When Padma Lakshmi announced that she was going to pack her knives and go, she left Top Chef with some humongous shoes to fill. She carried that show for 19 of its 20 seasons, and let’s not forget how many Emmy nominations that show has received. Anyone with an ounce of self-awareness would feel nervous about following in her footsteps, and Kristen Kish was no exception.
Last year, Bravo announced that the Season 10 winner would replace Padma for Season 21, and fans were overwhelmingly excited about the pick. Who better to host the show than one of its champions? Regardless, Kristen recently admitted to Us Weekly that she felt a little doubtful about the gig.
Can Kristen take the heat?
When talking to the outlet, Kristen made it very clear that she didn’t second-guess taking the job. Declining a job offer to host an Emmy-award-winning cooking show? Not in this economy. She explained that after she accepted it, she felt the pressure of trying to live up to the legacy that Padma created.
“I knew I had big shoes to fill. I don’t think anyone would have taken that job without a little bit of doubt,” Kristen admitted.
She continued, “But that doubt wasn’t big enough for me to say I’m not going to do it. That’s letting fear lead your decision-making. I worked hard not to let that happen.”
Kristen acknowledged how there could be a bit of an adjustment for Top Chef fans coming into Season 21. We’re all used to seeing Padma, Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons. Luckily, she got a stamp of approval from Padma herself. When the news came out about Kristen taking over, Padma took to Twitter to share a heartfelt congratulations.
Padma wrote, “I’m so proud of you @KristenLKish and am over the moon that you’ll be taking over for me on @BravoTopChef !!! I’ll be rooting for you and our whole crew next season.”
Top Chef Season 21 premieres on Bravo on Wednesday, March 20, at 9/8 pm CT.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK KRISTEN WILL MAKE A GOOD REPLACEMENT FOR PADMA? ARE YOU PLANNING ON WATCHING SEASON 21?
