Kandi Burruss ("The Real Housewives of Atlanta") invites two fledgling performers to Atlanta, where her team of experts attempts to mold them into pop stars. The hopeful with the most promise has a song released and a music video produced by the Kandi Factory.
In the premiere episode, Kandi takes on Lauryn, a 21-year-old African American college student who has the dream of breaking through the barriers of country music. She is pushed to emotional extremes as she tries to push through her personal struggles and convince Kandi that she has the charisma and talent it takes to be a star. Darian, a 27-year-old dance instructor, immediately clashes with Kandi's team as he battles with overcoming his self-esteem issues. With his performance at stake, Kandi steps in to get his emotions back on track.
Kandi and her team work with Mujjy, a 26 year old Afghani American hairdresser from New York. Despite her high self-confidence, Mujjy has pressure from the start due to her conservative cultural upbringing. Matthew Cash, a 26 year old rapper from Chicago, comes into The Kandi Factory and stuns everyone with his creative writing skills. The team works to improve Matthew's lack of stage experience.
This week, Kandi and her team get a healthy dose of freakiness from their protégés. They take on the seemingly mild Logan, a 21-year-old baker from Utah, but are shocked when he shows up to The Kandi Factory as his goth-rocking alter ego "Sweet Tooth." They have their work cut out for them, as they try to turn this shock rocker into a marketable artist. Facing off against Logan is Harmik, a 27-year-old Iranian from Los Angeles who's over-the-top personality is matched only by his unforgettable mustache. Harmik wants to break out as the first mainstream gay rapper. His outrageous persona becomes a huge challenge for Kandi's team when Harmik and Victor have an explosive altercation. Can Kandi get the showcase back on track and sculpt these two amateurs into bankable stars?
There's a meltdown at the Factory this week, as the team brings Lizzy, a talented 22-year-old singer/songwriter full of potential but a dark, painful relationship with her mother has kept Lizzy emotionally repressed from her music. Kandi pushes Lizzy to the limit to face her pain and channel it into an emotional ballad. Up against Lizzy is Brandon, a 23-year-old Disney parade performer. He has all the ingredients for stardom, but his lack of "flavor" could keep him marching permanently if Kandi can't find a way to break his shell. Then, tempers erupt in the studio when Don Vito pushes Selasi's buttons too far, causing a huge blowout. Phaedra Parks makes a special appearance to help mediate the dispute and whip the team into shape.
This week Kandi's team takes on Garrison, a "Soccer Mom" looking 42-year-old administrator with rock star dreams. But, Garrison's aspirations become her nightmare as she is forced to confront her deep-seeded fears about sexuality when Kandi writes her a pop anthem titled "The Mighty O" -- based on Garrison's own personal journey with her sexuality. Facing off against Garrison is Kevin, a successful 28-year-old lawyer, eager to become the next R&B sensation. However, Kandi is not fully sold on his swag, and tries to teach him how to "woo" the ladies. The stakes are even higher this week as American Idol winner Ruben Studdard joins for a special guest appearance.
Both protégé's stories hit close to home for Kandi this week. In her most emotional challenge yet, she mentors Cory, a talented 18-year-old theater geek who suffers from Autism, Tourette's syndrome, ADD, and OCD. Cory is determined to overcome the odds, prove everything wrong and launch a music career with his soaring vocals. Up against Cory is Kristin, a stunning 25-year-old who is trying to fulfill her lifelong promise to pursue her musical dreams she made to her brother who died in a tragic accident. She decides to channel the pain into a heartbreaking ballad called "If You Were Here." Will Kristin be able to deliver the emotional performance the song deserves?
This week the team meets Terrence, a larger-than-life 30-year-old who plans to propose to his girlfriend on stage during his showcase. Will his unreliable vocals make the performance fall apart and ruin this special moment? Jennifer Chianesi is a spunky 23-year-old who attended a prestigious musical school and has dreams of becoming a rapper, but her image in complete disarray.
On the season finale of "The Kandi Factory," the team takes on Tasha, a seasoned rock n' roll veteran, who's attempting a comeback to save her home from foreclosure. Her competition is Bryan, a 25-year-old country singer from Louisiana who rebels when Kandi writes him a song that he feels is too mainstream.
