Exclusive: Chatting with the Runners-Up of Food Network Star
Eddy Chen, 2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
The stage was set for a finale of life-changing proportions last night when the entire Selection Committee came together to welcome Food Network's newest Star to the family. As the top-three hopeful finalists and their peer competitors awaited the winner reveal, the group looked back on a groundbreaking season, from Matthew's #LoveOfHashtags to Michelle's decision to quit in Week 7. They screened never-before-seen bloopers of the cast and took in Dom's, Eddie's and Jay's pilots before welcoming Brooke Johnson, the president of Food Network, to the set to announce Food Network's newest Star.
Eddie Jackson, a former pro footballer, ultimately claimed the coveted crown to become the Season 11 Star, which meant Dom and Jay, both stellar rivals with impressive stories of growth and success behind them, were deemed runners-up.
"I didn't see myself in the top three," Dom reflected on his journey to this moment. "It's really like a fairy-tale story, like, you know, Cinderella Man," he explained, noting his victory on Star Salvation, as well as his ability to clinch a spot in the finale. "I feel like I was pretty consistent throughout the program," Jay said, adding that he carried the momentum from his success in the premiere episode throughout the contest. "It certainly wasn't easy. I worked really hard to be able to do that," he said.
Click the play button on the video above to hear more from Dom and Jay as they reflect on the highs and lows of their journeys, then go on set with winner Eddie as he dishes on what it feels like to be a Star.
Want more Food Network Star? Check out Star headquarters for a look back on the season.
