While Alexandra Shipp still faces backlash after deciding to play late singer Aaliyah in her upcoming Lifetime biopic, she has revealed that she was initially turned down for the role.

Alexandra Shipp Talks Getting Criticism Of Aaliyah Role 'It's Hard'

Shipp spoke with New York City's WBLS earlier this month and broke the news that she did go out for the controversial lead part, but was told "no." So she went on to film for another lead role in VH1's Drumline: A New Beat. Shipp said that once she was finished, the crew for the Aaliyah biopic gave her a call and offered the role.

Interestingly enough, Zendaya Coleman was actually given the part before she backed out.

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Shipp said that while she is happy she was given the opportunity, it surely does come with lots of pressure.

"I loved her growing up...It's nerve wrecking because people loved her so much. I loved her so much that it's like, whoever got cast in it, 'you better do it right.' And so I hope that when people see it, they see how hard I worked on it."

She said that she studied Aaliyah's craft and habits constantly.

"So people will see it and say, 'You know what? She did her job.'"

Still, Shipp added that she is honored to play the One In A Million songstress as she remembered her growing up and even can recall the day she passed away.

See what else Shipp had to say about the role in the video below.

Aaliayh: The Princess Of R&B airs Nov. 15 on Lifetime at 8/7c.

Tags: Aaliyah Movie Aaliyah Moe Cast Aaliyah Biopic