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Ten "Food Network Star" hopefuls are greeted by Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay to kick off the competition; each finalist must create a portable version of their signature dish.
The remaining finalists team up to create food podcasts about colorful snacks; Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis and guest judge Richard Blais listen and decide whose voices paint the prettiest picture.
The remaining finalists think they’re cooking solo at an exclusive private event for foodies and tastemakers, but en route to their destination, Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay reveal a twist — they’ll be cooking and presenting in teams. When they arrive, each team discovers their event theme, ingredients and decor in the trunk of their vehicle. They must pull together an international-themed party and team demo for the crowd, which includes Bobby, Giada and guest judge Tyler Florence, with one finalist eliminated at the end of the day.
The tables are turned on the contestants when they learn they must judge themselves; People magazine editor-in-chief Jess Cagle splits the finalists into two teams to judge and evaluate mentors Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiis on their own dishes.
The six finalists whip up dishes inspired by characters from the movie "Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation"; special guest Fran Drescher, who voices the character Eunice in the film, joins Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay at the judging table.
In the first challenge, the remaining finalists update their family favorites with a culinary twist; the finalists then head to the aquarium to cater a five-course, VIP dinner in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Shark Night.
The competition is down to the final four, and it’s time to see if the finalists can handle the rigors of live television. Each finalist must make a “share-worthy” dish live on Food Network’s Facebook page, and their demo is put to the test when special guest Anne Burrell is revealed as the on-camera talent. The finalists have to act as producers, guiding Anne through the demo using a wireless earpiece. The pressure continues to escalate when each finalist hosts their own live “in the kitchen” show with a special guest who’s familiar with the format … Food Network’s Ree Drummond! Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay decide which finalists best handle these pressure-packed challenges and earn a spot in the final three.
A previously eliminated competitor re-enters the competition thanks to a win on "Star Salvation"; eliminated finalists serve as sous chefs in the battle to determine which three competitors will get a chance to shoot their own pilot.
The pilots are in, and Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay determine the fates of the three finalists. Watch what happens behind the scenes and find out who will join the Food Network family and become a Food Network Star!
