Ross told ET that she did not discuss the role with her mother, Diana Ross, while it was in the works.
The High Note marks the singing debut for the 47-year-old Tracee Ellis Ross.
She did, however, clue her mom in when it came to recording demos for the songs in the movie.
The actress had never let anyone hear her sing for much of her life, as she pursued film and television roles, most notably with the early ‘00s sitcom Girlfriends.