Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” is set to return for its 17th season on April 5. Among the cast is fan-favorite Cynthia Bailey, who is back as an official friend of the show. Now, ahead of the show’s premiere, the longtime “RHOA” star is giving an update on Kandi Burruss following her divorce and teasing season 17.
Cynthia Bailey Dishes About The Newbies on ‘RHOA’ Season 17
“Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Bailey recently attended the Truth Awards, held on March 21 in Beverly Hills. While on the carpet for the event, she discussed “RHOA” season 17. First, she was asked for her opinion on the new cast members added to the show, singer K. Michelle and restaurateur Pinky Cole.
According to her, “The newbies are great.” She continued, “You know, K and Pinky are two very different women, so they bring two very different things, and I really enjoyed filming with them.”
From there, she discussed her status on the show, saying, “I come back as an official friend of the show, and I am excited for season 17. I think everybody brought different things, and I think Pinky and K were definitely the right breath of fresh air we needed to just kind of mix it up a little bit.”
When asked specifically what fans can expect from here, Bailey responded, “Well, you know I choose peace, but old fifty Cynt had to pop out a time or two,” alluding to her alter ego featured on earlier seasons of “RHOA” as well as upcoming drama between her and someone on the current cast.
The ‘RHOA’ Legend Also Discussed Kandi Burruss & Her Divorce
Later in the short interview, Bailey was asked about Burruss, who recently finalized her divorce from Todd Tucker after filing in November 2025. Regarding her thoughts on the matter and how her former “RHOA” co-star was coping, she said, “You know what, honestly, I’ve been through two divorces.”
Bailey continued, “Divorce is not easy. Especially when you have young kids involved, so I’m just happy that they had a hell of a run and that they’re on the other side of it. That’s where they need to be.”
When asked if she had spoken to Burruss, she said she saw her in Broadway’s “& Juliet” and that they had dinner. Bailey continued, “She’s in great spirits. She’s doing the best you can do. Again, divorce is not easy.”
Fans Love Cynthia Bailey As A Friend Of The Show
Bailey has a long history with “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” She joined the show as a full-time housewife for its third season. She then left the show after its 13th season in 2021 before returning as an official friend of the show for its 16th.
Because she’s such a fan-favorite, many are reacting to her updates about “RHOA” season 17. One person wrote on Instagram, “She is so pretty.” Another fan said, “I wasn’t a big fan of Cynthia as a full HW, but I do absolutely love her as a ‘friend of.’”
Someone else wrote, “Good. I love Cynthia. She was a great support last season.” Lastly, another “RHOA” fan referenced her alter ego, saying, “We love 50 Cynt, child.”
Cynthia Previously Teased Being Activated In ‘RHOA’ Season 17
Bailey interviewed with Ricky Cornish in November 2025, briefly discussing some of the drama fans can expect when “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” returns for season 17 and how she was more in the mix than she was last year.
She explained, “I think last season was my free ride. They’re like, ‘Oh, she’s just a friend. Don’t mind her.’ But this season, I’m kind of being pulled in. I didn’t really want to pick a side last season.” After that, she stated that she had to “lean toward one side” this time around.
Bailey continued, “That’s kind of tricky. I’ve been catching a few strays already. I realized that my butt is not off limits.” Later, she joked that she may need to be a full-time housewife again after having delivered so much for the upcoming season.
Bravo Released The Trailer In February
As mentioned, “RHOA” returns to Bravo on April 5 at 8/7c. Ahead of the season, the network unveiled the highly anticipated trailer, teasing what’s to come from the cast. In addition to Bailey, Michelle, and Cole, Porsha Williams, Drew Sidora, Phaedra Parks, Angela Oakley, Shamea Morton, and Kelli Ferrell will star.
According to Bravo, Andy Cohen teased the season on “Radio Andy.” He said, “It’s a real group, but when I tell you, I was cackling at the premiere. Now, I had seen it and we had a little, you know, I watch the cuts and we give notes and there was work to be done, but I was like, ‘Wow, this is super promising.’But boy, I’m five episodes into ‘Atlanta,‘ cuts, and it’s a delight.”
