What the RHOA ladies had to say about the Season 17 reunion
The Georgia women touched down in New York City for the fiery reunion on June 25. As Kelli told Bravo Insider, “I don’t know if it’s the New York City air or what’s going on, but I feel good, I don’t have any jitters. It scares me a little bit.”
The ladies dressed in stunning shades of green, black, and gold for the Scottish theme as an ode to this year’s cast trip.
“The look is giving a little Glinda from Wicked….and the nails are giving Elphaba,” Drew told Bravo Insider. “I don’t know who you’re gonna get. We’re gonna see, but if somebody takes it there, they’re gonna get all this smoke, alright, cause I’m coming in on my broom.”
While Porsha was getting glammed up, she revealed she was feeling “hopeful” about this reunion to Bravo Insider. “I’m feeling like you know most reunions is where we get to the bottom of things,” Porsha said. “I feel like also people who have been avoiding stuff also want to get resolution so I feel hopeful that will happen.”
Pinky, on the other hand, admitted she didn’t know what to expect from the day. “I’m just seeing what’s it gonna look and feel like, but I’m ready,” Pinky said from the makeup chair.
The Slutty Vegan business owner also teased the “very, very special” news she was getting ready to share with her casemates: She and her husband, Derrick Hayes, are expecting another baby in December.
Pinky joked no other Housewives gave her advice about how to approach her first-ever reunion taping. “No, they did not give advice which is why I pulled up in sweatpants and a t-shirt,” Pinky said with a chuckle, unaware that cameras sometimes catch the ladies arriving and before the reunion officially starts taping.
Angela, meanwhile, was ready to fan the flames either way the day went. She brought fans for each of the ladies as gifts for the reunion day and of course brought one with her on set to stay cool during filming.
She also told Bravo Insider what was weighing on her mind that morning.“I feel a little disappointed. I feel like we started the season on such a high and to come into this reunion being served with a cease and desist is kind of like, what we doing? It’s a lot going on,” Angela said, referencing Shamea’s legal notice. “However, we’re gonna get to the bottom of everything and we’re gonna have conversations people avoid and today is the day.”
Just down the hall, Shamea and Kelli shared a dressing room. While some fans might have a touch of déjà vu thinking back to this year’s Dallas trip, the duo didn’t mind sharing the space.
“You know it’s funny I feel a lot more calm for this reunion than I did last year and you would think it would be the opposite because I got my ass handed to me every which way this year, but I’m actually good,” Shamea said. “I’m ready.”
What Andy Cohen said before filming began at the RHOA reunion
Host Andy Cohen made his way to set a few minutes before filming began and gave his kudos to production desiger Scott Sicari, a common practice Andy does as he takes in reunion stage for the first time.
“You guys were right about the suit,” Andy told the control room through his earpiece as he settled into his seat. The Watch What Happens Live host wore a navy striped suit with a purple tie.
“Prompter looks good,” Andy said after reading a few lines to camera. “I got brand new eyes.” (He previously shared he had eye surgery the day after the Summer House reunion taping.)
Andy then snapped a quick selfie with his cue cards shortly before filming began. In some unseen moments, Andy caught up with the Atlanta ladies as they trickled in. Andy asked Angela about the Knicks parade in New York City, and another cast member checked in on how his kids were doing.
“Last day of school is tomorrow,” Andy responded. “We’re heading out to the beach.”
Andy also chatted with Phaedra about an event they were attending together soon.
RELATED: Where the RHOA Cast Stands After Season 17 (EXCLUSIVE)
More behind-the-scenes details from the RHOA reunion taping
During last looks, as makeup artists and hairstylists made sure everyone’s glam was set, someone snuck Drew’s movie clapboard she used during the louder moments in the reunion behind her pillow on the couch.
At the first break from filming, Shamea was first up to have her outfit photographed. Charles Oakley checked out the set during the lunch break and hung out in Angela’s dressing room during filming. When discussions about the day’s schedule seemed like it could run long, Andy said playfully, “Well, I got a dinner reservation, so…”
When filming did eventually end, some of the ladies needed to stay behind after the Scottish bagpiper finished his performance to capture their single portrait before heading out for the evening.
