Key Takeaways
- Jordin Sparks voices Shimmer in The Pout-Pout Fish, a key character from the original book.
- New Song “Coming Back to Me” features upbeat themes and will play during the film’s credits.
- Film Release is set for March 20, with tickets currently available for purchase.
- Success of the original book includes being a New York Times best-seller and a recognized title in children’s literature.
In addition to voicing a character in The Pout-Pout Fish, Jordin Sparks is also delivering a brand-new song for the movie, and “Coming Back to Me” is premiering exclusively on Billboard Family below.
In the March 20 film, Sparks voices the role of Shimmer; anyone familiar with Deborah Diesen’s beloved 2008 children’s book that inspired the movie knows that Sparks’ mystical pink Siamese fighting fish character plays a pivotal role in the Pout-Pout Fish journey. Nick Offerman (Parks & Recreation) voices Mr. Fish, the titular pouty fish, and on his oceanic trek, he also encounters Miranda Otto as a red cuttlefish named Marin, Remy Hii as an orange cuttlefish named Benji, and Amy Sedaris as the pink dolphins, among other colorful sea creatures.
Of course, if you have American Idol season 6 winner-turned-hitmaking pop star Jordin Sparks in your movie, it would be a shame not to hear her sing too. Enter Sparks’ “Coming Back to Me,” the upbeat song about finding yourself that recalls Jackson 5 hits of the late 1960s and early ’70s with its clap-powered percussion, and is set to play over the film’s end credits.
“Never opened my heart this way, but it sure feels good to me/ Diving into the deep unknown, now I’m just breaking free,” Sparks sings in the second verse. “Can’t forget you’ve got love to let in, so just let yourself believe/ Cracked my shell with stories to tell, now I’m coming back to me.”
“I love animated films and had so much fun voicing Shimmer,” Sparks tells Billboard. “This song is so much fun and I had a blast recording it. I imagined myself and my son dancing at the end of the movie together and tried to embody that feeling on ‘Coming Back to Me’! It’s about discovering how important you are and realizing you have people who care and help you along your way. We can all, kids to adults, use that reminder.”
Since her 2007 American Idol win, Sparks has racked up three top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 — including her No. 3-peaking “No Air” duet with Chris Brown and her TikTok-revived No. 10 hit “Battlefield” — and two top 10 albums on the Billboard 200. She last released an album two years ago, with 2024’s No Restrictions, and last starred in the 2025 Christmas movie Merry Little Mystery before her Pout-Pout Fish role.
First published in January 2008, The Pout-Pout Fish picture book has become a New York Times best-seller and landed on TIME magazine’s list of the top 10 best children’s books that year. The book tells the story of a grumpy fish who “spreads the dreary wearies all over the place” before realizing maybe he could be destined for a cheerier future.
The Pout-Pout Fish film hits theaters March 20 via Viva Kids Films, and tickets are on sale now. Watch the trailer below:
