While Alexandra Shipp has faced lots of criticism for signing on to play Aaliyah in the upcoming Lifetime biopic, actress Elise Neal has opened up about playing the legendary Gladys Knight, who is actually Aaliyah's aunt by marriage.

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Unlike Shipp, Neal's character could not only tune in but critique her every move. Neal spoke with Sister 2 Sister Friday and said she is not feeling any pressure.

"I approached it like I approached any other role that I'm going to do. There's no fear in approaching a character for an actor, whether they're loved, hated. You're supposed to do your due diligence and create the truest character in their interpretation."

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She also opened up about how she prepared to portray the legendary singer.

"I'm checking out performances to see how she moves on stage, definitely trying to embody knowing who she is. I did this normal steps," she said.

Neal also spoke with Access Hollywood and revealed that she is excited about letting fans see her in a different role than she has ever portrayed.

"Anybody asked me to do anything that I can show that other side of myself, I'm down. I tried my best to really own it... I tried to sound like her. I tried to like really embody her."

The upcoming biopic has received lots of criticism already as Aaliyah's family did all they can to stop the movie from becoming a reality. Shipp even had to sing the hit songs herself because the movie was not allowed to use Aaliyah's vocals.

Take a look at Neal's interview with Access Hollywood and a first look of her as Knight below. Aaliyah: Princess Of R&B airs Nov. 15 at 8/7c on Lifetime.

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