Credit: Alicia Gbur/Sony Pictures/AP Photo.

"Sparkle," the movie in which Jordin Sparks makes her film debut, hits theaters August 17, and of course, it also features the late Whitney Houston in the role of Sparks' character's mom.  In the new issue of V magazine, Sparks recalled what it was like hanging out on set with the superstar, who had always been an idol of hers.

"She walked in and I was like 'This.Is.Awesome,' Sparks said.  "She was always so full of light.  Every day, she would open the door and say, 'How are my babies this morning?  Are my babies good? God is good. Praise the Lord.'"

Sparks also remembered a moment on set where she got some insight into one of Houston's biggest hits.  "One day, actually, she was walking behind me and singing, 'I Have Nothing,'" she told V.  "And then she reached out and said, 'I forgot I sang that.  I was annoyed that day and just didn't want to do it.  We ended up doing it in three takes!'"

"Sparkle" is the latest entry in Jordin's resume, which includes successful albums, a fragrance, a starring role on Broadway and charity work.  "I definitely want to build an empire," she told V.