Spike Lee on How ‘Highest to Lowest’ Singer Aiyana-Lee Moved Denzel Washington to Tears: ‘When He’s Tearing Up, That’s You’

Spike Lee has humorously refuted suggestions of a family tie with vocalist Aiyana-Lee, remarking that any relation would be buried "way in the roots." Their professional partnership started after the acclaimed filmmaker discovered her track "My Idols Lied to Me" on Instagram. Struck by its confessional quality, Lee organized a Los Angeles meeting that resulted in her being cast in his Apple TV production "Highest to Lowest." In the film, Denzel Washington portrays David King, a music producer celebrated for his discerning ear, while Aiyana-Lee appears as Sula, an emerging artist poised for stardom.

A pivotal scene unfolds when Sula sings the title song live for Washington's character, a moment so powerful it drew real tears from the seasoned actor. Lee confirmed to Aiyana-Lee that Washington’s emotional display was spontaneous and filmed in one continuous shot. The director noted that Washington’s subtle reaction—from a character known for having "the best ears in the business"—inspired a key artistic change. Witnessing the raw intensity, Lee opted to build the song’s arrangement, evolving it from a simple piano ballad into a full orchestral crescendo. This adjustment magnified the scene’s emotional gravity, underscoring a crucial instance of creative validation.

Aiyana-Lee found the climactic performance deeply personal, as it mirrored her own experiences of auditioning live for industry executives. She felt an intense connection to her role, having lived through comparable professional challenges. Before settling on the final piece, she composed multiple songs for the film, ultimately delivering a soulful anthem that embodies the movie’s focus on struggle and resilience. She characterized the plot as fundamentally optimistic, proposing that suffering serves a purpose within a larger life path. Lee reinforced this view, pointing out that the conclusion sees Washington’s entire family celebrating her gift, indicating collective endorsement rather than just the producer’s individual approval.

Broadening the project’s scope, Lee also created a short film to accompany the single, shot at various New York City locations. Aiyana-Lee remembered the brisk filming schedule, quipping that the team "couldn’t keep up with Spike" and his tireless drive. Lee adopted a striking visual approach, depicting Manhattan in monochrome before transitioning to color as the narrative shifts to Brooklyn—a stylistic nod to iconic films such as "The Wizard of Oz." He framed the short as a "classic story" of a hopeful artist arriving in the metropolis with a suitcase and grand ambitions, ending at the offices of his own 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks. This company, established by Lee in 1986, has become a cornerstone of independent filmmaking, producing influential works that frequently address racial and urban themes. The companion film aims to vividly express the blend of aspiration and emotional intensity that marks such a life-changing move to New York, capturing both the city’s allure and its demanding reality.