Aaliyah's ET Moments: RARE Interviews With the Iconic Singer (Flashback)

ET spoke with Aaliyah throughout her career, including in the months leading up to the plane crash that took her life on Aug. 25, 2001. In the rarely-seen interviews, the singer opened up about her career ambitions in both the music world and Hollywood. She hyped her self-titled third album and joked about working with real snakes in the music video for ‘We Need a Resolution.’ Aaliyah was originally cast in ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘The Matrix Revisited,’ but only completed a couple weeks of filming before her untimely passing. The ‘Queen of the Damned’ actress shared how excited she was to appear in sequels, because she was a big fan of ‘The Matrix.’ At the time, Aaliyah said the franchise was 'the ‘Star Wars’ of our time.’ This video also features rare footage of Aaliyah performing alongside the late DMX at the premiere of ‘Romeo Must Die.

[@jonathancineus6424]

It’s so weird watching Aaliyah and DMX perform when both of them are gone. It’s so sad.

[@marisaisaac2065]

So true. That Era is dying slowly.

[@JuicyJ2013]

So sad man

[@lilaavila3513]

Wow this will forever hit 😔

[@mysteriousfun4759]

We need to be happy and try again to continue on because she is definitely in Heaven and honestly she probably saved so many souls one cannot even count how many.

[@DrineThePoet]

Very, we are losing so many

[@seanolusina6058]

She was only 22 when she died having achieved so much and influenced the current r&b sound on the airwaves today. That is indeed incredible when you think about it.

[@destinixshakur]

Frfr

[@megamo9507]

@@randomgayboy9198 cap

[@all_amira_all_day]

@@randomgayboy9198 you must be a child.

[@s0saaaaa222]

@@randomgayboy9198 girl gtfo before you talk

[@lifeofmyllah1327]

She was 20

[@deeelle697]

I remember how genuinely shocked and happy she was when “are you that somebody” dropped. She was unsure of people liking her, & was overwhelmed with happiness that we loved her & was so happy she was back. Her body of work is timeless & im glad she left us with classic music & art,

[@dontchile6932]

i love Are You That Somebody, masterpiece

[@schnioula]

I was obsessed with her.. her hair, her style, her make up, her eyebrows.. God knows.. I tried to look and dance like her for years! And she is still so fascinating to me til this day.. Rest In Peace Angel Aaliyah!

[@nicoleraheem1195]

Me too. I learned how to belly dance at 13 because if her. 😆 I was absolutely obsessed with her.

[@chauncy4546]

You know she was a man… right???

[@kendall7086]

Her lashes and brows were so classy. Not like the crayola brows and spider lashes of today. Yuck.

[@jayvonni8112]

@@chauncy4546 what do u mean

[@kooldawg]

@@chauncy4546😐

[@karenn8512]

She was a gorgeous and talented young lady, I can truly say I’m a huge fan even 20 years after her passing she left an everlasting impression on the world.

[@twistedfirestarter8913]

If she was still around Beyonce wouldn't be a thing

[@alazjaw.8968]

@@twistedfirestarter8913 beyonce would still be beyoncé’ and aaliyah probably wouldn’t be shit

[@rodneywashington2017]

​​@@alazjaw.8968On the contrary. Yeah Beyonce would still be doing her thing, but Aaliyah had a performing arts background just like Pac and Jada Pinkett Smith did. Directors and Producers in Hollywood were lining up to get Aaliyah in movie roll after roll! Beyonce ain't acting anymore because she's not an actress, and them Hollywood boys and girls ain't looking for her either. Aaliyah was a Grammy in one hand, and an Oscar in the other type of talent. I'm from TX so I know all about what is to have love for Beyonce, but Queen Bey ain't no actress. She knows that too. Just like top Hollywood exects do 💯

[@alazjaw.8968]

@@rodneywashington2017 good for her?

[@rodneywashington2017]

@@alazjaw.8968 Well that's the truth. Y'all get up here demeaning folks instead of actually doing some research of things before you speak ill will. EVERYONE who's been successful out here would STILL be successful whether Aaliyah or Selena were here. But they'd be the DOMINANT TWO. So I ain't with the firing off of those out here already shining.

[@SaraShakur94]

Its so cruel and unfair. She should be here right now

[@destinixshakur]

Istg this shit ache so much after 20 years like why did this have to happen smfh

[@mysteriousfun4759]

NO!! she deserved a BETTER world because she is that much of an angel! Don't you ever wish her harm like that again!

