Kandi Burruss Opens Up About the Crucial Advice She Gave Daughter Riley Ahead of Reality TV Debut in ‘Next Gen NYC’

In a candid and heartfelt moment, Kandi Burruss, the Grammy-winning singer, entrepreneur, and longtime star of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, opened up about the vital advice she gave her daughter, Riley Burruss, as the young woman prepares to step into the spotlight on Bravo’s newest reality series, Next Gen NYC.

Speaking at the prestigious Entertainment Community Fund Gala in New York City, Kandi shared her mixed feelings about Riley joining the reality TV world — a space Kandi herself knows all too well, having spent years navigating both its dazzling highs and brutal lows.

Her advice to Riley? Stay authentic, stay responsible, and above all else, stay true to herself.

“I just told her, don’t try to act like who you think people want you to be. Be yourself,” Kandi revealed during her exclusive interview. “Because at the end of the day, if you try to be somebody else, that’s when people tear you down the most. But if you’re just being you, they can’t take that away from you.”

It’s sage advice, especially coming from someone who has witnessed firsthand how reality television can both catapult a person to fame and, just as quickly, drag them into controversy. Kandi’s emphasis on authenticity speaks volumes about her hopes for Riley: that she will emerge not as a manufactured image, but as a confident young woman forging her own identity, separate from the towering legacy of her famous mother.

Financial Wisdom and Real-World Advice

Beyond the emotional counsel, Kandi also made sure to ground Riley in practical wisdom, particularly around financial independence.

“You have to remember that all of this fame and popularity can be temporary,” Kandi warned. “You need to make sure you’re handling your money right, saving, investing — thinking ahead.”

It’s a message that resonates strongly, especially in an industry where many young stars burn through their earnings before they have a chance to build lasting stability. By encouraging Riley to be mindful about her finances, Kandi is helping her daughter build a foundation that will last far beyond the fleeting headlines and TV ratings.

A New Generation Steps Into the Spotlight

Next Gen NYC, set to premiere June 3 at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo, is poised to be one of the most talked-about shows of the summer. It follows the lives of the children of iconic Bravo stars as they navigate young adulthood in the bustling, chaotic, and endlessly glamorous world of New York City.

The cast features a vibrant mix of familiar faces, including Ariana Biermann (daughter of Kim Zolciak-Biermann), Gia Giudice (daughter of Teresa Giudice), Brooks Marks (son of Meredith Marks), Ava Dash (daughter of Damon Dash and Rachel Roy), and, of course, Riley Burruss.

Each cast member brings their own unique background, ambitions, and family histories to the table. But despite their privileged upbringings, they face the same universal challenges as any young adult: finding independence, carving out careers, building relationships, and figuring out who they are — away from the massive shadows cast by their famous parents.

Riley Burruss: Ready for the Challenge

Riley, now in her early twenties, has long been seen by fans of The Real Housewives of Atlanta as Kandi’s sweet, grounded daughter — someone who was raised with both love and tough lessons about the real world. Throughout her adolescence, Riley demonstrated a level of maturity and independence that set her apart from many of her reality TV peers.

Now, as she takes center stage on Next Gen NYC, the world will see Riley not just as Kandi’s daughter, but as a young woman determined to make her own mark.

Her decision to join the show wasn’t made lightly. According to Kandi, Riley understood the risks and rewards that come with reality TV exposure. “She’s smart,” Kandi emphasized. “She knows how crazy it can get. But she also knows this is an opportunity — and she’s going to make the most of it.”

A Mother’s Pride and a Daughter’s Journey

For Kandi, watching Riley step into adulthood and onto the screen is a bittersweet experience. It’s a reminder that the little girl who once clung to her hand on red carpets is now making her own choices, finding her own voice.

“Of course, I’m nervous. What mother wouldn’t be?” Kandi admitted. “But mostly, I’m proud. She’s strong, she’s smart, and she’s ready. That’s all I can ask for.”

The reality TV landscape is unpredictable — full of sudden fame, public scrutiny, and emotional highs and lows. But if Riley Burruss can hold onto the core values her mother instilled — authenticity, responsibility, resilience — she may not only survive the journey but thrive in it.

As Next Gen NYC prepares to launch, one thing is certain: Riley Burruss isn’t just stepping into the spotlight — she’s ready to shine on her own terms.