"Irrespective of the outcome, this milestone shall be etched into my skin," declared the Korean-American chef after earning a nod for Best Reality TV Host in her inaugural season. Kristen Kish, the helm of 'Top Chef,' has long adorned her arms with black tattoos, each a testament to the significant events in her life. And even if the Emmy gold slips from her grasp, she asserts that her 2024 nomination is deserving of a permanent mark. "Absolutely. This Emmy nod, as a first-time host of 'Top Chef,' my maiden recognition, and the first in both my life and career, is a moment I'll cherish forever," Kish excitedly told The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday.
The Emmy nomination holds a special place in Kish's heart, as it comes on the heels of her replacing Padma Lakshmi as the show's new host for its 19th season, ushering in a series of pivotal format changes. "I cannot claim credit for masterminding the show's new format," Kish insisted. But her nomination may serve as a testament to the success of these alterations. "Being a part of 'Top Chef's' evolution, from its 20+ seasons to me at the helm, was nerve-wracking. But it taught me that change is welcomed, and it can be thrilling," she confessed to THR.
Undoubtedly, Kish is quick to remind that she was a renowned chef before her television debut and her first Emmy nod. "Frankly, it's shocking that a chef like me found myself on TV, and was presented with such stellar opportunities. I'm still getting accustomed to this whole 'television career' concept," she admitted.
On the morning of her nomination, Kish's phone buzzed incessantly as she tried to distract herself with exercise. "Texts were flooding in, and I thought, 'This is great. I hope it's for 'Top Chef' as the Outstanding Reality Competition Program.' After a few more notifications, I knew I had to check my phone. And there it was—a confirmation of my nomination for Best Reality TV Host and another for editing. It's been a whirlwind," she reminisced.
This maiden Emmy nod has bolstered Kish's confidence in her TV journey. "I'm less doubtful now. This is fantastic," she exclaimed after calling her wife, Bianca Dusic, to share the good news and plan their trip to the Emmys.
As she prepares to sit alongside esteemed nominees like Jeff Probst of 'Survivor,' Alan Cumming of 'The Traitors,' RuPaul of 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' and the judges of 'Shark Tank' like Mark Cuban, Kish exudes an air of competitiveness. "I've always believed that one shouldn't enter 'Top Chef' without aiming for the title. Winning isn't the goal; it's the journey, the push to be the best," she said. Her competitive spirit was evident in Season 10, where she was eliminated in the 'Restaurant Wars' but rebounded to claim the crown after winning the 'Last Chance Kitchen' online competition.
"After the cameras stopped rolling and I returned to real life, I realized that I was already good enough," Kish reminisced. She carries this same confidence into the Emmy race. "The journey, the mindset—it's similar to when I was a contestant. I'm good enough, and I've always been," she told THR.
When asked about the prospect of winning an Emmy in September, Kish, a seasoned chef in a hot kitchen, remains composed. "I can say with conviction that I'm thrilled just to be nominated. I hear people say it all the time, and I feel it too," she said. And when it comes to the ultimate prize, she trusts fate. "As much as I want to be excited about winning, I believe whatever happens, happens. And I'm ecstatic to be a part of this moment," Kish concluded.
