The biopic of the legendary Florence Ballard, the ex Supreme who died penniless and on welfare, is in the works. R&B singer Faith Evans revealed today that she landed the role of Ballard.

I always give the side-eye when singers who have little experience acting play biopics. Ballard is a meaty, complex character and the main inspiration behind Effie White in Dreamgirls. Nonetheless, Evans might surprise us — she certainly has the soul in her vocals.

Ballard was the voice of The Supremes, but as their popularity increased, Diana Ross‘ pop voice was moved to the front. This caused tension in the group, which eventually forced Ballard to leave. The Detroit native suffered with weight issues, alcoholism and depression. Florence Ballard died in 1976 at 32 years old.

Faith Evans has appeared in two films, 2000’s Turn It Up and 2003’s The Fighting Temptations. Faith surely has the musical chops to play Ballard and has a striking resemblance, so I am definitely curious to see her acting chops.

Side note: Who is going to play Diana Ross? Maybe Taraji P. Henson’s dream will finally come true and she’ll get to play the original diva.

What do you think of Faith Evans playing Florence Ballard?