Did the actress that played Whitney Houston really sing?
In the film “Sparkle,” the iconic role of Whitney Houston was portrayed by Yaya DaCosta. However, there has been much debate about whether DaCosta actually sang her own parts in the movie. This article aims to delve into this controversy and shed light on the truth behind DaCosta’s singing abilities.
Yaya DaCosta’s Background
Yaya DaCosta is an American actress and singer born on May 31, 1985, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She began her career as a model before transitioning into acting. DaCosta’s acting credentials include roles in popular television shows such as “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” and “The Divide.” Despite her success in acting, it was her singing skills that garnered attention during her portrayal of Whitney Houston in “Sparkle.”
Whitney Houston’s Legacy
Whitney Houston was an American singer, actress, and model, born on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey. She rose to fame in the late 1980s with her self-titled debut album, which became the best-selling debut album by a woman at that time. Houston’s powerful voice and charismatic presence made her one of the most celebrated artists of her generation. Her untimely death in 2012 at the age of 48 left a void in the music industry.
DaCosta’s Singing Abilities
When it comes to the question of whether Yaya DaCosta sang her own parts in “Sparkle,” the answer is a bit complicated. During the film’s production, it was reported that DaCosta did indeed sing her own parts. This was confirmed by her co-star, Whitney Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, who stated that DaCosta’s singing was “amazing.”
However, there were also reports that DaCosta’s singing was dubbed by a session singer named Aisha. This sparked a debate among fans and critics about the authenticity of DaCosta’s performance. Some argued that the use of a session singer was a common practice in the film industry, while others believed that DaCosta should have been given the opportunity to showcase her singing talents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the actress that played Whitney Houston in “Sparkle,” Yaya DaCosta, did indeed sing her own parts in the film. While there were reports of a session singer being used, the final decision to have DaCosta sing her own parts was made to ensure the authenticity of her portrayal. Despite the controversy, DaCosta’s performance in “Sparkle” was widely praised, and she has continued to build her acting and singing career since then.
