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7 Shocking Facts About Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas: What Group Was She In And Where Is She Now (2025 Update)

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The question of "what group was Chilli in" immediately conjures images of one of the most successful and influential female groups of all time: TLC. As of December 2025, Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas continues to honor that legacy while forging new paths in television and music, proving the group’s timeless appeal is far from over. Her story is one of a late-addition member who became an indispensable part of a global phenomenon, navigating incredible fame, tragedy, and an enduring career that spans over three decades.

The iconic trio, known for their groundbreaking music and fashion, cemented their place in history, and today, Chilli and Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins carry the torch. This deep dive into Chilli's career reveals her full biography, the group's dramatic history, and all the latest projects keeping her in the spotlight in late 2025, including a major New Year's Eve performance and a new hosting gig.

Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas: Full Biography and Profile

Rozonda Ocielian Thomas, globally known by her stage name Chilli, is a singer, dancer, actress, and television personality. She is best known as one-third of the legendary R&B/Hip Hop group TLC. Her career began not with TLC, but as a dancer, a crucial stepping stone that prepared her for the massive success that was to come.

  • Full Name: Rozonda Ocielian Thomas
  • Stage Name: Chilli
  • Date of Birth: February 27, 1971
  • Place of Birth: Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
  • Primary Group: TLC (1991–Present)
  • Original Members of TLC (Pre-Chilli): Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and Crystal Jones
  • Role in TLC: The "C" in TLC (replacing Crystal Jones)
  • Previous Work: Dancer for R&B duo Damian Dame
  • Significant Albums with TLC: Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip (1992), CrazySexyCool (1994), FanMail (1999), 3D (2002), TLC (2017)
  • Major Awards: Four Grammy Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards, and numerous others.
  • Notable TV/Film Work: A Diva's Christmas Carol, That '90s Show, TLC Forever (Documentary), Second Chance Love (2025)
  • Partner: Matthew Lawrence (as of 2025)
  • Child: Tron Austin (with producer Dallas Austin)

The Iconic Group: TLC and The 'C' in the Name

The group Chilli was in, TLC, stands as one of the best-selling female groups of all time, redefining R&B and Hip Hop in the 1990s. The original name was an acronym for the first names of the founding members: Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and Crystal Jones.

The Critical Replacement of Crystal Jones

Chilli joined the group in 1991, replacing founding member Crystal Jones. LaFace Records, the label co-founded by L.A. Reid and Babyface, chose Chilli to complete the trio. Her stage name, "Chilli," was chosen to maintain the "TLC" acronym, replacing the "C" that Crystal Jones represented. The new lineup—T-Boz, Left Eye, and Chilli—was complete and ready to take over the music world.

Breaking Records and Barriers

TLC's music was revolutionary, tackling social issues with songs like "Waterfalls," which addressed the AIDS crisis and drug use, and "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg," which championed female sexual empowerment. Their album CrazySexyCool became the first album by a female group to achieve Diamond status (selling over 10 million copies) in the U.S. Chilli's smooth vocals and dynamic dancing were integral to the group's success, balancing T-Boz’s contralto and Left Eye’s energetic rap verses.

The Enduring Legacy After Tragedy

The group faced tragedy in 2002 with the untimely death of Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. Despite the devastating loss, Chilli and T-Boz chose to continue the TLC legacy. They released their final album as a trio, 3D, using unreleased vocals from Left Eye. Following this, the duo has continued to tour and perform their classic hits globally, often incorporating a tribute to Left Eye in their shows.

Chilli's Latest Projects and 2025 Career Updates

In late 2025, Chilli is proving that the TLC brand is still a powerful force in pop culture. Her recent activities span television hosting, high-profile performances, and even a public spat over a past relationship, keeping her career fresh and relevant.

Fact 1: Kicking Off 2026 with a Major Performance

Chilli and T-Boz are scheduled to perform for "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest" to ring in 2026. This high-profile gig in Times Square underscores their enduring appeal and status as a must-see act for major events.

Fact 2: New Reality TV Hosting Gig with Matthew Lawrence

In a significant career move for late 2025, Chilli and her partner, actor Matthew Lawrence, have been announced as the hosts of a new reality show titled Second Chance Love. The show, set to premiere on Hallmark Media, will focus on couples looking to rekindle their romance, a perfect fit given the public interest in Chilli's own relationship with Lawrence.

Fact 3: The "TLC Forever" Documentary and New Insights

The 2023 documentary TLC Forever provided fans with an intimate, candid look at the group's rise to fame, their behind-the-scenes struggles, and their enduring bond. The documentary, which included home movies and interviews with the surviving members, reinforced the group's legendary status and brought their story to a new generation of viewers.

Fact 4: Addressing the Wanya Morris Controversy

In 2025, Chilli was back in the news after a public exchange with Boyz II Men member Wanya Morris. The controversy stemmed from a story Chilli shared about a past relationship with Morris, which he publicly called out, adding another layer to the complex history of R&B icons and their intertwined personal lives.

Fact 5: Almost Being Kicked Out of the Group

A surprising fact revealed in recent years is that Chilli was once almost kicked out of TLC. Early in the group's history, her relationship with Dallas Austin, the group's producer, caused friction, leading to a near-dismissal. Ultimately, she stayed, and her presence proved vital to the group's long-term success.

Fact 6: The Group's Name Has a Second Meaning

While TLC is famous for Tionne, Left Eye, and Chilli, Chilli herself revealed in a September 2025 podcast that the group's name had a "second meaning" related to the group's core values. This revelation continues to fuel fan curiosity and shows that even three decades later, new details about the iconic group are still emerging.

Fact 7: A Career Beyond Music

Outside of music, Rozonda Thomas has built a solid career in acting and reality television. She has appeared in films like A Diva's Christmas Carol and had guest roles in various series. Her foray into reality TV includes her own dating show, Chilli's Always Got Her Man, and most recently, the hosting role for Second Chance Love. This diverse portfolio demonstrates her status as a multifaceted entertainer, transcending her 90s R&B roots.

7 Shocking Facts About Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas: What Group Was She In and Where Is She Now (2025 Update)
what group was chilli in
what group was chilli in

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