Whitney Houston’s ‘Sparkle’: An exclusive first look

>>> whitney houston 's tragic death in february the singer completed work on the remake of the 1976 movie called "sparkle." it's set to be released in august. and this morning we have an exclusive first look at the trailer.

>> make you want to dance.

>> go get it.

>> and you will, too. bring home some kid who can't sing.

>> she's spoken hot.

>> she's got two sisters and they can all sing.

>> you wrote that?

>> you thought it was good.

>> groups are hotter than ever right now. you should be together singing.

>> my mom used to sing professionally.

>> maybe you'd be like your mom and never reach your goals. don't fall short because you can't admit that you aren't.

>> you are amazing.

>> my babies. i know you all don't love each other that much.

>> i always knew that was a gift. it makes me feel like i did something right.

>> kathie lee is here along with her co-host for the morning pat o'brien. filling in for hoda. good to see you both. reaction to this, first time acting for whitney houston before her death in 16 years. what kind of interest level do you see for this movie?

>> nice to be here.

>> good to see you.

>> i think a lot. because of obviously the tragic death. but also, remember when kevin costner said she always wanted to be good. am i good enough? am i good enough? and i think that played a lot in whitney's life before she died. but i hope it's good. you know, i don't think it's a heath ledger situation. because that movie, when he did batman was a huge franchise. but yeah, there's going to be a lot of interest. she looked good there.

>> what do you think?

>> i was flooded with emotions as i watched it. it reminded me of how much we loved her in "the bodyguard" and in the other films. there's a vulnerability that she had that was -- that really came through the camera. and i think it's like watching a young dream girls . you know. it fills you with hope. and --

>> with loss.

>> it does. but i wasn't thinking that, al. i don't know, maybe some people will. but i think, i think it's -- look at the face there. she's so beautiful. and i think we will see a lot of truth in her performance when we watch it. it will be nice to see jordin sparks . a whole new generation coming up. so i don't know. i had not seen a thing and i just thought oh, i'm going to love this.

>> we all watched this at once. what also comes through in addition to the vulnerability is her strength.

>> yes. in spite of her weakness.

>> amazing how we were all waiting to see her.

>> yeah. yeah, yeah, yeah.

>> you probably interviewed her as many times as anyone, just any real quick thoughts on --

>> yeah, one of the first to do -- to interview her and then all through the years. she always said to me baby i like you, because you always have my back. i wish i would have had her back a little more. i wish i would have grabbed her and said, get a hold of yourself.

>> you were struggling.

>> i was struggling at the time myself.

>> what would you have said to her if you had a moment?

>> i would have forced -- i would have gotten rid of her crew and told her, get some help, now.