ABC News profiles Aaliyah with hour long TV special
Aaliyah is one of the most legendary RnB icons of all time. Earning the nickname of “Princess of Rnb,” her impact was felt throughout music, film and fashion. Despite her untimely death in 2001, her legacy continues to influence pop culture everywhere. As a result of her impact, ABC News profiles Aaliyah with an hour long TV special titled, Superstar: Aaliyah. The hour long special will explore Aaliyah’s life, including the marriage scandal with R.Kelly and her transition into a Hollywood movie star.
At the young age of ten Aaliyah was introduced to the world on the popular show Star Search. She also performed alongside Gladys Knight, who was previously married to her manager and uncle Barry Hankerson. Signing to Jive records at the age of tweleve, Aaliyah was introduced to R.Kelly who then produced her first album Age Aint Nothing but a Number. The album sold 3 million copies worldwide, reaching double platinum status. Despite the success of the album, the nature of the relationship between the two became a cause for concern. Aaliyah left Jive records to sign with Atlantic Records shortly after.
During her time at Atlantic she began working with both Timberland and Missy Elliot. Producing her second album titled One in a Million, Aaliyah sold 8 million worldwide. In 2000 Aaliyah graced the big screen staring in her first film Romeo Must Die. She followed up with her second and final film Queen of the Damned, and her final album titled Aaliyah in 2001. With such a short yet impactful career Aaliyah’s story deserves to be shared. The TV special will also feature exclusive interviews from Damon Dash, Barry Hankerson, Justin Skye, Seven Streeter, will.i.am and others. Superstar: Aaliyah airs Wednesday, June 14th on ABC.
