After 11 long weeks of competition, the day has come to reveal Food Network's newest Star. Along with the Selection Committee, all of the previously ousted finalists as well as the top-three hopefuls — Jay, Eddie and Dom — have come together in Los Angeles to reflect on their journeys and ultimately take in the momentous reveal.
Pilot Ambitions
Just last week, Dom, Eddie and Jay worked with Rachael Ray in New York City to shoot the pilots of their would-be shows on Food Network. While each of the guys struggled at various moments of their tapings, they all managed to finish strong, and Bob told them, "Rachael said that it went great." For the first time tonight, the group will screen these pilots, then it will be up to the Committee to select a Star among them.
Season 11 in Review
Much of the day was dedicated to looking back on the best moments of the season, including some of the funniest never-before-seen scenes. From Arnold's seemingly always-present tears to the mentors' uproarious laughter, the cast members couldn't help but chuckle while taking in brand-new clips of themselves in action.
Jay's Journey
A consistently strong competitor from Day One, Jay delivered solid food and seemingly effortless presentations week after week. "It was just an experience of a lifetime," Jay said, looking back on his performance. "I knew if I came here and was just myself and had a good time doing this, that that would come through."
Deep-Fried America with Jay Ducote
Having created several stellar deep-fried dishes throughout the competition and previously noting his home state of Louisiana's penchant for deep-frying, it was only fitting that Jay's pilot celebrate the beauty of deep-fried cuisine. He headed to New York City's Sweet Chick for a close-up of the eatery's chicken and waffles. "It looked fantastic," Bobby said. "You did a great job with your pilot."
Flashback: Matthew's #LoveOfHashtags
Though Matthew left in Week 2, he wasn't soon forgotten. In a flashback to the first week of the competition, he deemed himself: "#Young. #Stylish. #Winner."
The Making of Dom
"One of the most-dramatic journeys I've ever seen came this year courtesy of one finalist: Dom," Bobby declared. Looking back on Dom's fall — then his eventual rise again — the group praised his ability to not only leave Star Salvation victorious but also go on to earn a spot in the top three. "My mentality was, 'What can I do today to keep me here tomorrow?'" Dom explained of his little-by-little approach to the contest. "And you know, here I am right now, living the dream, baby."
Big Flavor, Little Italy with Dom Tesoriero
Dom maintained a strong Italian POV throughout the journey, and for his pilot, he was off to celebrate the tried-and-true Italian cuisine, including the hearty sauce, at John's of 12th Street in Manhattan. "Dom, that was so much fun," Susie commended him after watching his pilot.
Flashback: Michelle's Unprecedented Exit
In what was perhaps the most-unexpected moment of the season, Michelle shocked her cast mates and the mentors alike when she announced in Week 7 that she had decided to quit the competition. She returned to the set today and explained: "Did I still want to be here? Absolutely, with every fiber of my being, except for that part as a mom that was just calling me home."
All About Eddie
"Definitely some highs and lows," Eddie admitted after watching some of his run in the competition. In 11 weeks he not only won several challenges, but he also ended up in the bottom, though the other competitors as well as the mentors noted his obvious presence on camera.
BBQ Blitz with Eddie Jackson
Eddie was set on bringing bold dishes packed with heat this season, and in his pilot, he took on the world of barbecue with a look at one 'cue hot spot in the Big Apple, Mighty Quinn's Barbeque. "Really, really fantastic," Bobby told Eddie of his pilot performance.
The Moment of Truth
After streaming the three pilots — and enjoying plenty of laughs about the season — the time to choose the next Star had come. "You have made this decision so unbelievably difficult for us," Bob told the hopefuls. "This is as conflicted as I've ever been in 11 seasons of Food Network Star," he added later.
Meet Your Newest Star
On hand for the reveal was the president of Food Network, Brooke Johnson, and after telling the group, "This is the best day of the year at Food Network, when we get to welcome an exciting new talent to our Food Network family," she ultimately revealed the winner to be Eddie; he quickly dropped to his knees in emotion after seeing his photo on the screen.
Taking It In
"I'm beyond speechless," Eddie said. "This is a feeling that I've yet to feel." He received hearty congratulations from not only the Selection Committee but Brooke as well. "I'm literally shaking in my boots right now. Words can't explain how I feel right now. I'm so thankful; I'm so blessed," the new Star said, elated.
