A new Aaliyah documentary from ABC News is receiving some serious critiques following its debut.
The TV special, titled “Superstar: Aaliyah,” follows the story of the late singer’s life and career. The doc includes commentary from Aaliyah’s uncle and former manger, Barry Hankerson, Sevyn Streeter, Touré and her ex-boyfriend Damon Dash, who she was dating at the time of her death.
Fans of the singer shared their hope about the documentary’s outcome when its trailer was first dropped on June 5. But following the premiere Wednesday, social media was quickly filled with constructive criticism about the hour-long special.
Fans Left Wanting More
Viewers noted that much of the information shared in the doc was just a retelling of Aaliyah facts most longtime fans and music lovers already knew about the singer. This led many on Twitter to suggest the documentary was most impactful for a viewer who knew little to nothing about Aaliyah and her music career.
“If you’re learning anything *new* from this aaliyah doc, you’re either super young or wasn’t a real fan,” one twitter user noted.
There were also issues raised about the lack of involvement of Aaliyah’s estate and close family and friends in the doc. Since her death in 2001, Aaliyah’s estate has been extremely selective of the projects it participates in centered around the singer. Her close friend and family — such as artists Missy Elliott and Ginuwine — have remained absent from any projects that have not been approved by Aaliyah’s estate.
“I can’t really get into ANY doc about Aaliyah that doesn’t actually include her parents, sibling, Timbaland or Missy. Such a glaring hole,” one twitter user stressed.
The focus on the more traumatic elements of Aaliyah’s life also served as an issue for many viewers. Including part of the special focusing on the singer’s marriage to R. Kelly.
Music industry vet Naima Cochrane took to her Twitter page to share her own thoughts on the challenges of any project aiming to explore Aaliyah’s life.
“Trying to tell any story of Aaliyah on air is still so complicated. Barry ain’t gonna say nothing real. Ms. Houghton/the estate aren’t gonna approve anything he’s part of. Missy & Tim aren’t gonna be part of anything the fam didn’t approve. But Barry controls the music clearance,” Cochrane tweeted.
With Aaliyah’s estate remaining at odds with Hankerson — including over the release of her catalog to streaming services back in 2021 — many fans remain skeptical that an in-depth documentary or biopic on the singer will ever be created.