Food Network Star Returns May 13

Are you as addicted to the Next Food Network Star as we are? This reality show returns for its eighth season with some new surprises in store. Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiis will be joined by Alton Brown this year and each will serve as mentor/producer to their own  hand selected team of finalists.

This year the judges are entering the race to find and develop the new talent.  Each will hand pick a team of five finalists who they will produce and mentro through the 'Star' experience to find one winner who has the personality and the kitchen chops. If you are wondering how they choose their teams, tune on May 12th for the casting special.  Then make sure to cast your vote before July 22nd when the winner will be announced.  

We are curious to see how this new format plays out.  It will be fun to see the former judges competing and maybe even sweating a little.  Each episode will include a "Producers's Chalenge" where the contestants up for elimination each shoot a segment with their ‘Star’ mentor/producer to be presented to the selection committee in the “pitch room.” Like a last chance to show what they got.  The episodes will include chopped-style battles, a New York Fashion Week food makeover challenge, and a Miami Beachside competition.  And of course tons of guest stars.

The two hour season premier airs Sunday May 13th at 9pm ET/PT with a special casting episode on Saturday May 12th at 9pm ET/PT.  Audience vote will determine winner that will be announced in the season finale on Sunday July 22nd at 9pm ET/PT.