Set to be released on Dec. 23, the biographical musical film, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (who loves me)”, will highlight Whitney Houston’s life and singing career. The movie displays how Houston rose to fame, and eventually became one the greatest singers of her generation. 

At a young age, Whitney was introduced to singing in church and from her mother Emily Houston, back up vocal group singer for Aretha Franklin. Eventually, while singing at a nightclub in 1983, Whitney was discovered at just 19 years old by famous music producer Clive Davis, known to have the “golden ear,”with Arista Records.

The film stars Naomi Ackie (Whitney Houston), Ashton Sanders (Bobby Brown), and Stanley Tucci (Clive Davis). 

In an interview, Tucci said, “And I have to say, I had absolutely one of the best times working on that film.” He added, “ I cannot wait to see that performance put together, because I have to say she [Naomi Ackie] is extraordinary.

The movie about Whitney Houston, one of the most adored stars in the world, honors her legacy while highlighting her struggles in her rise to fame and showing that nothing comes easy. One of Whitney’s big struggles was addiction. 

She spoke about this in a 2000 interview on Primetime with Diane Sawyer. “I can tell you that I am not self-destructive. I’m not a person who wants to die. I’m a person who has life, who wants to live. And I always have. And I wouldn’t mistake it for anything else other than that.”

She inspired and influenced people worldwide after setting many industry records and coming out number 1 on the  charts. 

Not only was she a talented singer, but she was a role model. She founded the Whitney Houston foundation for children that went specifically to children in need who were unwell or didn’t have a place to call home. 

Riordan’s head of college counseling and singer,  Melissa Nagar said, “Whitney Houston was a star and one of the all-time greatest vocalists. I think she is someone that young artists love to cover and aspire to be.” 

Whitney Houston paved the way for many young determined artists, showing that nothing is impossible no matter where you start.