Food Network Star, Season 8: Behind the Scenes of Episode 10

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and relive all the highlights of Food Network Star Season 8, Episode 10.

Photo By: Edward Chen/Creel Films ©¬ 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

©CHRISTOPHER ROSS / CBS

The Final Six

Michele, Nikki, Yvan, Ippy, Martie and Justin have made it to the penultimate episode of the Star season. At this stage in the game, everyone has bonded and although they all want to win, it will be tough to see anyone go. "I want Martie and I to stay in this competition together. She's kind of become my BFF. She's been wanting this her whole life and if she doesn't get it, I'm going to be heartbroken," says Justin.

One Last Hurdle

"One week from now, one of you will join us to become a Food Network star," says Bobby. Each of the remaining finalists will shoot a 30-second promo before three are selected to make pilots: "This is your chance to really sell the network on you and your show," says Giada.

Grill Next Door

"The stakes today are huge," says Nikki. "It's me vs. Michele. It's going to be one of us, it's not going to be both of us. The end is so close I can taste it." She feels good about her promo and tells Bobby she doesn't need to rehearse.

My New England

"New England is a region that's just not covered. I need to be the one to take them there and I have 30 seconds to prove it," says Michele. Bobby tells her that she's looking at the camera "like it owes her money" and she needs to have more fun.

Rebel With a Culinary Cause

"I feel pretty good and I'm not scared," says Justin. "I'm here to deliver. If Alton Brown believes in me, then I'm ready to go."

Martie With the Party

"I'm scared that I won't get it in 30 seconds. I've had a little issue with that," Martie says. "Time has been my enemy all along and that can't happen now."

Ippy's Voyage to Paradise

"The key to this is keeping my energy up and connecting with the camera," says Ippy, who knows the judges' biggest critique is that he's too laid-back. "I gotta nail the last take. Hopefully it gets me a pilot."

Family Style

Yvan gets choked up when he sees framed photos of his family on his promo set: "I only have one take left. If I don't get it right, that's it."

All-Star Panel

The promos will be screened and judged by Bob and Susie and a special panel of Food Network all-stars: Anne Burrell, Sunny Andersen, Robert Irvine, Aaron Sanchez and previous Star winners Melissa d'Arabian and Jeff Mauro.

On the Big Screen

The finalists and mentors are seated behind the panel and out of earshot so the judges can discuss freely. "Have you ever seen your head 12 feet tall before?" Alton asks.

Reactions

"Trust me, this group knows what it takes to join their ranks and they're going to be very tough," Bobby warns, and he's right. After screening Nikki's promo, Anne says, "I felt a little bit like she was a used car salesman."

One Stays, One Goes

The first finalist awarded a pilot is Michele from Team Bobby. She is elated, but sad to say goodbye to her teammate and good friend Nikki. "I did not anticipate going home," Nikki admits. "There's one spot and I didn't get it."

Giada's Boys

"This is going to be a tough night," says Giada before her team's winner is announced. "I couldn't ask for better boys." Yvan will be going on to make a pilot, which means this is the end for Ippy. "Thank you, guys. You brought the small-island boy to the big city and brought out things I never knew I had," Ippy says with his ever-present smile.

Shocking Decision

Alton can't bear the thought of saying goodbye to one of his final two: "I feel like Meryl Streep in Sophie's Choice." But in the end, he doesn't have to. Bob and Susie announce that they want to see pilots from both Martie and Justin.

Four Pilots

"The pilot will be the most important thing you do," says Bob. "We will air them for all of America to watch. At that point, it is out of our hands. Viewers will vote on FoodNetwork.com and determine who our next star is."

Michele's Pilot

Back in New York City, the final four meet up with their mentors to shoot pilot episodes for their shows. Then it's up to America to vote on FoodNetwork.com to determine the network's newest star.

Ed's Lobster Bar

Michele starts her pilot with a taste of New England fare at Ed's Lobster Bar. "My strategy is to just be myself and let America get excited to go to New England and experience that with me," she says.

This Is It

"I am just doing me and doing the food I love. I want this more than I've wanted anything in my life," says Michele. Bobby is happy and proud of the pilot they've produced: "Awesome, awesome, awesome job. That was perfect."

Martie's Pilot

Martie and Alton meet in a homey brownstone where they'll shoot Martie throwing a party for some friends. "In the end, the only thing that really matters is you being you," says Alton. "That's what got you here."

Older and Wiser

"I've got castmates who are a lot younger than me. I say, get in line behind me. It's my time," says Martie. She's feeling comfortable on camera, making marinated shrimp and telling a story about being picked up on a shrimp boat for a date.

Do or Die

"This is do or die. I hope America likes it well enough to give me a chance to do more of it every week."

Yvan's Pilot

Giada suggests that Yvan bring his family members into his pilot for Family Style. "I'm sold. My successes are their successes," he says.

Dream Come True

"Thinking about that little boy who came to the U.S., I can't believe I'm here," Yvan says. To showcase his quick and easy comfort food, he decides to make sweet corn mac-and-cheese for his pilot.

Proud Mentor

Yvan gets a hand from his little brother Johnny and his whole family joins in to taste the finished dish. Giada is thrilled with the pilot they produced: "You did such a great job. Everybody should be super proud. I know I am."

Justin's Pilot

Justin and Alton meet at Justin's Brooklyn restaurant, Do Or Dine, to start shooting. "It's a scary situation. It's all coming down to this moment. I am struggling as a restaurateur. The stakes for me are incredibly high. I really, really want it," says Justin.

Genius Idea

Justin wants to make an unconventional Caesar salad on his pilot, and Alton proposes a "genius idea": To screen his own Caesar salad episode of Good Eats to provide a starting point, the classic version of the dish.

Up To America Now

Justin hopes his Caesar salad with grilled romaine and aspic will win fans: "What does America like more than a Caesar salad?" Now it's up to America to vote on a winner.