Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The theatrical trailer for “Sparkle” was released today, and I can only imagine it will mark the beginning of a publicity frenzy leading up to the film’s Aug. 17 release.

It was, of course, designed as a comeback film of sorts for Whitney Houston, who died on the eve of this year’s Grammy Awards.

But the lead role is played by Idol Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks in the role of Sparkle, one member of a three-girl singing group from Harlem.

The girls are sisters and struggle with their pursuit of fame and fortune. Carmen Ejogo and Tika Sumpter are the other sisters; Whitney plays the sisters’ mother.

Also in the cast — Cee Lo Green. Yep, the judge from The Voice.

And the trailer promises a soundtrack featuring new music from Jordin, Whitney and Cee Lo.

The film is a remake of a 1976 movie by the same name, starring Irene Cara as Sparkle.

Here’s the trailer.

Update: Monday night, Jordin and co-star Mike Epps are doing a live chat at uStream.tv/sparkle. Time: 7:30 p.m. EST.