The world was shocked by the death this year of Whitney Houston, but not as much as her co-star Jordin Sparks.
Her grief came, despite only knowing her for two months, as she felt Whitney's genius beside her, saying that acting alongside Whitney was "intimidating" but also "really fun".
On working with Whitey, the former American Idol winner told NBC's TODAY: "It was incredible, just taking out of it the acting side, as a singer I grew up listening to her music and idolizing her so, that's intimidating and really fun at the same time. And she made it so comfortable. … She's always delivered in her on-screen performances, so for me, I was just like, 'What can I learn'."
Jordin continued to say how she attempted to learn from the star, saying: "I was just this sponge soaking up everything she was doing -- little nuances, how she would change things. She was the consummate professional. … As soon as they yelled, 'Action!' she was just (her 'Sparkle' character) Emma ... I'd go, 'Oh, my gosh. This is Whitney!' Then I'd go, 'Is she really mad at me right now?' She was so great at it."
However the star's untimely death cut their relationship short, and Jordin told the show that it still affected her, adding: "For me it's crazy. I only got to know her for two months. It was an intense two months. You spend that much time with somebody, and you do get very close. I was devastated, shell shocked rather. For me to feel that way, I can't imagine how her family and people who've known her for years have felt. I was so completely devastated that they must be still just reeling from it. It still comes in waves."
Lastly, the actress and singer talked up Whitney's role in the movie to fans, praising the singer with the words: "What better gift for her to leave all of her fans than this amazing performance that she does (in 'Sparkle)."
The movie, which follows a musical prodigy as she deals with family problems, is set for release in the US on August 17.
PHOTOS: Whitney Houston 1963-2012
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