The longstanding hit series Food Network Star is returning to Food Network Canada for a ninth season. Full of brand new twists, Food Network Star will give 12 competitors the opportunity to fight for their dream job: their very own Food Network show. New this season, focus groups of Food Network fans will have their say on competitor performances and one previously eliminated finalist will be brought back for another chance at victory. The new season of Food Network Star premieres Sunday June 2nd at 9pm ET/PT.
Food Network A-listers Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis and Alton Brown return as the three guiding mentors who also take on some of the judging this season. The twelve competing finalists are: Nikki Dinki (New York); Andres Guillama (Waynesville, NC); Rodney Henry (Baltimore); Chris Hodgson (Cleveland); Connie “Lovely” Jackson (Los Angeles); Russell Jackson (San Francisco); Danushka Lysek (New York); Daniela Perez-Reyes (Haleiwa, Haw.); Viet Pham (Salt Lake City); Damaris Phillips (Louisville, Ky.); Stacey Poon-Kinney (San Diego) and Chad Rosenthal (Ambler, Penn.).
Each episode features a first-round Mentor Challenge, second-round Star Challenge and an elimination determined by the selection committee, including returning judges Food Network executives Susie Fogelson and Bob Tuschman.
In the season’s first Mentor Challenge, each finalist films a pitch tape, hones in on their personal hook and explains why they are the best person for the job. In the second round Star Challenge, each finalist must prepare and present one dish to Food Network executives Bob Tuschman and Susie Fogelson and a focus group of Food Network viewers who help decide who has a shot at becoming a Food Network Star. One contestant’s dream ends here, and the remaining eleven continue their Star journey.
Upcoming episodes feature a Chopped-themed mystery ingredient challenge before Chopped judge Alex Guarnaschelli; a live, on-camera test with E! News co-anchor Terrence Jenkins; a Star-making screening evaluated by The Hollywood Reporter Editorial Director Janice Min and Senior Writers Gary Baum and Leslie Bruce; and guest appearances by Food Network legends Guy Fieri and Robert Irvine.
