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After weeks of speculation, Disney star and "Replay" singer Zendaya is that "One in a Million." The 17-year-old Dancing With The Stars alum has been cast as Aaliyah in Lifetime's upcoming made-for-TV-movie based on the late singer's life. Aaliyah: Princess of R&B is set to begin principal photography this summer, with a premiere scheduled in the fall.
Based on the best-selling biography Aaliyah: More Than a Woman, the movie will track the young star's meteoric rise to the top of the music world, and her tragic death in a 2001 plane crash. Aaliyah was only 22.
Zendaya is probably best known to audiences as the runner-up on season 16 of Dancing With the Stars, and for her role on the Disney Channel series Shake it Up! She's also showcased her vocal chops on her self-titled 2013 debut album.
Although her career was incredibly brief, Aaliyah and her story continue to fascinate fans and casual observers alike. While we're still not sold on Lifetime and its ability to bring iconic cultural figures to life in an entertaining way (Liz & Dick, anyone?), casting an emerging talent like Zendaya is as good a start as any. (Us Weekly)