As reported by Complex Alexandra Shipp will be taking the leading role of the oft-delayed and controversial made-for-TV biopic of the late singer Aaliyah. Shipp replaces Zendaya Coleman. Other additions to the project, currently titled Aaliyah: Princess of R&B, are talk show host Wendy Williams, who will serve as Executive Producer, and producer Debra Martin Chase.

Shipp's past work includes several small television roles,but the 23-year-old rose to prominence after appearing as KT Rush on the Nickelodeon series House of Anubis. The family of Aaliyah are still taking legal measures to have the film's production blocked and maintain that they were never contacted about the biopic.

Aaliyah Dana Haughton died in a plane crash in August 2001, aged 22.