Food Network Star predictions: Will there be fan outrage if Jason doesn’t win?

With just a few more episodes until one person is crowned winner, the Food Network Star predictions seem stacked. But will there be fan outrage if Jason, the fan favorite, doesn’t win?

While some people enjoy watching Game of Thrones and predicting the twists and turns of the plot, I am a food television fan. From cooking competition shows to food-travel programming, the shows are my television distraction. This summer has been all about Food Network Star. As the season comes to a close, it is time for Food Network Star predictions.

Food television is part educational and part fan-centric. No one wants to watch a person with no charisma stand in front of a stove for 30 minutes. At the same time, an entertaining person on camera who has no food authority isn’t believable. For example, I may love watching John Oliver on Last Week Tonight, but he may not be the best person to teach me how to make beef bourguignon. With Food Network Star, the food reality competition blends fan connection with cooking ability. But, does one component overshadow the other?

In the 13th season, one contestant is hands-down the fan favorite. Jason, the winner of Holiday Baking Championship, has endeared himself to viewers. His personable stories and quick-witted phrases have made him stand out. Everyone knows that he can bake. Also, we know that his cooking trinity is bourbon, bacon, and butter. But how well versed is he in the kitchen?

Food Network Star, Jason fan favorite, photo from Food Network

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge Jason fan and I want him to win. I just want him to show some amazing cuisine. Some of his tips are so valuable, but they can be overshadowed by his personality. I didn’t know that okra is less slimy when treated with vinegar. That tip can make a huge difference in cooking. But that tip wasn’t as memorable as his catch phrase from that episode.

Food Network Star, Matthew, photo from Food Network

While Jason is the fan-favorite and the frontrunner, Matthew is clearly the finalist no one wants to win. His personality is abrasive, condescending, and basically annoying. While he may have culinary chops, fewer people may want to watch his show. I get that he has a social media following, but those people aren’t the entire Food Network audience. If Matthew wins, I think that the Food Network Star series may be finished.

Food Network Star, Rusty, photo from Food Network

With one frontrunner and one unpopular contestant, only two of the remaining finalists have a decent shot at winning. First, Rusty would make a good Food Network star. The big man from Louisiana is like the long lost cousin you love at the family reunion. He makes really good food, you would like to drink a beer with him, and he has some good stories. After the garden party challenge, he even showed that he had a softer side.

One idea that would be an interesting choice for Food Network would be a Jason and Rusty combined show. While both chefs feature Southern cuisine, they have different personalities that could feed off each other. No other Food Network show has a duo like them. Are you listening, Food Network?

Food Network Star, Cory, photo from Food Network

Remaining finalists are Cory, Amy, and the returning chef from Star Salvation. Sorry, Star Salvation contestants, but I don’t have you in the running. This show isn’t Top Chef where an eliminated chef could win it all. Unless by some strange misfortunate Jason gets eliminated before the finale. Then, by all means please, please bring him back.

Cory is the best chef in the competition. His culinary background is impeccable. Every dish that he has presented is amazing. Plus, he beat Bobby Flay in the last episode. Even the new Iron Chef Stephanie Izard couldn’t do that feat. But, Cory isn’t great in front of the camera. While I want to eat his food, I don’t necessarily want to watch him cook.

Food Network Star, Amy, photo from Food Network

Last is Amy. Sorry, but Amy doesn’t have a good chance in this competition. It’s disappointing because so many of her dishes look quite good. This food blogger hasn’t gotten her confidence in front of the camera. I want to cheer for the last woman standing, but it is hard to get behind her. Come on Amy; show some gumption. You made it to the show, be confident and proud.

Who will be the winner? Only Food Network executives know the real answer. But, based on social media commentary, everyone is expecting, and hoping, it will be Jason. What will happen if he doesn’t win? Maybe he will get his own show anyhow. The Twittersphere might have some very unkind words for Food Network if someone else is crowned the winner.

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Everyone will have to keep watching on Sunday nights to see who will eventually be the next Food Network Star.