Twelve Food Network Star hopefuls arrive at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Los Angeles in search of their big break. Upon their arrival, Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay greet them with the troubling news that they must pass one more big audition before they will officially be considered finalists. On top of that, they learn there is one more person joining the competition: the winner of Food Network Star: Comeback Kitchen. Special guests Monti Carlo and Robert Irvine help Giada and Bobby decide who will be the first competitor sent home.