On day one of filming in Los Angeles, judge-mentor Alton Brown warns this season's cast of 12 Star hopefuls of the challenges ahead. "This competition will not be easy," he says. "So, may your food be tasty and your personalities sparkly." Browse these insider photos from the premiere challenges, then get an exclusive interview with the first fallen finalist at the end.

Immediately after introductions, Alton, Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiis assign the finalists their first Mentor Challenge: record 30-second pitch tapes that detail their culinary points of view for later viewing by Food Network executives Bob Tuschman and Susie Fogelson. "Doesn't this happen later in the show?" Andres questions. "Like, we have to do this right now?"

A self-described "modern Paula Deen," Damaris is known for her Southern cuisine and eccentric spirit, although on camera, she doesn't show her silly side. "You're wacky, OK?" Bobby tells Damaris between takes. "But that's good ... You need to be wacky when you get up there."

"I'm so frustrated," Chris reflects after filming. "What I thought I was doing right obviously wasn't working out." He pitches the idea of using a show to convey his own "passion and ... compassion," but the mentors question how that relates to his food. "We need to know who you are and what your relationship with food is," Giada tells him.