With both earrings and the shaved head, this guy really looks like Mr. Clean!! Congrats to him!

I am so excited....Congrats Aaron...you deserved it! Awesome job!

Theresa

I am so happy for this Brother! A Black man with his show on the Foodnetwork is a Major milestone.I followed him thru the show and thought he had a good chance of win.Congratulations Aaron!!

I cannot believe Aaron won. The three finalists all produced entertaining "pilots", but Aaron obviously was the least comfortable in front of the camera, and needed the most "coaching" by the producer. Suzie asked her fellow judges "who is ready to start their show TOMORROW", and I really don't think Aaron was the best answer to that question. I'll probably take some slack for this, but I think the judges ended up going for the demographic draw of Aaron rather than the truly best candidate.

Yes, Robert you are an a-hole for that comment. Just because he was not as comfortable, he obviously has the best natural personality and most potential. I guess you think everyone just does a show in one take. I swear, people always gotta find a reason. Congrats
Aaron, sure you will be great.

Whether Aaron has the "best natural personality and most potential" is an opinion. I don't agree...I think the other two finalists AND Kelsey Nixon all had more natural personality and potential...but that is just my opinion. I just don't see Aaron having a long-term successful show on the network. Maybe I shouldn't have speculated on the reasons, but just because I don't share your opinion shouldn't call for the "a-hole" comment. So let's change the subject... what ever happened to last year's winner-by-default Aimee (who was reinstated only after Jag was forced to withdraw)

I just found out the answer to my own question...Amy Finley's show "The Gourmet Next Door" filmed only 6 episodes before being canned. I hope Aaron fares better.

Not sure if I feel the best finalist won but I'm sure there were other factors weighing in on the ultimate decision. My only hope is that the Food Network honchos don't steal Adam's idea of the live, interactive web cooking with viewers - that was really a great idea and lessens the boringness of some of the network cooking hosts - we're not all working with state of the art appliances and equipment like they are plus we can't just shove the mess under a counter and out of sight.

Aaron won because he cooked something basic that people would pick up at the grocery store and cook that is quick and easy! Lisa is great but not everyone likes fish or eggs and its top gourmet for the everyday person who is cooking a quick family meal! You would have to make a special trip to the store for her ingredients. Adams idea didn't fly because there is already a show with that concept called ask Aida and he just started cooking good food the last 3 episodes of the series! Plus he is not that knowledgeable about food to make up recipes off the top of his head when somebody writes in! He is no iron chef! All the contestants were great but the one who relates to most Americans won and he deserved it! Congrats Aaron

I'm happy for Aaron because I was rooting for him. He seems like an awesome man, and he really tugged at my heart on the show when he revealed his son ran away and he pleaded for him to come back. However, after being very objective, my opinion is that he was by far the weakest contestant of the three. I'm sure there are many reasons for his win, including the network's demographics and desire to expand into different programming which incorporates blacks, or different styles which Aaron fits. I do think he seemed like an extremely strong chef, and his meals always look yummy. I will watch his show and I congratulate him!

Wow, that slip up was a really big mistake, now that I read what happened. I was rooting for Aaron! Yay, he won! Ah, it doesn't matter who anybody thinks was the "best". Aaron won, anyway. Point blank. The other guy (sorry forgot his name) seemed fake to me. Lisa was too gormet, as someone stated. Though, she did have that warm look, but there's PLENTY of people like her on FN. I'm glad Aaron won.

that show aaron is going to have isnt going to do well

All in all Food Network is getting more boring everyday. I'm entertained by their travel-based shows like DDD and $40 a day; and by shows like Unwrapped. Iron Chef is getting stale and so are most how-to-cook shows. The Georgia hillbilly has lost her charm and 30-Minute Meals drives me bananas -- Ray never shuts up long enough to absorb what she's saying.

Food Network is getting too commercial and "stars" cannot be harvested -- the viewers make the stars.

But, like the producer said all three contestants equally could have a successful show based on their talents. And for a moment I thought the committee would "break all the rules" again and choose all three. What would've been wrong with that? Winner, place, and show. After all adding just one new talent per year will keep the network boring.

The three contestants were equally entertaining but I honestly don't think "Mr. Clean" will be a hit. They'll use him for their commercial purposes and that'll be it.

Great choice for judges...I think Aaron was more down to earth than the other two. The producer did an excellent job in bringing out their "tv personalities". I hope his show last longer than the previous FoodNetwork stars. Good Luck Aaron.

Amie quit after 6 episodes cause she was getting really harsh backlash over her win and in the end, having her own show wasn't what she expected it to be. The FN and she parted on good terms. They didn't cancel her - she walked away.

