‘Top Chef’ Host Kristen Kish to Mark First Emmy Nomination With New Tattoo

‘Top Chef’ Host Kristen Kish to Mark First Emmy Nomination With New Tattoo

As a long-time gamer and avid follower of the television scene, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to Kristen Kish‘s emotional journey as she shares her excitement over her first Emmy nomination for hosting Top Chef. Her passion for cooking, which has taken her from the kitchen to the small screen, resonates with me on a personal level.


Kristen Kish, the host of Top Chef, has been getting ink in the form of black tattoos on her arms as a way to commemorate significant moments in her life for quite some time now.

If she doesn’t secure the win at the 2024 Emmys for best reality TV host, her nomination is still significant and deserving of recognition, according to Kish. “Absolutely. Just being nominated as the first-time host of ‘Top Chef,’ my very first nomination in my entire life and career, is a moment I’ll cherish forever,” an elated Kish shared with The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday.

For Kish, receiving an Emmy nomination is a delightful experience, as it follows her debut as the new host of “Top Chef” after nineteen seasons, during which she succeeded Padma Lakshmi. Her first season as the show’s host on Bravo also underwent significant format modifications. However, Kish was quick to clarify that she cannot claim full responsibility or credit for these changes.

Her Emmy nomination could be evidence that the modifications were successful. In an interview with THR, she shared her feelings about being a significant part of Top Chef’s transformation from its early days to her tenure: “I was apprehensive since the show had been around for over 20 seasons before I came on board. However, this experience has shown me that change is not only accepted but can also be thrilling.”

I’ve always been proud to call myself a skilled restaurant chef before stepping into the role of host on “Top Chef,” and it was an incredible surprise when I earned my first Emmy nomination following my debut season. To be honest, I still can’t believe my luck – I’m essentially a TV personality now, a chef who stumbled upon this amazing opportunity. It’s all so new to me that I’m still wrapping my head around the idea of television as a career.

On Wednesday morning, while intentionally working out to keep her mind occupied, Kish’s cellphone kept ringing persistently.

She received several text messages and was thrilled, assuming it was about the popular reality show “Top Chef.” After a few more notifications, she decided to check her phone. To her delight, it was indeed an invitation for editing on Top Chef, making it a surreal and exciting experience for her.

Kish’s initial Emmy nomination serves as validation that she has a solid grasp on TV production. After sharing the news with her wife, Bianca Dusic, she expressed her elation, stating, “I’m in a much more confident place now. It’s just amazing!”

As she prepares to take her seat among Emmy nominees Jeff Probst from “Survivor,” Alan Cumming of “The Traitors,” and RuPaul of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” as well as Shark Tank judges Mark Cuban and others, Kish seems confident in the competition scene.

As a gamer, I’ve always believed that joining a competition like “Top Chef” isn’t just about participating; it’s about striving to be the best and ultimately coming out on top. Winning is the ultimate goal, but it’s not the only thing that matters. When I was eliminated during the “Restaurant Wars” episode in season 10, I didn’t give up. Instead, I regrouped and took part in the “Last Chance Kitchen” online competition for eliminated chefs. With determination and hard work, I managed to win and earn my place back in the competition. The journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth it when I finally claimed the title of Top Chef.

After everything was finished and I had been kicked off, went through the ordeal of the “Last Chance Kitchen” series with its intense pressure of trying to make it back, once the cameras stopped rolling and I returned to my normal life outside of television, the most significant realization I gained was that I was already sufficient.

I find myself approaching the Emmys with the same self-assured mindset I had when I was a competitor. The roads may be similar, and the trajectory feels familiar, whether as a host or a nominee. Regardless of past wins or recognition, I’ve always believed in my abilities. Kish expressed this sentiment to THR, sharing, “I was good enough even before any accolades came my way.”

Regarding the possibility of being named the best reality series host at the Emmy awards in September, Kish remains calm and composed, like an experienced chef handling a busy kitchen. For now, she’s focusing on her joy of being nominated: “I can honestly tell you that I’m beyond thrilled with this nomination. I’ve heard people express this feeling before.”

Instead of relying on fate for the grand prize, Kish admitted, “I truly desire to win and feel elated about the possibility. However, deep within me, I’m the kind of person who believes that whatever will happen, will happen. And I’m ecstatic just being part of it.”

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2024-07-17 22:54