Rihanna to Play Whitney Houston in Upcoming Biopic?

According to People.com, pop star Rihanna is among a handful of actresses in strong contention to take on the role of Whitney Houston in an upcoming film biopic about the late recording artist. Only days after the funeral of the music icon, Clive Davis, Houston's mentor announced the project, which will immortalise the 48-year-old singer's life. A source close to Davis commented to People, "Clive wants to get the script done and start filming as soon as possible."

Among the reported 'short list' of names being considered for the starring role are Rihanna, Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, Independence Day ­actress Vivica Fox, recording artist Brandy and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, who will co-star with Houston in the upcoming film 'Sparkle'. According to the report, Will Smith's daughter, Willow, is being considered for the role of Houston's 18-year old daughter, Bobbie Christina.

Houston's body was found on February 11th in the bath tub of her Beverly Hills hotel. The singer was to perform at a pre-Grammy celebration in Los Angeles. Her funeral was held last weekend in New Jersey and was watched by fans worldwide.

According to the source, "Whitney knew about the project and was excited to see where it would lead. It's hoped the biopic will be as successful as Tina Turner movie What's Love Got To Do With It, which landed two Oscar nominations for Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne who played Tina and Ike Turner."