Unless there are more people with similar abilities in this universe, it seems unlikely that an earthquake (a common occurrence in California) during an MRI (a scan that many people are subjected to frequently) alone would be enough grant an ordinary person telepathy-adjacent superpowers. However, if Zoey already possessed some kind of latent psychic powers, then a traumatic incident like an earthquake happening to her when her claustrophobic-self is inside the MRI machine could be enough to switch the powers from latent to active.
The lyric in the final number of season 1, "the day the music died", indicates that Zoey will lose her powers. This will probably only be temporary if the show is renewed for a second season.
- It did get renewed, so we'll have to wait and see...
- Jossed. Zoey still has her powers in season 2.
Both series
- Possibly confirmed in the season 2 finale: Max hears Zoey's own heart song.