Posted by | Ray Cornelius

Lifetime has released a premiere date, more exclusive photos and a trailer  for the upcoming biopic on the life of the late Whitney Houston. The film, which is simply titled, “WHITNEY” will air on Saturday, January 17 at 8 p.m.  Directed by Houston’s Exhale  co-star Angela Bassett, the movie follows the headline-making relationship between the iconic singer, actress, producer and model and singer and songwriter Bobby Brown from the time they first met at the very height of their celebrity to their courtship and tumultuous marriage.  Throughout it all, difficulties followed the superstar couple while they dealt with the overwhelming rewards and consequences of the fame and fortune created by Houston’s meteoric rise that would soon overshadow them both.

As previously reported, the role of Houston is being played by ANTM  alum, Ya Ya DaCosta and the role of Brown is being played by Arlen Escarpeta. Veteran actress Suzzanne Douglas will portray Cissy Houston while Cornelius Smith, Jr. will play Michael HoustonYolonda Ross will play Houston’s longtime friend and former assistant, Robyn Crawford.

R&B singer, Deborah Cox provides vocals for the film and will reportedly perform such hits as “The Greatest Love of All,” “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” “I’m Every Woman” and “I Will Always Love You.”

Check out the photos below and tell us what you think:

Photo 1

Photo 5

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 2

Photo 6

Photo Credits: IndieWire.com

Share