The fix was in. The judges orchestrated 'positive' feedback after Aaron clearly bombed in his pitiful Las Vegas performance. He's very hard to watch and so is Lisa who's pretentious and prissy. Adam was the winner and the smoothest. "Who is ready to start work tomorrow?" Obviously it was Adam, but the judges had already decided the previously week when they did 'something they never did before' and kept all three when it was painfully apparent that Aaron should have been cut. I imagine Gordon had to spend extra time to make Aaron's 4 minute clip. And filling it with 'yeah babies' and other over-confident yelps doesn't make for an exciting show or anything interesting to watch. The judges disgraced themselves and the show for selling out. They have no integrity or credibility and Aaron's show will most likely bomb. What a sham. Who is ready to lose their jobs tomorrow? The judges!

Wow...I'm dissapointed...either one of the other two would'nt been
better. Aaron's food is good..but he's not so great to watch.
He makes me uncomfortable...sorry ..but I wont be tuning in for his show.

CONGRATULATIONS to Aaron he did it!!!! My whole family was routing for him to win. He has a great personality and very down to earth. To top it off the man can cook what more could you ask for.

Congrats to AAron BUT let's get real here. His show is not going to make it. He is not engaging. Lisa was way to "FROO-FROO"...How many of you would actually say to yourself "Gee I think I will make seared cod with Zabion sauce for the family tonight after working an 8 hour day." maybe .000001%?!?!? The only 1 of the 3 I ould even think of watching was Adam's. The idea was GREAT and he is a fun AND he has an engaing personality. Also he doesnt cook things that take 1)a degree in french to understand 2)everyday items 3)Specialty equipment that you will spend $100's for and use once.

FN needs to really rethink who thier average viewer is. And who they have as hosts.Bobby Flay-A pretentiously rude and obnoxiously self absorbed little freak who thinks if you haven't graduated from a top culinary school you shouldn't own a stove. Giada Delarenta- Talk about a "plastic Host".....Could she be even more phoney????? Even Sandra Lee who is not the "warmest" person is a good view and she makes things people would see and say "Hey, I am going to make that".

They need more shows with hosts like Rachel Ray (as annoying as she can get at times with her Rachelisms), Paula Dean, & the Healey's.

I think I will try out for next season just so I can Bobby to "blow it out his a$$!" when he gets all "upity".

And Suzy.....Honey.....Do something with that hair for next season! You are too prety to wear that frizzy mop on your head.

HMMMM....since we have to watch thier show shouldn't the viewers have picked the winner? I too will not watch Aaron's show. Only becuse it is actually painful to watch him on camera.

Yep, I totally agree with ROBERT! they chose him solely on demographics! They didnt focus on who really deserved it and who had the top talent but on who they thought there NEW TARGET MARKET is going to be! Ill tell you that was the wrong decision! Aaron lacks CLASS, and a lot of it! listen to his demo tape again, he used some choice words that probably werent the best choice if you know what i mean! how could they not see the talent and great ideas that adam and lisa had to offer!

he was very uncomfortable in front of they camera, and gave me a bad vibe! i will not be watching his show 'big daddy's kitchen' what were they thinking?

"Bobby Flay-A pretentiously rude and obnoxiously self absorbed little freak who thinks if you haven’t graduated from a top culinary school you shouldn’t own a stove."

Thank you, Mark. You perfectly described the mean-spirited jerk. At least that's how he comes off on this show.

earrings and all, what were they thinking picking Aaron to host a show! he couldnt even keep a striaght face during his demo, he about lost it! he has no talent for the camera and people are not going to watch him! the show will fail just like the rest of them~!!! and ur right he should have been cut on the 'buffet' episode, they clearly knocked him outta the park! HELLO FOOD NETWORK - GET A CLUE! your losing viewers by the minute

AARON WON BECAUSE HE WAS THE MOST SINCERE AND GENUINE. ADAM COULD NOT FAKE IT ANY LONGER THAN THAT FINAL PILOT, AND AMY CAME ACROSS AS ARROGANT AND SOOO AMBITIOUS. WHO WANTS TO WATCH THAT?

AARON NEEDS COACHING, BUT AT LEAST HE CAN COOK AND APPEAL TO VIEWERS.

"appeal to viewers'...what viewers? surely not ones that wanna sit down with their kids to here him say 'gosh darn' (the full version of those choice words is frowned highly upon by most) and use his slang terms! reminds me of another 'Nelly'...'Down Home w/ The Nelly's' what a terrible show! they practically make love in their kitchen on national TV...nothing I think the FN should be proud of!

