Lifetime is loading up on R&B biopics. Shortly after getting the gears in motion for a telepic based on the life of the late Whitney Houston, the cable network has announced plans for a project on the short-lived career of ’90s phenom Aaliyah.

Stepping into the singer’s shoes is Disney Channel fixture Zendaya Coleman. The star of series “Shake It Up!” recently gained widespread recognition with a stint on “Dancing With the Stars.”

Aaliyah, who topped the charts from 1994 to her death at just 22 years old in 2001, has yet to get a biopic treatment. This film, tentatively titled Aaliyah: Princess of R&B, will be based off of Christopher Farley’s bestselling biography “Aaliyah: More Than a Woman.”

Coleman brings more than just acting chops to the role. She is also a singer and released a self-titled debut in 2013 — the first single selling more than 1 million copies.

For the full article visit Billboard