America's Next Top Model cycle three runner-up, Yaya Alafia, has recently landed the role of a lifetime, having been selected to portray the late R&B/pop sensation Whitney Houston in a movie chronicling her life.

According to TVLine.com, the made-for-TV movie is set to premiere exclusively on Lifetime, and will document Houston's speedy ascent to mega-stardom all occurring in the midst of balancing a rocky relationship with former New Edition frontman Bobby Brown.

While this will indeed be Alafia's first major leading role, she is no stranger to the big or small screen. Following her stint on Top Model, the then-aspiring actor landed recurring roles in All My Children, Ugly Betty and House. Most recently she portrayed Carol Hammie, a student activist and revolutionary participant in the civil rights movement, in Lee Daniels' The Butler.

The yet-to-be-titled movie will be directed by veteran actress Angela Bassett, and is slated for a 2015 release. However, the film has been blasted by Houston's estate and Bobbi Kristina.  
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(Photos from left: Rommel Demano/Getty Images, Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)