Singer Stephanie “Sparkle” Edwards took the stand at the R. Kelly Child Pornography trial on Thursday. Sparkle testified that she introduced R. Kelly to the girl (from the video) in 1996 when she was signed to Kelly’s Rockland Records. She brought the girl, a then aspiring rapper, to Kelly’s studio and later his home when the girl is 12 or 13 years-old. A lawyer’s assistant showed her the video in 2001 when she positively ID the girl has her niece.

“He (R. Kelly) liked her spirit,” said Sparkle. “She was a very jolly person at the time, very personable, a little tomboyish. She was my heart.” Sparkle also stated that the surfacing of the tape split their once close knit family into separate factions. When asked if she ever noticed anything going on between her niece and Kelly Sparkle said, “I would see little hints of something,” “But I would hope that it was nothing, that nothing was going on, that nothing was happening. I saw little things, nothing to get crazy about.”

During cross examination R. Kelly’s lawyer attempted to portray Sparkle as disgruntled and after money and revenge due to her split with Kelly’s label.

When Kelly’s Lawyer, Edward Genson, suggested the tape may have been doctored, Sparkle interrupted him stating, “Sir, it’s Robert and my niece on the tape. I know my family.” Kells lawyer also pointed out that the female on the tape was seen taking money Sparkle replied, “Just like he made her do. She’s a robot on this tape. You can clearly see Robert passing her money like she’s a prostitute.”

Under R. Kelly’s guidance, Sparkle’s self-titled debut album went platinum and she is best known for her 1998 same “Be Careful” which features R. Kelly. Sparkle is the 7th witness to take the stand and identify R. Kelly and the alleged victim on the tape.

If convicted, Kelly faces up to 15 years in prison and 14 counts of videotaping, producing and soliciting child pornography. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.