Food Network Star

- Season 8

(2012)

In the premiere episode of Food Network Star, 15 hopefuls arrive in New York to compete for the ultimate dream job: to host their own show on Food Network.

This week's challenge is a food tour of New York City. The finalists are split into three teams, each of which will take a busload of tourists on a tour of a different neighborhood.

The 13 remaining finalists meet Chopped judges Alex Guarnaschelli, Scott Conant, and Marc Murphy and are given their Star Challenge: Each team must use a basket of ingredients to create his or her best sweet concoction, Chopped style.

It's Fashion Week in New York, and the finalists are thrilled to learn that, as potential stars, a makeover is essential. But, they learn, they aren't the recipients: this is a food "makeover."

A Food Network Star must be ready at any moment for Food Network to ask him or her to participate in a television special, and this week each team will be expected to do just that.

Ten finalists remain to compete for the title of Food Network Star. This week, each finalist must elevate iconic food-court food while adapting to the limitations of a kiosk.

Being a Food Network Star requires handling yourself with ease in the glare of the media spotlight. Finalists will be more exposed than ever as they film their own promotional videos -- without the support of their producers.

Paula Deen hosts a beach party at Miami's South Beach Wine and Food Festival, and the finalists cook the meal. Each must create two versions of a dish; the final eight will also give a 30-second on-camera "entertaining tip."

The seven finalists are guests at a SOBE cooking-demo tent, where they're asked to take the stage for their very own demos in front of the crowd. During their demos, however, each faces a technical glitch set up by the producers.

The six finalists star in promos directed by their producers. A-list Food Network stars givesfeedback; three finalists make the cut. They make pilots for all of America to see, and viewers vote on who gets a show on Food Network.

The results are in as America has voted to determine who will be the next Food Network Star. Before the winner is revealed, all the finalists are back in the studio to tell all and view never-before-seen footage from the season.