[@Dejnyt]

Ikr❤

[@WillWize]

At the same time this world didn't even deserve her. I hope she's in a much better place and time.

[@sammyUknow]

honestly. no one deserved what happened to her esp her

[@Tylan0l]

RIP to The Hardest Working Woman of this Generation. So much youth and ambition

[@dashhill443]

Tylenol???

[@madokaslotus]

@@dashhill443😭😭

[@kenyawalker9482]

I can binge watch her interviews. I'm glad I grew up in that era.

[@katieadams30]

Me too

[@tonika7543]

Aaliyah had such a beautiful smile, she was very sweet, humble, down to earth, and genuine person. Such a shame she died so young, very talented with an angelic voice.

[@gargantuangoose24]

Jay Z offed her

[@keanunelson8006]

RIP DMX who died just 20 years later after her.

[@selnpinar476]

Rip

[@Tiajones333]

Yes

[@sebastian19739]

@@helenHTID I agree. I guess because even 20 years later he was still relatively young because they both got in the industry at such young ages.

[@craigjones1946]

@@helenHTID she was 22

[@DrineThePoet]

😭

[@qsmooth7805]

Wow Can’t believe it’s been 20 years already it’s crazy rest in peace to the Legendary Aaliyah

[@fineassvan4444]

Aaliyah’s hairstylist never failed her!!! the side bang always gaveeeee

[@orthotech9758]

There is no doubt she would have been a major movie star today. She was coming into her own as an actress. Her role wasn't huge in Queen of the Damned, but her scenes put her full range on display.

[@michellenash301]

Her role in the movie wasn't huge??? Well it was major enough lol She was the reason why I watched the movie the 2nd third time lmao

[@marilynking3350]

She had such a beautiful soft spoken voice like everytime she opened her mouth it sounds like a song or she was singing without even trying❤

[@muneebakhalil6537]

L

[@GoldenGraham25]

2001, 2021…. Her style, swag…. Everything still relevant and probably will be for future generations.

[@paulclothinglots9266]

She was so natural in everything she did!! Forever beautiful!

[@atefrustn7332]

She’s an icon in her own right. The amount of work she left behind is timeless 💖💖😢 RIP R&B Queen

[@fufuissue2089]

She was out of this world 🌍 this world will never handle her if she is still here🔥she's bigger than this world 🌎

[@Jushwa]

Fr she would have been huge worldwide like Drake or MJ music wise + an acting career with main character roles. Not many artists have been able to achieve both. But RMD as a breakout role proved she definitely had acting chops and was well on her way. She managed to do so much when she was here but really she was just getting started.

[@vonamel_music]

I agree heart was so big and so was her energy just PURE 🎯💯

[@augustusdavid7786]

There's a saying Beyonce would not be Beyonce if Aaliyah was still alive.

[@fufuissue2089]

@@augustusdavid7786 ☕️🙃

[@Imxel21]

@@augustusdavid7786 false. Destiny’s child outsold while she was still alive. Beyoncé would have still been here. This video is about Aaliyah. Keep it that way

[@gargantuangoose24]

It’s a shame that she was sacrificed for Beyoncé. Let’s hope she gets justice one day.

[@cherylg642]

Rip Aaliyah, wish she was still here today🕊

[@fourlamar]

Watching her still saddens me. She was truly an angel, with a beautiful spirit. Her beauty was on another level. They don't make 'em like Aaliyah anymore. Truly one of one ❣️

[@latahs1]

Wow she's so beautiful and that smile is contagious 😍😍 RIP gorgeous your music still lives on and we still jamming to it to this day 🥺🧡

[@KaydeyRai]

She had a very refreshing down to earth/unrehearsed quality in her interviews, I can’t believe it’s been over 20 years since she died

[@OfficialEdidion]

Thank You for posting @EntertainmentTonight !!! I love seeing crystal clear rare footage of icons like Aaliyah. I miss her so much! she was so timeless, I feel like I'm watching new 2021 footage when I look at her. #AaliyahFOREVER

[@Patricia-qy5kb]

Aaliyah was my favorite singer back then when she was living. Had she not been killed in that plane crash at such a young age, I think she'd be done blown up as a really big star and icon by now. She was Absolutely💯% beautiful and stunning both inside and out. I really miss her a whole lot.

