Rihanna? Jordin Sparks? Jennifer Hudson?: Who Might Play Whitney Houston in Biopic?

The late Whitney Houston's longtime friend and mentor Clive Davis is putting together a biopic about his fallen protege's rise and tragic fall, and according to the London Daily Mail, he's aiming high for star-power to portray the six-time Grammy winner.

The Arista Records founder and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has reportedly set his his sights upon three young artists undoubtedly influenced by Houston's success throughout the 1980s and '90s with hits such as "I Wanna Dance With Somebody," "How Will I Know" and of course her 1992 smash cover of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You." Two of them are successful "American Idol" alumni and the third, one of the world's best-selling hip-hop and R&B artists.

To date, Rihanna doesn't have any significant acting experience of which she can speak. In fact, she'll be making her starring debut this coming summer in the big-screen adaptation of the board game "Battleship," starring alongside "True Blood" star Alexander Skarsgard and model Brooklyn Decker.

And actually, if it's acting chops that come into play, Jennifer Hudson probably trumps all. Hudson performed a stirring "I Will Always Love You" at the Feb. 19 Grammy Awards - less than 24 hours after Houston was found unconcscious in her Beverly Hills Hilton hotel room's bathtub and pronounced dead on the scene. Hudson made it deep into the "American Idol" finalists during the third season in 2004, and went on to later win a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her performance in 2006's "Dreamgirls."

Jordin Sparks won her 2006 "American Idol" season at the young age of 17 years old. Just as important as her proven vocal ability, she stars in the forthcoming remake of the 1976 film "Sparkle," inspired by the story of seminal early rhythm and blues girl-group, The Supremes. Playing her mother in the film, which is now being rushed into completion? Whitney Houston.

So, do tell us: of these three most intriguing names being tossed around, who do you think should play Houston? Sparks acted alongside her. Hudson not only has the singing and acting acumen, but was also well-respected by Houston. But it could also be a break-out role for Rihanna, who would add ample name-recognition value to the project?

An even better question: is this a movie that should really be made this soon?

Let us know in the comments section below.