Three Things We’ve Learned From “R&B Divas L.A.’s” Claudette Ortiz

You may have been wondering for years what happened to Claudette Ortiz from City High and the premier of R&B Divas L.A. should have answered your questions. From being in the industry since 16 years old, to dealing with tumultuous relationships, and a divorce, you would think that would discourage any young star from moving forward. Any star maybe, but not Claudette. Here’s what we learned from the incredible talent about what we’re missing from reality TV, faith, and more:

1. We’ve Been Missing A Positive Image of Single Mothers On TV

Her decision to join the show was primarily based on providing for her family.

“It was a really serious time in my life. I was pretty much at rock bottom trying to provide for my children and figure out if I was going to continue to pursue entertainment or not. I had two roads to choose and I had to make a decision. So when I got the call, I prayed about it with my friends and family and we ultimately decided that it was worth a try.”

One thing we rarely see on reality TV these days is a young, single mother in a positive light. Teen Moms definitely doesn’t count and most women in other series don’t dish about their children. The R&B Diva is very clear about her stance on being a positive voice for those who are often overlooked:

“I’m excited to share my story. I wanna encourage women, single mothers who still have to have a career and provide for their children and go for their dreams. I want to encourage those women not to give up and I feel like I’ve been given an avenue to have to speak to a multitude of those women. I’m just like that. I’m that woman. Hopefully I’ll be able to touch someone with it and that’s what I’m looking forward to the most.”

2. Your Past Is Behind You – Even If You Are On TV

“I’m an open book. I’m a human being just like everyone else. And I feel like the things I went through – if I can’t help somebody with what I went through then what was it worth?”

shares the star. After making her way into the industry at just 16 years old, the songstress has had her share of ups and downs but made a conscious decision to stay open about those lessons – even if you decide to judge her:

“It is hard to talk about sometimes, because it was so long ago. Nobody wants to go back into the past, I trying to move forward with my life. It’s apart of my life and it was apart of what made me who I am, so I embrace that. Anybody that wants to have opinions about my decisions or judge me, that’s fine – it doesn’t matter to me. Because at the end of the day, only God at the end is what matters.”

3. Divas Make The Best Teachers

Being surrounded my musical heavyweights such as Kelly Price, Chante Moore, Dawn Robinson, Lil’ Mo and Michel’le may be one of the greatest gifts a younger singer could receive and Claudette would have to agree.

“It was amazing. I’ve learned so much. They’re such amazing beautiful women inside and out. It was a beautiful experience I am so thankful and I’m very grateful that I got this opportunity [with women] that have more experience than I have in the music industry. I learned from everybody – each one of the women I learned a lot from. It was definitely a blessing, they were all blessings.

Citing “knowing your worth” as one of the biggest lessons she’s learned, Claudette is currently working on an album and you can check out her YouTube channel to see her musical growth from over the years. R&B Divas L.A. airs Wednesdays on TVOne at 8pm CST/9pm EST. –@MelissaKimble