The vocals on singer, Rosa Mejia, shocked fans in the first 2 seasons of Shine.
But when she returned after much controversy surrounding her last season's elimination, fans were even more shocked.
In the 7th episode titled "The Truth Will Set You Free", Rosa returns and puts the judges at odds. After a commercial break, Brandon Stewart, judge and creator of the series, kicks off the confusion in his confessional asking, "Who's coming to audition?"
Then right on the heels of Brandon's question, fellow judge and rapper, 2'Live Bre laughs, asking "Who made this decision?" Then a producer behind the camera admits to Bre that it was a last minute decision late the night before. Then Ashthon Jones, Grammy Winning Singer and judge, adds to the confusion asking if "that's a thing we all decided, because I didn't get the memo."
Right after all the confusion, Bre then asks, "Did you tell Brandon?" Just as Rosa walks in the room, the tension is heavy. Sources told BTV Insider that there were some more welcoming of her return than others. Brandon even states, "Yeah, I didn't approve that."
After some time with the judges, Rosa wastes no time opening up about her time on the show last season. This is what we were all waiting for! "I've been working on myself," Rosa said. Brandon chimes in during another confessional interview with a little bit of the backstory.
"We saw her in season 1. She was talented, she had a big voice, and [Rosa] actually placed second. She came back in season 2..." Brandon admits, after a long pause, "...and we had some issues."
Sources close to Rosa told BTV Insider that she has always had respect for the show and the judges. "She had a lot on her plate last season and that's why she was acting out of character," another source said.
During flashbacks to the previous season, and Rosa's heartfelt apology, the fans learned she battled an eating disorder. The tea was also spilled on a relationship she shared with another competitor, Joey Phantom, leaving the judges to find a hickey on his neck. So it's safe to say her focus wasn't on the competition as much as she and the judges might have hoped.
Bre chimed in an attempt to connect to her journey, and the room seemed to lighten. It was obvious the judges want to see her succeed. The disappointment expressed during her audition was more of that like a concerned parent.
Rosa decided to perform "Anyone" by Demi Lovato, in an emotional connection that even brought one of the judges to tears.
"We all face challenges everyday," Brandon said. The judges followed suit, admitting nobody is perfect and taking care of your mental health is very important. Bre has since opened up about his own mental health, talking more about his own obstacles.
Watch Rosa's audition and see if she makes it to the next round. Shine returns in September as the Top 40 go head to head in the most explosive season yet.