Whitney Houston was poised to make a comeback with her role as a single mother in Sparkle, starring Jordin Sparks and Derek Luke. But, sadly, Houston passed away in February at age 49, just days after wrapping her final movie. Whitney’s passing was difficult on her fans who poured their hearts out in emotional tributes on social networking websites.

Screenings of Sparkle is evoking emotional responses from audience members who fight to hold back tears during Whitney’s scenes.

From Page Six:

Whitney Houston’s voice drew tears from the audience at the Tribeca Grand during a screening of “Sparkle,” Houston’s last on-screen performance. When the late singer appeared in a church scene singing a solo of gospel hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” sniffles could be heard in the audience, which included the movie’s stars, Jordin Sparks, Derek Luke, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick, Mike Epps and Carmen Ejogo. After wiping away tears, the crowd burst into applause at the end of Houston’s scene.

Sparkle is in theaters nationwide on August 17.

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