The 'Shake It Up' star will portray the late singer and record four of Aaliyah's songs for the biopic.
- Jun 17, 2014
AceShowbiz - Zendaya Coleman will bring Aaliyah back to life in a Lifetime original movie. The Disney star has been tapped to play the late singer, who died at a young age of 22, in "Aaliyah: Princess of R&B". She will also record four of Aaliyah's songs, including some of her hit singles, for the film.
Based on slim biography "Aaliyah: More Than a Woman" by former Time Magazine music editor Christopher Farley, the biopic "follows the beautiful and talented performer's inspirational journey, from her debut on 'Star Search' at the age of ten to the challenges she faced during her rise to become the Princess of R&B. On August 25, 2001, at the height of her popularity, her life was tragically cut short when a plane carrying the singer and some of her video crew crashed after takeoff from a Bahamian runway."
To be directed by Bradley Walsh ("Turn the Beat Around") with a script written by Michael Elliot ("Brown Sugar"), the TV movie also captures the "Try Again" hitmaker's struggle to succeed in a tough business while staying grounded in the midst of her growing celebrity. Aaliyah Productions, Inc. will produce it, while Howard Braunstein and Debra Martin Chase will serve as executive producers.
Zendaya starred opposite Bella Thorne on Disney Channel's "Shake It Up" as one of the main characters. She appeared as one of the celebrity contestants on "Dancing with the Stars" season 16 and finished second. The 17-year-old actress/dancer/singer will next be seen in Disney's TV movie "Zapped" set to premiere Friday, June 27.
