The superstar, who died aged 48 in February, is seen in the trailer for upcoming movie Sparkle — a remake of the 1976 Supremes-inspired film. Whitney plays Effie, a mum who encouarges her three daughters — one of whom is played by American Idol winner Jordin Sparks — to seek fame.
The film, to be released in the US in August, was Whitney's first role since The Preachers' Wife in 1996. She appears confident and convincing, displaying a mixture of sorrow and happiness, in the two minute snippet that was exclusively aired today. Meanwhile, a bustier worn by Whitney has fetched ?11,700 at auction in Los Angeles. The item was among 13 pieces from the collection of the late I Wanna Dance With Somebody singer, which sold for a total of ?50,000 at the Hollywood Legends series on Saturday.
A grey velvet gown worn by Whitney at a pre-Grammy part in 1996 went for ?7,025 and pearl drop earrings she sported on the set of The Bodyguard sold for ?1,754. Celebrity auctioneer Darren Julien said people who purchased the goods wanted to have a connection to her.
He said: “What we have now is all we're going to have from Whitney Houston. That makes her memorabilia sought after by high end collectors and fans.” More items belonging to Whitney will be auctioned in June. Whitney's mother Cissy Houston recently revealed she had not fully accepted her daughter's tragic death in a bath tub at the Beverly Hilton hotel. She said: “I have my moments … I'm not there yet. I am a true believer in God. If I could bring her back I would, but that's not possible.”