DJ James Kennedy has been a polarizing figure throughout his time on Vanderpump Rules. He had a rough start, but ever since he embarked on his sobriety journey, he seems to have changed for the better. VPR is heading into unchartered waters next season, with many of the OGs getting pink slips from Bravo. And I never thought I’d say this, but James and his new fiance Raquel Leviss might be my new favorite couple on the show. That’s called growth, hunny.
And while James and Raquel may have not been in on the Pump Rules pregnancy pact, they’re truly growing up for the better. James is back DJing at Sur now that pandemic restrictions have subsided and Raquel is SUR-ving. He and Lala Kent have worked out their differences now that they’re both sober now and it’s a much more positive experience to watch James thrive on TV. While the next season of VPR could be a hit or a bust, I’m excited to see more of James and Raquel’s wedding planning and day-to-day lives. And something tells me James won’t be half of the groomzilla Jax Taylor was when he married Brittany Cartwright last season. OMG does this mean that James is now the No. 1 guy in the group? My my, how times have changed.
James recently took to Instagram, in a photo holding his adorable puppy, to celebrate 2 years of sobriety. “Thank you everyone that has supported me and my journey so far. here’s to many more years alcohol free #forlife (to anyone struggling trust me the light at the end is brighter then anything I could of imagined. and if I can do it you can too),” James captioned the photo. Props to James. Working in a bar/restaurant environment surrounded by perpetual 20-year-olds who love to party is not the easiest environment to sober up. Thankfully, Raquel has been such a rock and support for him to lean on and he was able to make it this far.
RELATED: Lisa Vanderpump Says Raquel Leviss Is The Best Thing That’s Ever Happened To James Kennedy; Praises Raquel For Coming Out Of Her Shell
And James‘ Bravoleb friends flooded the comments to support. Lala wrote, “That’s what up, James.” I literally read that comment in Lala’s wannabe gangster voice. Scheana Shay also commented, “SO proud of you!!” Max Boyens, who also got the boot from VPR, wrote, “proud of you friend.” And Charli Burnett posted a bunch of celebratory emojis. And before you check, a plate of pasta was not included because it’s NOT ABOUT THE PASTA, it’s about James’ milestone. Additionally, Tom Schwartz, Raquel, Lala’s fiance Randall Emmett and Billie Lee liked the post.
RELATED: Raquel Leviss Denies Pregnancy Rumors After Engagement To James Kennedy
And former Summer House star Hannah Berner made a rather awkward and frankly unnecessary comment. “I thought this was your dog’s 2 year birthday. Very proud of you,” she wrote. Like OK??? Couldn’t you have just mentioned that on a podcast or something? Don’t ruin the moment, Hannah. The way summer should be fun, James‘ two-year sobriety celebration should be about HIM.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF JAMES CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF SOBRIETY? ARE YOU EXCITED FOR HIM AND RAQUEL TO RETURN TO VPR NEXT SEASON?
[Photo Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo]
