Okay now, here we go. For better or worse. Till death do us part. Yeah, all of that marriage lingo is how deeply involved I am with my friends. I love hard. And now that's landed me on a new reality show with them, juggling their relationships, our business ventures and more.
Get ready. You've seen me on reality television before, in front of millions on American Idol, and behind the judging table on Shine. But this journey is different. On this journey, you're going to learn more about me: my love life, my friends, my family, my failures, my triumphs, my sass, my health, my past, and why I'm proud to have worked for every penny I've earned. I've never been this open about my life before.
Nowadays, the only time I'm on camera is when I'm scripted, pretending to be somebody else. Well, this sure isn't acting. This is real life stuff. Will I still be acting in other projects? Of course. But now you get a front row seat to the real me, and I'm proud to share it with you.
Before we jump into the new show, let's talk about one of my favorites.
Shine is going to be dropping our first trailer this month. Can you believe it? Another season. You know I'm excited. The talent that surfaced this year was remarkable. And you can still audition. You submit your audition online right here and our producing team does the rest. Every submission is viewed by the judges.
Our social team shared this shot of me this week. I thought I'd share with you. From the global pandemic to protests in the streets, there are some very moving stories our contestants share. Stories you won't want to miss.
As busy as I've been with that, I decided to surprise my friends on the new show we're filming. They were in Vegas, so away I went.
Let me tell you, it was a surprise alright.
To fill you in, I have always been the kind of person that rolls with a good group of people. In high school I had a core group of close friends that did everything together. I was always the 'go to' guy setting up plans, while my momma's house was always the rendezvous spot. My nature is to work hard, then play hard.
So that's what I do with my friends here in Los Angeles. I typically set up group adventures, birthday parties, #getaway trips, sleepovers, and all the stress relieving activities that brings a smile to our faces. But in this role, it often leads to becoming the group's venting post for internal drama within the group. Is it because I help find a solution? Or is it because I am the only one willing to tell them the truth? I guess that's something you can help me figure out.
After teaching a vocal session to one of my best friends, Ava Michelle, I sat down with her mom, Jeannette Cota, to chat all about what I witnessed in Vegas. The girls and I go way back.
I met Jeanette and Ava when I was producing fashion shows for STYLE. I would help put the show together for celebrity designers looking to launch their newest lines in Los Angeles. It was fun, but it was temporary.
What I'm most proud of from this experience was the lasting relationships with two women I love dearly. Like most of my closest friends, when we've reached that best friend status, it's for life. So with Jeanette and her daughter Ava, they're like family. Which means I can be honest with them and open up when I need advice.
So I opened up to Jeannette about Vegas and what happened when I arrived. You see, when we were setting up the Vegas trip, I couldn't go.
This was a first.
Up until then, my friends had never taken a trip without me. But between Shine, overseeing my app launch coming 2021, and developing a few new scripted shows for my company, I didn't have the time.
So, I decide to surprise them on the last day. Monique "Mo" texted me and said Cliff hd an idea for a surprise party for Kasi. But when I got there, it was not at all what I expected. Sev and Mo were beefing hard.
When I tell you it's always something with this group, it is always something. Stay tuned, cause you know I made Mo and Sev talk it out. Did they find closure? Unfortunately not. Did I think they would? Yes. But you'll see that when the series airs, along with Jeanette's great advice at where to go from here.
One thing is for sure, somebody is lying, and I don't like liars.
With love,
Brandon