[@destinixshakur]

Yes I feel this way now

[@lalat5899]

She’s an icon in her own right. The amount of work she left behind is timeless

[@pocahontas4583]

She already was an icon. She was at her peak right when she died. I think some other folks (won’t name any names) might not have gotten as much attention if it wasn’t for Aaliyah’s passing.

[@omarhernandez2087]

Her and Selena 👏🙌💜

[@rodneywashington2017]

@@omarhernandez2087 ABSOLUTE TRUTH💯 THE DOMINANT TWO👑♈👑♑

[@cz4610]

She was already a big star and was about to be one of the greatest, rest in peace 🙏

[@mysteriousfun4759]

She is still my favorite singer dancer actress and host because do you notice how amazingly chill and laid back she gets when discussing everything. She is the rennaisance of our times.

[@neekzofthugfemme]

I can write so much about Aaliyah and how she’s impacted my life as a Caribbean girl but words can’t explain so amma say your music will forever live on in our hearts 💕

[@AdorzAaliyahSince94]

She was truly blossoming and we all got cheated out of what she had in store for us.

[@cecebear110]

Facts!😢😢😢😢😢

[@nicoleclavel5836]

It shouldn’t have been for us. People shouldn’t exist to give you things. You should just appreciate their presence and energy

[@J-pn1dt]

​@@nicoleclavel5836Calm down Karen. You're that person that shows up on every comment that has a positive message with some weird rebuttal. That's not a good look. Dont be THAT person! 😊

[@cierra3133]

It’s so crazy to know that she was only 22 when she passed away. I’m 22 now, her maturity just made her she seem as if she was much older.

[@comiccontinuity6167]

She's done more in 22 years than I have in 23. The world was truly robbed. It's crazy to think how far she could've gone.

[@craigjones1946]

She was so sweet, humble and beautiful

[@pennysherman2787]

I was three when she passed away. I didn’t found out about Aaliyah until 2008. Ever since I’ve been a huge fan of babygirl. Her beauty was out of this world. So happy we can stream her music to honor her memory 💖

[@Lexiii20]

I love her speaking voice. I remember when she passed. It was so devastating.

[@KB-ji3gp]

She is so mature!!!! She’s was only 22 in this interview but spoke like an intelligent, polite, professional woman ❤

[@tfh5575]

oh man, she was booked and busy. she had so much more to do and was just getting started. her career was only 7 years long which is nothing when you think about how much longer other artists have been around. she probably wouldn’t have even hit her prime for another 5+ years. she was sooo young!

[@WO2411]

I haven’t cried in a long time damn this just made me tear up man 🤦🏾‍♂️ Aaliyah we will miss you in this life forever 💯You legacy will live forever here even after we’re gone, thank you Entertainment tonight for this 💜

[@DaytonaHills]

They should just release her filmed scenes for Matrix 😭😭😭😭😭

[@PandorasTmrw]

Theres some scenes floating around of her in like a test shoot in costume. Not sure if they had any real acting footage of her though.

[@petewinslowofficial]

The scenes with Zee were left in just with a different actress played by Marvin Gaye’s daughter, which is interesting

[@SariTempet]

Some of the scenes are in the DVD special features.

[@MeNatalily]

Her voice was so calm and beautiful.

[@daniellegeorge4526]

The real Queen she should still be here

[@ammaranuar2544]

She looks and sounds so normal. Idk why. Nothing extra or crazy. Just chill and soft-spoken. Its rare seeing someone like her nowadays.

[@martaparchimowicz1280]

Thank you! No words to express how I feel to see unseen BabyGirl interviews etc. ☺♥

[@brak1827]

She was so delicate and modest 😔

[@PhillipJordan]

thank y’all for this omggg 😭😭😭

[@krobinson2219]

U would think I lost my best friend when I found out she passed. 20 years later she is and will always be my favorite!! R.I.P. legend!!! Keeping her family in my prayers!!

[@pancake_ghosty]

I'm 30 and only learning about her recently. She is so chill and relaxed it's refreshing

[@MultiBelieber100]

Aaliyah & Selena’s deaths are the most tragic to me. It’s so heartbreakingly sad.

