7 Shocking Facts About Naomi Ackie's 'Live' Singing Voice You Didn't Know

Naomi Ackie is one of the most compelling British actresses of her generation, and her portrayal of the legendary Whitney Houston in the 2022 biopic *I Wanna Dance with Somebody* catapulted her into global superstardom. As of December 2025, the question that still dominates fan curiosity is: Did she actually sing those iconic songs live, and what is the truth behind her powerful voice?

The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. While Ackie possesses an impressive vocal talent and is a singer in her own right, stepping into the shoes of "The Voice" required a nuanced approach to the film's musical moments. Her "live" performances on screen are a masterful blend of her own voice, Houston's original recordings, and a meticulous study of stage presence and dialect that defines her incredible transformation.

Naomi Ackie: Biography, Filmography, and Awards

Naomi Sarah Ackie is a British actress known for her versatility across film and television. Her rise to fame has been marked by roles that showcase her dramatic range and ability to embody complex characters.

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• Full Name: Naomi Sarah Ackie
• Date of Birth: August 22, 1991
• Place of Birth: Walthamstow, London, England
• Nationality: British
• Education: Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (graduated 2012)

Key Filmography

• *Lady Macbeth* (2016) - Anna
• *Yardie* (2018) - Mona
• *Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker* (2019) - Jannah
• *The End of the F***ing World* (TV Series, 2019) - Bonnie
• *Master of None* (TV Series, 2021) - Alicia
• *I Wanna Dance with Somebody* (2022) - Whitney Houston
• *Blink Twice* (2024) - Frida
• *Mickey 17* (Upcoming) - Nasha Adjaya

Notable Awards and Nominations

• British Independent Film Award (BIFA) for Most Promising Newcomer (*Lady Macbeth*, 2017)
• BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress (*The End of the F***ing World*, 2020)
• Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actress (*I Wanna Dance with Somebody*, 2023)

The Truth About Ackie’s Vocal Performance in the Biopic

The core of the "Naomi Ackie singing live" query lies in her portrayal of Whitney Houston, one of the most vocally gifted singers of all time. The decision on who would provide the vocals for the film, *I Wanna Dance with Somebody*, was a major talking point during its production.

1. The Use of Whitney Houston’s Original Voice

For the film's most iconic and demanding vocal performances—the stadium concerts, the major hits, and the moments that defined Houston's legacy as "The Voice"—the filmmakers made the conscious decision to use Whitney Houston's original master recordings. This was done out of respect for Houston's singular vocal genius, which many felt was impossible for any single actress to replicate fully. The original recordings ensure that the audience experiences the true, unmatched power of Houston's voice in the film's biggest numbers.

2. Where Naomi Ackie’s Own Voice is Heard

Contrary to the belief that she only lip-synced, Naomi Ackie *does* use her own singing voice in the film for specific, crucial scenes. She revealed that her vocals are featured in the earlier parts of Houston’s career, particularly during the developmental and rehearsal phases. This includes scenes where the character is practicing, writing songs, or performing in a less polished, more intimate setting. This strategic use of her voice helps to ground the character in her youth and show her progression before she became the global icon.

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3. Mastering the 'Live' Stage Presence

While the powerhouse vocals often belonged to Houston, Ackie's "live" performance came through in her physical transformation and stage presence. She had to meticulously study hours of concert footage, music videos, and interviews to capture Houston's unique movements, mannerisms, and energy. This involved intense choreography and dialect work with coaches like Tangela Large, Bridgette Jackson, and Denise Woods to immerse herself in the voice and cadence of the superstar. The illusion of a live performance is created by Ackie's flawless synchronization and emotional commitment to the moment.

Ackie's Versatile Vocal Talent Beyond the Biopic

It is important to recognize that Naomi Ackie is a talented singer who has cultivated her own musical abilities, even if her most famous role required her to defer to a legend's voice. Her vocal talent is a key part of her acting toolkit and topical authority.

4. A Background as a Singer

Ackie is not just an actress; she identifies as a singer as well. Her training and natural ability mean she has an impressive voice, which is why she was able to handle the vocal portions of the biopic that were assigned to her. Her ability to sing was a prerequisite for landing the challenging role, demonstrating that she had the foundational talent to convincingly portray a musical icon on screen.

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5. Singing Adele and Musical Interviews

In interviews promoting her recent films, Ackie has demonstrated her vocal range and musical knowledge. She has spoken about singing songs by other major artists, including Adele. While full, unedited "live" concert footage of her own original music is not widely publicized, she has participated in musical games and challenges, such as the *Song Association* game with her *I Wanna Dance with Somebody* co-star Nafessa Williams, where she sang snippets of Whitney Houston's songs. These appearances confirm her strong, natural singing voice and her comfort with live vocal performance.

6. The Physicality of 'Singing Live'

The most demanding aspect of portraying Whitney Houston was the sheer physicality of her performances. Ackie's work was a form of live acting where she had to replicate the breathing, the facial expressions, and the sheer force of a world-class vocalist. She had to make the audience believe that the incredible sound they were hearing was coming from her. This intense, live-action performance is, in a very real sense, her own kind of "singing live," focusing on the embodiment of the music rather than just the sound production.

7. Future Musical Roles and Original Music

Given her proven ability to handle musical roles and her established background as a singer, it is highly anticipated that Naomi Ackie will take on more roles that fully utilize her vocal talents. Her involvement in major upcoming projects like the sci-fi film *Mickey 17* and the thriller *Blink Twice* shows her dedication to diverse roles, but the door remains wide open for a future project where she is the primary vocalist. Fans eagerly await the moment she chooses to release original music or star in a film where her voice is the sole soundtrack to her character's journey.

In conclusion, the question of "Naomi Ackie singing live" is best answered by appreciating the artistry of her performance. She is a singer who lent her voice to the intimate moments of the biopic, while simultaneously delivering a world-class, live-action performance that brought the unmatched power of Whitney Houston’s "The Voice" back to the big screen. Her dedication to capturing the legend's stage presence has cemented her status as one of Hollywood's most exciting and vocally capable stars.