Behind the Scenes of the Food Network Star, Season 12 Premiere

Go on the set of the Food Network Star premiere to see what it took to make the show possible.
Food Network Star

Finalists Tregaye Fraser, Damiano Carrara, Yaku Moton-Spruill, Ana Quincoces, Melissa Pfeister, Monterey Salka, Rob Burmeister, Havird Usry, Jernard Wells, Erin Campbell, Aaron Crumbaugh, Joy Campbell and Martita Jara, as seen on Food Network Star, Season 12.

Photo by: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Eddy Chen, 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

A no-nonsense first challenge, a surprise 13th finalist and a pan set ablaze in the kitchen — Sunday's Food Network Star premiere was full of flare-ups and near meltdowns that kept the competitors guessing at every turn. But while the action was unfolding on-screen, there was no shortage of antics taking place behind the scenes either. Check out these insider photos from the set to see what the cast, mentors and crew were up to between takes, and find out what it takes to make this show possible.

Food Network Star

Hosts Giada de Laurentiis and Bobby Flay, as seen on Food Network Star, Season 12.

Photo by: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Eddy Chen, 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Directors, Take a Seat

Giada and Bobby took their places in their signature director's chairs to screen the competitors' cold opens and provide feedback as series directors do.

Food Network Star

Finalists Erin Campbell and Joy Thompson preparing their dishes for the Star Challenge, as seen on Food Network Star, Season 12.

Photo by: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Eddy Chen, 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Cooking Under Pressure

Joy and Erin kept the atmosphere light and fun while prepping their dishes for the theater.

Food Network Star

Finalist Havird Usry preparing his dish, Curry Cilantro Chicken Salad, for the Star Challenge, as seen on Food Network Star, Season 12.

Photo by: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Eddy Chen, 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Full Coverage

Despite the cramped corners of the iPic kitchen, the camera crew bellied up to the space to cover all angles of the finalists' work.

Food Network Star

Hosts Bobby Flay and Giada de Laurentiis in elimination, as seen on Food Network Star, Season 12.

Photo by: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Eddy Chen, 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

A Picture of a Picture

During a rare break in filming, Bobby and Giada came together to smile for a (different) camera.

Related Reading:
Tune in to Food Network Star on Sunday at 9|8c.

Next Up

PHOTOS: Behind the Scenes of the Food Network Star Premiere

Get an insider's look at the making of the Food Network Star premiere, and see how the cast spent its time between takes.

New Photos: Go Behind the Scenes of Food Network Star, Season 11

Get an insider's look behind the scenes of Food Network Star, Season 11.

PHOTOS: Behind the Scenes of the Premiere of Comeback Kitchen

Browse behind-the-scenes photos from the Comeback Kitchen premiere.

PHOTOS: Behind the Scenes of Episode 7

Find out what the Food Network Star mentors and finalists are up to on set when the cameras stop rolling.