Are Chilli and Rashan Ali the Next Kim and NeNe?

According to an inside source privy to the intimate details of Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas’ new show on VH1, Rashan Ali was one of hundreds of hopefuls who auditioned for the role as Chilli’s “best friend.” Ali is the midday host on Atlanta’s popular Hot 107.9.

You’re probably wondering why would anyone audition as Chilli’s best friend? I’m sure she has friends who could have easily fit the role. But apparently, none of Chilli’s friends appealed to the producers of the show.

So Rashan Ali was one of the hopefuls who received a private invite to audition for the role.

Rashan and Chilli go way back to the TLC days. Rashan was the personal assistant to the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, according to Rashan’s Myspace page.

This same scenario played itself out on the surprise hit show ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’. Word is, Kim Zolciak and Dwight Eubanks also auditioned for roles as NeNe Leakes’ best friend on the show.

The new show is produced by VH1 and the producers of American Idol. In the show, Chilli goes on a quest to find a new man — preferably one who isn’t married or gay.