Local make-up artist says Whitney Houston was "down to earth" during movie shoot

(WXYZ) - For the few people who crossed paths with legendary singer Whitney Houston her sudden passing has left emotional scars.

Houston was just in metro Detroit a couple of months ago shooting “Sparkle,” the film based on the story of The Supremes.

Those who worked on the set with the mega-star say it was an unforgettable experience.

“She was very down to earth. She ate with us, talked to us. She was so excited about the project,” said Talya Ashford, a make-up artist from Ferndale who worked on the set of the new movie. “You could tell she was excited, that she was living in the moment during the shoots.”

Our partners at Entertainment Tonight interviewed Houston while she was filming. She beamed with pride as she talked about the movie.

“We are putting our hearts and souls into this project and as it progresses it’s bigger than we thought, just as what we’re experiencing as a vibe, as a feeling,” Houston said.

"Sparkle" is scheduled for release in August of this year.