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.

This week, Kandi and her team try to break down cultural barriers when they meet Mujjy, a 26-year-old Afghani-American hairdresser from New York. Mujjy shows up to "The Kandi Factory" thinking she will impress the team with her sexy swagger, but the pressure mounts as she tries to overcome her conservative cultural upbringing. Her counterpoint, Matthew Cash, is a 26-year-old rapper from Chicago that is loaded with talent. He immediately wows Kandi with his clever writing skills, but his lack of stage experience becomes a major stumbling block. Kandi and the team push him to develop his charisma and showmanship, but can he win the audience over?

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 whose 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?

The team mentors 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. 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. 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-seated 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 everyone 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 she made to her brother to pursue her musical dreams. 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?