Nickelodeon Star Alexandra Shipp To Play Aaliyah In Upcoming Biopic

    Is Shipp really that somebody?

    It was announced Friday that 23-year-old Alexandra Shipp will play Aaliyah in Lifetime's upcoming biopic Aaliyah: Princess of R&B.

    The news comes less than a month after Zendaya Coleman walked away from the role that brought criticism from fans and even the departed singer's family.

    Executive producer Debra Martin Chase told BuzzFeed that Lifetime is excited to have Shipp as part of the production.

    "Like Aaliyah, Alex is a triple threat — a wonderful, strong actress; a very talented singer; and a great dancer. She also grew up idolizing Aaliyah and possesses a similar star quality. We are all thrilled to have Alex on board."

    You might recognize Shipp from House of Anubis, Victorius, Switched At Birth, and Awkward.

    She's also been known to cover songs on YouTube.

    View this video on YouTube

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    According to executive producer Wendy Williams, the Lifetime biopic will resume filming this summer and is scheduled to premier this fall.