When will The Next Food Network Star winner be revealed?
The Next Food Network Star airs the penultimate episode of its fifth season on Sunday night, and much to my delight, the show’s “selection committee” (aka judges) have narrowed down the field to three based on actual hosting/culinary potential, rather than the ability to stir up drama on the set. I’ve got to admit that even before the fabulous Michael’s elimination, I was beginning to root for flinty-yet-sunny homemaker Melissa d’Arabian, and her bitchin’ use of hot peppers during last week’s Red Lobster challenge sealed the deal. Seriously, seafood + heat + Melissa’s righteous argument that she’s not just a great home cook, but a future Food Network megabrand, has me envisioning a show that bridges the gap between Barefoot Contessa’s divine decadence and Rachael Ray’s amped-up practicality. Still, it’s a close horserace for the big prize, and in that vein, I thought it was high time we placed some odds on these ponies. Sources:
‘The Next Food Network Star’ Names Its Winner Monday, July 28, 2008 On last night’s season finale of The Next Food Network Star, Aaron McCargo Jr. was named the winner and his new show, tentatively titled Big Daddy’s Kitchen, is supposed to debut on the Food Network next week. Though some fans may have been surprised by the outcome, many were not as the Food Network accidentally revealed the winner last Thursday, three days before the finale actually aired. The site featured a video with the three finalists that included the name of the winning contestant’s show. Food Network publicist Lisa Krueger released a statement apologizing and still encouraged fans to tune in to the finale, saying that the show is full of twists and turns. Yet, there were no twists and turns in this finale. Just as many fans had found out, Aaron McCargo Jr. beat out Liza Garza and Adam Gertler for the title of The Next Food Network Star. “This is amazing. I never had this much attention in my life,” Aaron told
The search is on for Season 6 contenders for “The Next Food Network Star.” Open-call auditions will be conducted in several cities, although none are close to Oklahoma. Here are the dates and sites, regardless: July 26 in San Francisco (W San Francisco Hotel at 181 Third Street); July 31 in New York City (CBS offices at 530 W 57 Street); Aug. 10 in Los Angeles (Saddle Ranch at 8371 W Sunset Blvd.); Aug. 17 in San Diego (W San Diego Hotel at 421 W B Street); and Aug. 24 in Atlanta (W Atlanta Midtown Hotel at 188 14 Street NE). But don’t fret, Oklahoma food star hopefuls. Applicants can also submit a 3-minute audition video either online or through the mail. For applications and contest rules, go to www.FoodNetwork.com/Star. The search for the next Food Network personality ends Sept. 11. The show’s sixth season is set to tape in Winter 2010. The show’s fifth season winner will be revealed during the finale airing at 8 p.m. on A
