Sparkle

Sparkle (born Stephanie Edwards) is an American R&B singer, initially a protege of R. Kelly.

She is best known for the song "Be Careful", a 1998 duet with Kelly. Sparkle was a former backing singer for Aaliyah and Mary J. Blige before releasing her eponymous debut album in 1998 on Kelly's Rockland Records (with distribution through Interscope Records). Sparkle was released from her Rockland contract when she refused to show up to work unless her then boyfriend, Steve "Stone" Huff was allowed to work on her next project. Prior to to the release of her debut CD, Sparkle had been released from her contract several times for various issues. Rockland eventually released her for insubordinance and she went to Motown. What should have been a contract deal for Sparkle, ended up being a deal for Steve Huff. She released her second album, Told Ya So. The album was a commercial disappointment. She did score a minor hit with the single, "It's A Fact". Sparkle attempted to rejoin forces with Kelly, but the offer was declined due to past issues.

It was after Kelly's refusal to work with Sparkle that she claimed that it was her niece who was on a now infamous video tape having sex, allegedly, with R. Kelly. He also denies that it is him on the tape.