The highly-controversial Lifetime biopic documenting the career of late Detroit R&B legend Aaliyah Dana Haughton, has released its first mini-trailer, giving viewers their first look at Alexandra Shipp as Aaliyah.
The 16-second teaser shows the House of Anubis star Shipp in Aaliyah-style, recreating subtle dance mannerisms and showcasing her striking physical resemblance. Shipp’s debut ensemble as the “Princess of R&B” consists of camouflage cargo pants, an oversized denim jacket and a pair of Timberland boots.
Aaliyah, who was born in Brooklyn, but raised in Detroit, began her singing career at the age of 10. She went on to release three double-platinum albums (Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number, One in a Milion and Aaliyah), earn five Grammy Award nominations and become Billboard’s 27th most successful R&B artist in history.
Aaliyah’s untimely death at the age of 22 was caused by a tragic plane crash in the Bahamas, shortly after finishing a music video for her single “Rock the Boat.” Eight other passengers were killed in the crash, including the pilot of the Cessna 402B.
The Lifetime original biopic saw objections during production by Aaliyah’s family members, criticizing it for “disregarding the families and dishonoring the legacies of celebrated figures who have passed on.” Regardless, the biopic will appear on Lifetime Saturday, November 15.
Watch the teaser for “Aaliyah: Princess of R&B” below: