The Whitney Houston Lifetime biopic is controversial in that it didn’t get the seal of approval from the late singer’s family, but director Angela Bassett claims she got a sign from above that lets her know the “I Will Always Love You” singer approves.

The film, titled Whitney, makes its debut on Jan. 17 and stars Yaya DaCosta in the title role.

Houston’s mother, Cissy Houston, has previously spoken out about the film, but that doesn’t bother Bassett.

Bassett toldETOnline, “I certainly felt her presence every day in the making” of the film.

She described a day she was driving to set and Houston’s song suddenly came on the radio. She then took it as a “beautiful sign” that a bus in front of her had the initials “W.H.” on it in her favorite color purple.

Bassett said she though to herself, "I am soooo glad! Because girrrrl, you done break me down and built me up. You let me know! You and the Lord [let me know] that it's all right up there with you." And I'm like, "OK. Whatever comes, I'm ready. Let's do it. I got you."

image via Peter West/ACE/INFphoto.com