[@AngieCarr]

I was telling someone this the other day, it’s been so long and this generation is so distanced from the 90s that most will never know how much of an impact that Selena and Aaliyah had on music and pop culture as a whole! They did so much with so little time it’s scary to wonder how big they would’ve been had they had just a little more time on this earth. 🖤🙏🏽

[@angelcarroll9094]

Aaliyah was truly dedicated to her career and craft she loved it with all her heart cant believe it's been 20 years she's passed she was definitely destined for a bright future rest in peace Babygirl we miss you ❤👑

[@richardbishop503]

Over 20 years later and i still can’t let it go man ………all these years and I still miss her so so much

[@SwaggerLikeUz]

Aaliyah fan since day 1. Thus Aaliyah's passing was one of the saddest moments ever. RIP

[@mrscitrine3592]

Her smile was so infectious 😍

[@NostalgiaBabeXO]

It’s so very sad hearing her talk about what movies and ventures she was heading into next 🥺 such an icon, superstarrrr, and just a wonderful human being. Pop, R&B, and hip hop musicians of today have been inspired her so much. It’s apparent!

[@jeremiahallyn4603]

Used to have the hugest crush on Aaliyah back in the day. It's so crazy she's been gone for 20 years! Now DMX is gone too, maybe they're somewhere collaborating together 🙏

[@TheNumeroUno]

AALIYAH, be celebrated! Swagg is still unmatched to this day🙌🏾. They can jump hop swirl and roll on the floor , make zillions but they will NEVER be you! ❤❤❤❤

[@natayleegivens1046]

This is getting me choke up. I remember Aaliyah's passing I was 5 years old and I was so in love with Aaliyah and her music. And when we heard and saw the news I remember me and my sister crying our hearts out. She was so beautiful and had the most gorgeous eyes and I still wish that she was alive. R.I.P Aaliyah 20 years later and you're still in our hearts.

[@tzizzle]

i’m 20, i remember being 4 and my mom playing aaliyah, absolutely loved her, we’d watch her music videos together and talk about how beautiful she was, i always wanted to look just like her (me a mexican girl😂). she was soft spoken, a truly talented singer/actress/pre-former. rip aaliyah you were such a beautiful soul taken way too soon!! ❤

[@simplysno1828]

Her smile lights up the room

[@preciousidogah4852]

She is sooooooooooooooooooop beautiful. Extremely calm, so natural, intelligent person not the botched redundant ones that happen to be so many confused people's role models of today. She seem to be humble and an interesting person. Love you Aaliyah

[@alfiebrownjohn]

I will never be able to accept her passing. So preventable. She had her whole life ahead of her and it was stolen in an instant. Aaliyah, we love you! ❤️😢

[@samcook6603]

Aaliyah was absolutely beautiful and she was so sweet, and mature and before her time...she was on her way to super Stardom for sure❤💯🕊

[@amb3197]

Its so hard to believe that its been 20 years since she been gone but yet her music, legacy and her presence will always be with us. May we all continue to keep her music alive, and her legacy continue to grow and Blossom. We love you Aaliyah and we miss you so so much. RIP BabyGirl

[@helenfox7766]

Aww bless, she was just so lovely! Such a horribly sad loss :'(

[@justdidthis]

I was still in middle school when she died. It wasn’t until my early 20’s that I realized how young she was. But, she did her thing while she was on this earth. RIP Aaliyah and X ❤️🙏🏿

[@SoDope29]

20 years ago today we lost you. R.I.P my queen

[@jenalisa91]

I can’t watch any interview with her and not fucking cry!!! 23 years later!! Still!! Bawlinggg

[@quinceywatson4939]

Why so young. RIP Legend (1979-2001). She could have turned 42.

[@JuicyJ2013]

So hard to believe

[@ryanloony05]

Wow I never realized how gorgeous she is !

[@marianamendoza7263]

Her lost still hurts,r.i.p baby girl.

[@vincentcerasoli5969]

The beauty of this girl was unreal.

[@CAJUNGUY-zc5rq]

Her star was steady shining

[@VaWv7]

She was gorgeous

[@nikkax5424]

Omg her beauty

[@jasonbourne4918]

I just went back 20 years and feel in love again!!

[@mattdammrich]

She is so precious it’s sucks so much she is gone. :( Aaliyah was a light in the world.

[@tycho_Grayken]

There will NEVER be another Aaliyah... intelligent, sweet, multi-talented , mysterious. And lastly absolutely gorgeous..solid 10 EASY.. But they'll keep trying.....

[@wameezy]

She was a Capricorn !!!!!! She had the best traits . Beautiful, extremely hard working , mysterious, great personality, humble, intelligent!!!! There will NEVER be another artist like her in my lifetime she was truely what her name means “Highest most exalted one, The Best “. Man I miss Aaliyah so much it still hurts smh.

