Mexican singer Lupillo Rivera abruptly left “Top Chef VIP 5” on September 24, citing betrayal by Telemundo over personal life coverage. His exit saved co-contestant Nailea Norvind from being eliminated by the judges, while actor Guty Carrera faced a medical emergency involving an ambulance after a food allergy incident.
Lupillo Rivera’s dramatic exit from “Top Chef VIP 5” on September 24 stunned producers and viewers alike. The Mexican singer claimed he left due to a betrayal by Telemundo, referencing past conflicts with the network over personal life coverage. Lupillo Rivera said that he was leaving because they had betrayed him and he wouldn’t allow it, according to El Nuevo Día. His departure allowed his companion, Mexican actress Nailea Norvind, to be saved from being eliminated by the judges.
The episode descended into chaos as Rivera’s decision to leave clashed with the show’s usual format. La Opinión reported that Rivera’s exit was met with skepticism from some of his fellow contestants and the recelo of the chefs, while Guty Carrera took the decision to try food that possibly contained shrimp, being allergic, which led to him having to be attended to inside an ambulance. Rivera’s social media activity later suggested he remained engaged with the competition, but his formal exit was confirmed by multiple outlets.
Nailea Norvind, who was poised to be eliminated, expressed relief at surviving. The remaining contestants now include Aylín Mujica, Guty Carrera, Kelly Ríos, Mauricio Garza, Miguel Arce, Ninel Conde, Roberto Romano, and Nailea Norvind, with the $200,000 prize still up for grabs.
A Chaotic Final Episode
Rivera’s decision to leave came during the elimination challenge, where he faced Nailea Norvid. Although the judges decided that she should leave the competition, Rivera took the word and his exit was confirmed. DallasNews noted that Rivera was considered a top contender, with Ninel Conde commenting during the program that the singer was making a tantrum and that maybe he would regret it. The show’s fifth season, which returns to Telemundo on Tuesday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m., has already seen multiple twists, including rumors of Kelly Ríos’ potential exit and Nievelis González’s return to the competition.
This is the third exit of the season, following Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios and actor Carlos Ferro. Rivera’s departure adds to the show’s reputation for high-stakes drama. El Nuevo Día highlighted that Rivera referenced his previous conflict with Telemundo during La Casa de los Famosos,
where he worked with the chain and the gossip programs hit him. He also spoke about his new relationship in the program, which he initially could not pursue due to his engagement to Taina Pimentel.
A Season Marked by Drama
The fifth season of “Top Chef VIP” features 20 participants, including Aylín Mujica, Guty Carrera, Kelly Ríos, Mauricio Garza, Miguel Arce, Ninel Conde, Roberto Romano, and Nailea Norvind. The eliminated contestants include Athenea Pérez, Carlos ‘Caramelo’ Cruz, Carlos Ferro, Carlos Ponce, Diana Haro, Gaby Borges, José Joel, Nievelis González, Pedro Luis ‘La Divaza’ Figueroa, Sheynnis Palacios, and Stephanie Salas.
