With all the drama from last season, it was inevitable there would be some adjustments made for season two. The cast of “R&B Divas: LA” will welcome two new divas to the lineup: Grammy-winner Chrisette Michele and soul sister Leela James will join returning cast members Chanté Moore, Lil’ Mo, Michel’le and Claudette Ortiz for the sophomore go-around of the popular TV One spin off. Kelly Price and Dawn Robinson won’t be returning to the show, which starts filming this month.
“The debut season of R&B Divas LA set the tone as a series all about glamour and high-stakes drama,” said D’Angela Proctor, SVP Programming and Production, TV One. “As we gear up to shoot season two, we anticipate that the addition of two lovely and respected solo artists, Chrisette and Leela, will build upon the impassioned, ever-evolving group dynamic that season one viewers embraced.”
Chrisette Michele has four solo albums and a series of featured credits under her belt. She gained initial industry traction in 2006 for her contributions to a series of hip hop singles. She released her debut album, I Am, in 2007, her second album, Epiphany, in 2009, and won a 2009 Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her single “Be OK.” In 2010, she released her third album, Let Freedom Reign, and additionally was featured on rapper Rick Ross’ album, Teflon Don, on the track, “Aston Martin Music” (along with Ross and Drake). Her fourth album, Better, was released in June and has received a 56th Annual Grammy Awards nomination for Best R&B Album. She is currently on tour performing in select U.S. cities.
Leela James burst onto the scene with her 2006 debut album, A Change is Gonna Come, and has gone on to record three subsequent albums including My Soul, and Loving You More…In the Spirit of Etta James. Leela James’ upcoming fourth studio album will be released in 2014, led by new single “Say That,” a sultry duet with Anthony Hamilton.
The second season is scheduled to air during the second quarter of 2014.