[@pigramgregory2]

Its just so sad 😭 that Aaliyah life was robbed from her and us the other 7 passengers who were with her us they should still be here 🙏🙏😭😭. After 23 years since she passed away Aaliyah has been gone longer than she was still alive 😭😭 but she accomplished a lot in her precious 22 years of life. Icon at her on right.

[@tremaine861]

An eternally beautiful soul 💕

[@AllBlackLtd]

Damn, as a kid I was really looking forward to seeing her in, The Matrix movie. I knew she was going to blow up big time in Hollywood, or just overall. She was gone so soon. Til this day I wish she was still alive. I always wonder where would she be in her career, today, if she were still here. She'd definitely be an icon.

[@marques2985]

So glad I grew up in the 90s/00s when real music was alive!

[@tjsosilly7173]

She was a great talent that the world only got a glimpse to witness! We was robbed to see her full potential… RIP! Forever young!

[@rodneywashington2017]

ABSOLUTELY💯 She was ONLY 22!!! 3 more years by 2004, she would've JUSSST entered her Musical/Acting/Entertainment Prime. It sux everyday.

[@eurskiedarden666]

She was such a beautiful person, RIP Aaliyah

[@abbysule13]

her loss is one I can never accept...she should be here😢miss you babygirl❤🕊

[@MarilynFinland]

I remember her video so vividly. Even as a yound child I was mesmerized by her beauty and the song she was singing. She always stood out to me and I will forever love her.

[@nyashan4549]

So many things happened that year, 9/11, her plane crash and loss of many people love ones! RIP Aaliyah, 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊.

[@alondamccoy6651]

I cried when I found out that she had passed away in a horrible plane crash and I remember screaming at the top of my lungs telling my whole family what had just happened on the world news. I just kept watching anything everything about Aaliyah just hoping it was a dream and it wasn't sadly 😓😓😓🤧🤧🤧😢😢😢😭😭😭

[@dennishopper2701]

So long ago. 20 Years. How the time flies. Today she would be 42 years old.

[@theebougieprincess3509]

Omg this hurts so much 20 years later😫😭💔

[@jessthatsimmer]

My childhoodddddd omgeee I looked up to her as a child so much. Such a beautiful soul!

[@sly5722]

This was so well put together, it really shows that she was about to be a mega star. So multi talented with so much more to give. We love you forever and ever Aaliyah. 🕊️

[@NinaSimon-iq7dz]

Aliyah is so gorgeous and extraordinarily talented❤amazing superstar

[@samorachannel2093]

Aaliyah influenced a lot of my style and I loved her like we were family. She was never cocky, she seen the best in everyone and wanted just that for everyone. She was so very talented and beautiful and I will forever hold her dear to my heart. Love you Babygirl and ❌, I know it feels amazing to be reunited. Two of my faves, it's so surreal that you're gone. 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️🕊️🕊️🕊️👑👑

[@maramatt0204]

You didn’t even know her what you talking about

[@asunsol]

She was so beautiful and talented!

[@kahleesaangelofthenight2895]

She was the most humble compared to todays divas! She was always for her fans never called herself a queen a diva she just was cool!

[@ashleyg9958]

so young... gone way too soon.. makes me so sad :(

[@SaraShakur94]

So much has changed since her death, so many years went by but I still haven't forgotten her

[@vonamel_music]

Wow thank you guys so much for this footage Aaliyah was dropdead gorgeous even in the clip of her at the end with no makeup 😍😍 she was an all round entertainer can sing and dance so well and a natural in film when it came to her acting Aaliyah will forever be missed R.I.P Aaliyah

[@JohnBoyJoy]

When she died everything hit the fan. 9/11, "War on terrorism", recession, end of millions of small businesses, the start of the social media's blight on society, corporation takeover, societal division, pandemics, mass shooting trend, ect ect. I miss the 90s/early 00s

[@still.Dominique]

Agreed

[@staLkerhu]

I have a feeling that you are a US citizen, so it probably wasn't important to you, but don't forget Kursk and the Etna too, those things also happened around that time.

[@CHANELVIKA]

Im here because of Pdydy case 😭

[@unbothered7090]

0:06 THAT STARE OMG. I ALMOST HAD A HEART ATTACK.

[@nubianwarriorgoddess9341]

She was so beautiful continue resting easy Princess you are not forgotten