Top Chef is finally back! Season 22 kicked off in Canada with Kristen Kish hosting her sophomore season. And as far as Top Chef hosts go, Kristen was the right choice to replace Padma Lakshmi. Last season she brought an empathetic view to the contestants, and she was a fair judge tasting their dishes. However, Kristen felt like she got into a new groove this time. Read on to find out how she regarded her hosting skills and what else is different in this new season.
Kristen Kish felt more “confident” as Top Chef host this time around
Kristen got her start on the show when she won Season 10. She was known for her fondness of using tweezers for plating and her elaborate tattoos. But who knew she would be an amazing host as well? Kristen had big shoes to fill when Padma left, and she did so effortlessly.
Still, Kristen felt there was room for improvement. She gave US Weekly all the details on her new attitude and what’s changed for the 2025 season. Kristen said, “I probably just internally [was] more confident and sure of myself. I think going from the first time to the second time, there’s going to be a jump in confidence, and I certainly felt that.”
And that feeling of going through her own season still lived fresh in her mind. Kristen said, “It also really kind of takes me aback every single time I do it, from the first time to our last finale. We just kind of sit back, and you’re like, ‘Oh, my God, we just got to experience that.’”
Although the journey may feel the same, there were a lot of changes in Season 22. And it’s not just the huge prize pot. Kristen explained, “Everything’s new. The landscape is different. The challenges are different. The food that they’re cooking is different.” Bring on the ketchup chips!
She continued, “And I think that is the beauty of Top Chef is that they have been to many locations, introduced so many chefs around the world, and every single plate of food is different, and every location and challenge is tailor-made for that location. It’s really amazing.”
Top Chef continues Thursdays at 9/8c on Bravo.
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