Kandi Burruss, the acclaimed singer and former star of Real Housewives of Atlanta, has shared valuable advice with her daughter, Riley Burruss, as she navigates the world of reality television. At the 2026 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards, Kandi discussed the guidance she provided to Riley, who is now 23 years old and features in the Bravo series Next Gen NYC.
Kandi emphasized the importance of authenticity and accountability while appearing on camera. “I just told her don’t be on there [and] say anything that you ain’t going to stand behind. You got to make sure you keep it honest on this show,” she told People. This advice reflects Kandi’s own experiences in the reality TV realm, where she gained recognition and faced scrutiny over the years.
The Grammy-winning artist further encouraged her daughter to embrace her truth, even when faced with criticism. “And even if you say something they don’t like, just own it and keep it pushing,” Kandi added. She highlighted the necessity of staying resilient in the often tumultuous environment of reality television, stating, “Don’t let them rewind no tapes on you like how they do [with] people on the shows. We not doing that.”
As Riley prepares for her second season on Next Gen NYC, Kandi’s insights aim to equip her with the tools to handle the challenges that come with fame. “Keep it strong, confident, honest, and just… Hey, I know it’s going to be crazy, but we’ll deal with it as it comes,” Kandi advised, reinforcing her commitment to supporting her daughter.
The upcoming season of Next Gen NYC is generating excitement among fans, with speculation surrounding returning cast members and potential new additions. As Riley steps into this new chapter, she carries with her not only her mother’s wisdom but also the legacy of navigating the complexities of reality television.