This is WHY he won..."A Black man with his show on the Food network is a Major milestone"...for years only Whites have been here, the FN added the black couple and now this guy and will learn toward any color but white for a long time to WIN, you'll see, now to be politically correct. IF Aaron was white, NO WAY would he of won this competition, I'm a black man but I'm not gonna back off this cuz I'm black and I should pick black, vote black etc. Take a poll, the % of people who watch this show regularly as I do, won't pick him. Come on people, ya all scared to say what you know is true?

and PS... I agree with all the folks who said "BAD DECISION" and the content of what they wrote...somthing I forgot to say was I had a VERY hard time understanding what he said his speech is not clear his enunciation is terrible. I won't watch the show, tried ’Down Home w/ The Nelly’s’ lasted maybe 10 Min's and turned it off, what JUNK!

’Down Home w/ The Nelly’s’ please are you kidding me, and you put them on the road trying to be like Guy's "dinners and drive ins" show? I get the "we have to get black on our show, we been found out, all whets here GULP happneded....But Aaron?, how said. I have a mixed bad of friend, grew up with a multi-cultural bag of friends all kinds and I don't care what color anybody is, good is good, right is right, and this is WRONG IS WRONG! Lisa nailed it, IF SHE WAS BLACK she would of won...

HE MADE FUN OF PEOPLE WITH EATING DISORDERS! who does that and thinks in any way its right?!?! obviously he missed some key elements growing up! like someone to tell him what is right vs wrong!

glad to see people feel the same why i do! it was a poor decision and not fair to the other contestants just to pick him because of his color!!! if you put too much of that crap on the food network it will be ruined forever!!! no one wants to watch someone that speaks like aaron does! like i said he has NO CLASS!!!

I CAN NOT believe he made it to the final 3, or even 6, obviously the FN is going for the black viewer numbers or is getting pressure from somewhere to add blacks? Why do we not see a Black judges on the show? I have NO problems with blacks, grew up with blacks, many of my closest friends are black but pick one who REALLY wins not just for being black? Flashback Academy Awards, all of a sudden black males/females win they were EXCELLENT but others for that time, and those movies were better, but it was time to even out the numbers. It's just so sad that decisions are being made on color rather than skill...whites AND blacks are tired of that, how would I know, because at my FN finally party, 31 friends at my home, 19 black, they said it was BS too. . .

Out of the three, I'm glad Aaron won. I hated Lisa, the pretentious cold-fish look is off putting. And Adam wasn't impressive and even the judges said at one point that he had only made 1 dish they liked. Personally I would have loved to have seen Kelsey and Shane team up. they were great to watch and I loved what they cooked. But hey, who are we....not like we got to vote!

'who are we'!!! WE ARE THE VIEWERS, AND THATS WHAT MATTERS! it says on the FN website that Bobby Flay's vote was for Lisa, Bob's vote was for Adam, and then here comes miss Susie Q voting for Aaron, and it states they picked him bc she believed that would be there new and upcoming target market - LAME!

My wife and I watched each of the episodes of NFNS, and after about the mid-way point, we were rooting for Aaron. My one biggest issue with him is that when he was listening intently to the selection committee, his face is intimidating. He can look scary without even trying, and he needs to work with an acting coach and a mirror to eliminate that. But when he smiles, the room lights up. In his "off the set" interviews, he appeared to be quite relaxed and very personable.

Of the three finalists, I felt that Lisa's food just wasn't approachable enough, and she didn't come across as genuine. I was also turned off when she wouldn't give Kelsey a simple yes or no about cooking the turkey sausage with or without the skin. Yes, it's a competition, I appreciate that. But did anyone else notice what Adam did, on more than one occasion?

Adam Gertler, at least twice, possibly more, called out the remaining time in a challenge for EVERYONE to hear. The man is a team player, and a good guy. And I LOVED his internet idea. My problem with Adam is that his repertoire seemed limited to "things that can be smoked". It wasn't until the final weeks of the show that he showed us his ability in the kitchen even to that limited degree.

Which leaves Aaron. Uncomfortable in front of the camera? Undoubtedly, at least so far. But week in, week out, Aaron showed the talent to produce dishes with any ingredient they put in front of him. In Vegas, he produced - in 18 minutes - a well-executed chicken parmesan. That's network program quality food in 18 minutes. (Yes, he forgot the dish initially, but I'm willing to overlook that. On his own show, he'll know damn well what he's going to cook. But no, he's not ready for Iron Chef!) And as the weeks progressed, his camera presence got better and better. He cooks with ordinary ingredients (well, all right, I don't keep plantains in the house, but it's easily available at the grocery store), and I wouldn't be afraid to try cooking anything that he produced on the show. Lisa's ingredients are so different, so foreign, that it's tough to imagine trying to get your 5-year old to eat them. Aaron? Hey, those look like bananas - that must be all right!

Like some of you, I would prefer that Aaron speak more intelligently. Example: I would have ate more of it. Sorry, Aaron, I would have EATEN more of it. I would watch Aaron for his personality and for his food, but I'd hesitate to let my kids watch it for the consistently bad grammar. Perhaps with some coaching...

