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Padma Lakshmi, Gail Simmons, and Tom Colicchio React to Kristen Kish Being the New Top Chef Host
The longtime Top Chef staples reacted to the news with heartwarming posts.
It’s been a big summer for Bravo’s Top Chef, as the culinary competition series just received five Emmy Award nominations, plus recognition from the Television Critics Association. Now, a new host for the show has been announced as well.
On July 11, Bravo confirmed that Season 10 winner Kristen Kish would be the host of Top Chef for Season 21 following Padma Lakshmi’s departure. She will join Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons at the Judges’ Table as well.
Padma, Gail, and Tom’s Reactions
After the hosting news was announced, Padma and longtime judges Gail and Tom took to social media to share their excitement for the Top Chef alum.
“I’m so proud of you [Kristen Kish] and am over the moon that you’ll be taking over for me on [Top Chef]!!!” Padma wrote in a message she tweeted and shared on Instagram. “I’ll be rooting for you and our whole crew next season. Congratulations!!!”
Kristen replied to Padma in the comments section, writing, “Thank you so very much — Your support and care means the world to me. Love you.”
Gail posted an image with Kristen, who has also appeared on the show as a guest judge, on her Instagram page.
“Can we all bring it in for my girl [Kristen Kish], who’s officially joining our [Top Chef] team?!?” Gail wrote. “Psyched beyond words to have her pull up that seat at Judges’ Table and join our endless feast.”
Tom rounded out the celebrations with an Instagram post of his own.
“I’m thrilled for [Kristen Kish]. She is an excellent chef, brings a world class perspective and most importantly, having been a past contestant and judge, she knows what it takes to win [Top Chef],” he captioned his post. “I look forward to sitting with her at judges table. This is going to be fun!”
Kristen Kish on Being the New Top Chef Host
When Kristen’s role was confirmed for Season 21, which will film in Wisconsin, she released a statement about the full-circle moment.
“Top Chef is where I started my journey — first as a competing chef, then a guest judge, and now as host, I have the honor of helping to continue to build this brand,” Kristen said. “I’m thrilled to sit alongside Gail and Tom as we get to know new incredible chefs and see what they cook up. It feels like coming home.”
Catch up on Top Chef on Peacock now.
