NeNe Leakes Says She’s Done with “Real Housewives of Atlanta” FOR GOOD
NeNe Leakes announced earlier this week (via People) that she will no longer be appearing on Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Atlanta” after nearly eight “drama-filled” years.
The 48-year-old — who is the only original cast member and became famous because of the show, equally using her fame to make the popular show even more popular — released a statement Monday (Jun 29) saying she will not be returning for the upcoming eighth season.
“This was definitely a hard decision for me,” Leakes tells PEOPLE. “Me and my husband [Gregg Leakes] have been going back and forth on it for weeks now. But my contract is up and I just think this is the right time. This is my opportunity to spread my wings and do different things.”
“I’m actually going to be doing a new primetime television show with a big legend,” Leakes teases of the series she begins filming this week. “All of my fans will get to see me be really happy, witty and funny and tell all of those one liners that I always have said on Housewives.”
“I feel a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders,” says Leakes, who throughout the years was the center of many arguments and altercations on the show. “There were times when I was a target,” she says. “I won’t miss the negativity.”
It’s no secret that NeNe Leakes is the star of RHOA, and her antics most certainly bring in the viewers, so she will definitely be missed by fans of the show. But what about the other women on the show?
“I think some of the girls will be happy,” Leakes says. “They always felt like I was the star, and they were never able to really shine with me there, so here’s their opportunity to shine.”
But lest they get too comfortable, “I’m not saying I’m gone forever,” Leakes warns. “I’ll probably pop up and play with those girls every now and then.”
Bravo’s Andy Cohen, the executive producer of the “Real Housewives” franchise, tweeted that NeNe was “always welcome back to the house she helped build,” and noted that she would be a “Real Housewife forever.”
We love @NeNeLeakes & she is always welcome back to the house she helped build! She's a Real Housewife forever!!
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) June 30, 2015
Now, all of this sounds fine and dandy, but according to NeNe, she will not be participating in Season 8 of “Real Housewives of ATL.”
In fact, she just signed a deal to star alongside Betty White and Anthony Anderson for ABC’s revival of the 60’s game show “To Tell The Truth,” which means that she won’t even have the time to “play with those girls every now and then.” At least not this season.
NeNe Leakes made it clear to our photog … ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ is on its own next season, because she will not appear at all … not even occasionally.
Producers floated the possibility of a reduced role for NeNe in Season 8, but she shot that down in a big way Wednesday at LAX.
The buzz is that the show is in trouble without her. NeNe seems to agree.
Sounds like NeNe Leakes is done with the “Housewives” FOR GOOD. But we all know if this “primetime TV” thing doesn’t work out, she’ll be right back and her peach will be waiting for her.
NeNe Leakes Says She’s Done with “Real Housewives of Atlanta” FOR GOOD is a post from: Gossip On This – Pop Culture, News, Sports, Videos & Humor
KOKO’s music is a testament to her international background. Hailing from Finland and spending part of her life in Brussels, Belgium, she brings a blend of Northern European sophistication and Middle European jazz and funk to her music. It’s this eclectic mix that sets her apart, making her sound a breath of fresh air in the New York scene.
KOKO mentions her fondness for the jazz and funk she experienced in Brussels, stating, “I definitely have like funk elements in my music, especially from the time when we lived in Brussels, because we went to see like a lot of jazz, for example, at all times.” This richness in artistry isn’t just serendipitous; it’s intentional and a core part of who she is as an artist.
The New York City Metamorphosis
Moving to the epicenter of varied artistic expression, New York City, KOKO continued to evolve her craft. It’s here that she found the latitude to further her studies in sound engineering and delve deeper into the music world. Attending SAE Institute of Technology was a decision that would shape her future, immersing her in a community that lives and breathes sound.
Yet, it isn’t just about the music for KOKO. It’s about being “in motion,” as she refers to her debut LP, aptly titled “Coco Motion.” This project encapsulates her experiences and growth during her time in the States. Each song represents a timestamp, chronicling her evolution from an international student to a New York artist. “It’s like a timeline, almost like how my journey has been here,” she reflects.
The Beacon of Self-love and Empowerment
Amid the beats and melodies, there’s an underlying narrative in KOKO’s music: the importance of self-love and empowerment. These are not just themes but the lifeblood of her creative expression. KOKO is on a mission to inspire, guide, and remind listeners of their inherent worth and capacity for love.
She doesn’t shy away from her advocacy for mental health, recognizing its significance in today’s society. For KOKO, music is a medium for healing and spiritual growth. “My sound is conscious pop,” she says, signaling the reflective quality of her songs and their purpose to resonate on a deeper level with her audience.
As we recap the indelible impression KOKO has made in her interview with Shah Cypha, it’s clear that her trajectory is not simply one of personal ambition but also of universal resonance. Her music, imbued with both her Finnish and Brussels-influenced roots, has found a nurturing home in New York City, blossoming into a soundtrack of self-development and positive vibrations. With a firm stance on female empowerment and mental health, KOKO’s presence in the industry goes beyond entertainment; it’s a catalyst for transformation and healing. Her upcoming LP, “KOKOmotion,” is set to ripple through the collective consciousness, reminding us all to stay in perpetual movement toward our highest selves.
Cincinnati native Big Lotion drops his new single titled “Green A Go.” Listen below via Spotify or on any music platform. You can also follow him on IG.
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