It's never easy being the first to fall, but it's the nature of the Star beast that someone meets their fate after just the first week, and unfortunately for Christina, she learned she'd be the one going home after the premiere. Browse photos to look back on her time in the contest and see inside her personal journal.
Center of the Spotlight
The first challenge shined a spotlight on finalists — literally — and they were tasked with making that all-important first impression on the mentors. "What I'm hearing from these finalists is that they cook Middle Eastern, Cajun, Italian. I can cook all of those," Christina said confidently. "This is going to give me an edge." When it comes to mentor feedback, however, Giada told her, "You just need to work on what you're passionate about."
At the Mercy of a Mandoline
At Triunfo Vineyards where the finalists created signature dishes to serve at a food festival, it was a race against the clock as they prepped food for a whopping 100 people. For Christina, most of her prep work was dependent upon a mandoline, as she needed to shave papaya for her Som Tum Salad, and the gadget proved finicky for her.
Self-Awareness
"I am embarrassed by how unorganized my station was," Christina admitted of her setup during the Star Challenge at Triunfo.
Seeking a View Point
Before sampling Christina's salad offering, the Selection Committee took in her video pitch, which was met with a mixed reaction from People Magazine's JD Heyman. "I liked her, but she didn't seem to have a strong point of view," JD admitted.
Feel and Flavor
Christina's trouble with the mandoline indeed proved devastating for her, as Susie remarked of an ingredient on the plate, "This is supposed to be sliced." When it came to flavor, Giada said simply, "It's bland."
Final Consideration
"I'm struggling with what's distinctive about her," Bob Tuschman revealed to the Selection Committee as the group evaluated Christina's performance. She's placed in the bottom-three performers for the week, alongside Dom and Matthew.
The First to Fall
Ultimately Christina learned that she'd be ending her Star journey after only one week of contest, and as she reflected on the experience, she admitted, "I'm just really sad that I didn't get to show them my best."
The Premiere in Review
Look back on the most-memorable moments of the first episode to see more insider photos.
