Jersey on Saturday .
Whitney Houston took her first movie role in 15 years . The remake of ` ` Sparkle '' will be released later this summer . Producer T.D . Abrams and I was ` ` stunned '' by her performance . Jakes is attending Houston 's funeral in New Jersey on Saturday .