Whitney Houston is making a sparkling comeback to the big screen. The legendary diva is executive producing and starring alongside Jordin Sparks in a remake of the 1976 Motown-era film Sparkle. “ET” went on set with Houston for her first big-screen role since The Preacher’s Wife in 1996.

“I got a call from my partner Debra Martin and she said, ‘You’re not gonna believe this, but Sparkle‘s been picked up and they want to do a film.’ And I was like, you’re kidding,” said the 48-year-old singer-actress.

She explained why the “American Idol” winner was perfect to play the role of her musical daughter. “She speaks for herself—the face, the smile, the innocence, the love for music, the love for singing,” said Whitney of her 21-year-old co-star. “Her personality just being Jordin and transferring that to Sparkle, it was not a hard transition.”

Sparks picked up some pointers from her on-screen mother. “I listened to her and I watched her and for her to be standing here and just telling me different things, I definitely want to take it to heart ’cause she’s been through so much—highs, lows, ups, downs, successes, different things like that—and it’s just so amazing to stand here and she’s still doing it.”