Top Chef Season 21 Emmy Nomination proves Kristen Kish was the best host choice
Few reality television shows have stood the test of time like Top Chef. Going into its 21 Season, the Bravo food television show had a significant change. While Kristen Kish earned the coveted title years ago, her new role as host and judge garnered cheers from fans and now it adds another accolade. With Top Chef’s latest round of Emmy nominations, it is clear that Kish is a valuable addition to the team.
While each Top Chef season brings a new group of cheftestants and a new locale, the judging panel offered continuity. When Padma Lakshmi chose to leave the series, the change to that core group had many people wondering if the dynamic would be as watchable.
With the addition of Kristen Kish, the familiar felt revitalized. Not only did Kish bring authenticity as a former winner, but her approach to judging was a bridge between Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons. There was clearly a high standard, but also there was an empathy for the competition’s pressures.
During an interview with Gail Simmons on board Holland America Line’s Eurodam while filming the Season 21 finale, she spoke fondly of her friendship with Kish and raved about her joining the team.
Simmons said, “we (Colicchio and Simmons) knew her well and had genuine friendship with her going into the season. She had won a season and we knew she was a capable, excellent chef. It wasn’t like we were taking on this new stranger who walks into a place that has already been functioning for 20 years.”
“It felt seamless with her taking that third seat with us. I can’t think of another person that I would rather have in that job. I respect her as a chef and as a person.”
How did Kristen Kish react to her Top Chef Season 21 Emmy Nomination?
With the news that Top Chef received nominations for Outstanding Reality Competition Program and Outstanding Picture Editing For A Structured Reality Or Competition Program, the latest accolades follow years of success. Over the show’s history, the Bravo food television show has received 50 nominations and two Emmy awards. For 17 consecutive years, the show has been nominated.
This year marks the first time that Kristen Kish received per own personal recognition by the Emmys. Nominated for Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality Competition Program for Bravo’s “Top Chef,” it was a huge moment for the celebrated chef.
Kish commented, ““WOW… this is unreal and wonderfully surreal and I am so happy, excited and very proud of OUR collective show and everyone who works tirelessly to make Top Chef so successful! I’m celebrating all of us!”
That sentiment shows that Top Chef's success is a team effort. Just like the excitement that continues for the shooting locations long after the season airs, it is all the components working together that keeps Top Chef going for seasons to come.
Between the Emmy nominations and Top Chef Canada season on the horizon, the momentum is high for this Bravo series. For fans, it has them hungry to devour more episodes.