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20 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Aaliyah  was originally published on globalgrind.com

1. She performed on ‘Star Search’ and sang “My Funny Valentine” in 1989.

She performed on ‘Star Search’ and sang “My Funny Valentine” in 1989. Source:false

2. Aaliyah was the youngest singer to perform at the Oscars with 1998’s “Journey to the Past” from ‘Anastasia.’ She was only 19.

Aaliyah was the youngest singer to perform at the Oscars with 1998’s “Journey to the Past” from ‘Anastasia.’ She was only 19. Source:false

3. Aaliyah’s name means “highest, most exalted one” in Arabic.

Aaliyah’s name means “highest, most exalted one” in Arabic. Source:false

4. She is the niece of music legend Gladys Knight.

She is the niece of music legend Gladys Knight. Source:false

5. Throughout her short career, Aaliyah won more than 30 awards, including Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist at the 2002 American Music Awards, Best Actress for ‘Queen of the Damned’ at the 2002 BET Awards and Top Hip-Hop/R&B Artist of the Year at the 2000 Billboard Music Awards.

Throughout her short career, Aaliyah won more than 30 awards, including Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist at the 2002 American Music Awards, Best Actress for ‘Queen of the Damned’ at the 2002 BET Awards and Top Hip-Hop/R&B Artist of the Year at the 2000 Billboard Music Awards. Source:false

6. Aaliyah was engaged to music mogul Dame Dash at the time of her passing.

Aaliyah was engaged to music mogul Dame Dash at the time of her passing. Source:false

7. The video treatment for her song “4 Page Letter” was written by her brother Rashad.

The video treatment for her song “4 Page Letter” was written by her brother Rashad. Source:false

8. She modeled for Tommy Hilfiger, where she met BFF Kidada Jones.

She modeled for Tommy Hilfiger, where she met BFF Kidada Jones. Source:false

9. She was real-life BFFs with Quincy Jones’ daughter Kidada.

She was real-life BFFs with Quincy Jones’ daughter Kidada. Source:false

10. She once had a bet with Missy Elliott about who would wear a dress first, because neither of them ever wore one.

She once had a bet with Missy Elliott about who would wear a dress first, because neither of them ever wore one. Source:false

11. Her final interview was on “106 & Park” just five days before her passing.

Her final interview was on “106 & Park” just five days before her passing. Source:false

12. She was considered for the role of “Alex” in 2000’s “Charlie’s Angels” film. The role went to Lucy Liu because the filmmakers thought Aaliyah was too young.

She was considered for the role of “Alex” in 2000’s “Charlie’s Angels” film. The role went to Lucy Liu because the filmmakers thought Aaliyah was too young. Source:false

13. Aaliyah was nominated for an Academy Award for her song “Journey to the Past” from the animated film “Anastasia.” She lost to “My Heart Will Go On” from “Titanic.”

Aaliyah was nominated for an Academy Award for her song “Journey to the Past” from the animated film “Anastasia.” She lost to “My Heart Will Go On” from “Titanic.” Source:false

14. She wore her hair covering her left eye, which was an homage to silver screen actress Veronica Lake, whose trademark peek-a-boo hair was worn over her right eye.

She wore her hair covering her left eye, which was an homage to silver screen actress Veronica Lake, whose trademark peek-a-boo hair was worn over her right eye. Source:false

15. “Rock The Boat” was written two years before it was released, because the label didn’t think Aaliyah was ready for such a sexual song.

“Rock The Boat” was written two years before it was released, because the label didn’t think Aaliyah was ready for such a sexual song. Source:false

16. She was also set to play the title character in “Honey,” but the role went to Jessica Alba after her passing.

She was also set to play the title character in “Honey,” but the role went to Jessica Alba after her passing. Source:false

17. Aaliyah’s toy orangutan, given to her by her grandmother, appeared in a scene in “Romeo Must Die.”

Aaliyah’s toy orangutan, given to her by her grandmother, appeared in a scene in “Romeo Must Die.” Source:false

18. In order to get accepted into the Detroit High School of Performing Arts, Aaliyah sang “Ave Maria” entirely in Latin.

In order to get accepted into the Detroit High School of Performing Arts, Aaliyah sang “Ave Maria” entirely in Latin. Source:false

19. Her untimely death pushed Mary J. Blige to clean up her life after years of alcohol and drug abuse.

Her untimely death pushed Mary J. Blige to clean up her life after years of alcohol and drug abuse. Source:false

20. She has been credited for helping redefine contemporary R&B and hip-hop, earning her the nicknames “Princess of R&B” and “Queen of Urban Pop.”

She has been credited for helping redefine contemporary R&B and hip-hop, earning her the nicknames “Princess of R&B” and “Queen of Urban Pop.” Source:false