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But yesterday (Feb. 23), Sparks bravely dried her tears and took the stage at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon to pay tribute to her fallen idol. Speaking to an audience that included Emma Stone, Paula Patton, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, Sparks remembered the good times with the woman she called her "mentor."
"The first day she got [to the set] she's scolding me, and I'm thinking this is the best day ever," shared Sparks of their 'Sparkle' set meeting. "She went from being this unreachable supernova pop star to my costar, friend and someone who was like a mentor to me. It was a gift and an honor to play opposite Whitney Houston in the film."
"When you see Sparkle, you will be so happy to see the joy that is on her face," Sparks continued. "Everyday started with Whitney saying, 'How are my babies doing? Are you guys good? God is good.' It translates on the screen."
After her emotional speech, Jordin then treated the audience to a performance of 'Look into Your Heart' -- a song recorded for the 'Sparkle' soundtrack.
Remembering Whitney Through Photos
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