Although in the early weeks of the competition I wondered "my gosh, was this the best the initial tryouts could produce (especially Nipa)", I think the selection committee had the correct final four, and made the correct choice.

great job Aaron i could not watch last night i did not want you to lose. i like aarons freshness he is a real person makes me feel like cooking

Lisa clearly should have won. She had the best pilot, the best food, and looked best on camera. I don't know how they made the decision, but they messed up BIG.

Lisa's dish was leeks, available at any local grocery, fish, and basically eggs. How is that "off-putting". It would be the quickest meal to make out of the three.

I didn't see her as arrogant at all. She actually saved Aaron's butt in Vegas by reminding him to make his chicken parmesan. And who among us, if we had that body and the money to purchase those clothes, wouldn't look just like her? I thought she was adorable and is the only one out of the three whose show I would watch.

I'm tired of some of the over-the-top personalities on FN these days. I like the quiet, presentations of Ina Garten and Michael Chiarello.

I don't want to buy Rachel Ray's favorite christmas songs or watch Paula Deen go on vacation with her boys. I just want to learn new things to cook without gimmicks and shouting.

And whatever happened to Sara Moulton?

Anyway...nothing against Aaron, but I can't understand him and probably will not be watching his show. Good luck thought. I loved how excited his wife was.

Dinelle, they already stole Adams idea and are advertising it now on tv for the fall. That stinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ErtI am a faithful foodnetwork viewer. What happened to shows like Emeril live you guys need to bring back more of that forget the fancy sets with outfits to coordinate. Next season the viewers should have atleast half of the total score grnted we can taste the food so I think 50 etcent is fair.

I don't think I can ever watch this program again. Of the three finalists, aaron was the weskest, from food to personality. Adam clearly had the most clever idea, and I was certain he would win...he was a pro...aaron is not, and will have to learn many things in order to make "Big Daddy" successful. I, along with millions of others, am extremely disappointed in this decision.

I don't know if FN is going to give Aaron the time he'll need to develop a relaxed personality/connection with the viewer. Others like Adam and Kelsey were light-years ahead of him in this regard. I knew Lisa and Adam wouldn't win when the week before judges said, "I don't know if the viewers will like Lisa" (they wouldn't) and one judge said that Adam didn't seem to have the skills to be the winner (even though he just blew everyone away with his Vegas food). Then as someone here already mentioned they allowed Aaron in the finals even though he absolutely bombed in food and presentation at Vegas. It's clear that he'll be no Guy Fieri.

Sorry, Food Network. Janie, Buddy and I all agree that the fix was in!! I suppose anyone who watched the series would surmise this. Aaron clearly lost in Las Vegas. One would have thought you'd get it right after the fiasco last season. It's low down to rob individuals of their dreams to suit an agenda. Adam was my choice. Lisa 2nd and Aaron although likeable, was painful in front of the camera. Shame, shame on you FN.

First of all it was a very tight competition with the final three. Adam to me wasn't ready. Aaron had skills but struggled with the camera and his "lines". With continued coaching surely he can gel. LISA however had skills, charm, personality, and exposure. After watching the recording of the pilots I was expecting LISA to win. I can not believe the comments on this blog about demographics. Do you really think the FN need to "throw a contest" to expand their Black market? I don't think so. I do believe that Aaron has a lot of potential, and I will watch his show. Lighten Up People !

Oh My God..are you kidding me??Aaron won?? Good God..he is a nice guy..but HORRIBLE on air..a mush mouth who seems so frightened..this is a sham..Good Lord..after waching Top Chef..The NextFoodNetwork star is such an awful program..I doubt I'll even watch it next time. I am more and more done with FoodNetworkand I was a person who has been there from the very beginning..they have realy screwed up this channel!

Yup, Adam got screwed twice. First he loses this show when he should have won, and then the FN new show "Ask Aida" totally stole Adam's premise. NFNS was taped months ago and obviously they got that idea from there. Adam's on air presence was so good and it was food most people will eat. I couldn't even spell what Lisa made half the time, let alone cook it. Aaron's food looked good but I just don't think his show is going to work.

I'm disappointed that Adam didn't win, but happy that Lisa didn't either. Adam is good in front of the camera and makes food that the average person would eat. Lisa is a pretentious snob. I can't stand her. She reminds me of a Stepford Wife. I hope Adam will be offered a job as a chef at a great restaurant.

I actually liked all three pilots for different reasons.

I was initially rooting for Lisa in the finals because she clearly has the culinary expertise and she does have an interesting look. I can see how her appearance could be considered a bit severe. Maybe it's the geometric haircut. I still liked her stylish nature and she is clearly competant and highly skilled.

I did find it interesting that she wouldn't help Kelsey with the meat skin question-but she was willing to help Aaron. She admitted in the exit interview that she was close to Aaron, but I also think she miscalculated. I think she did not consider Aaron real competition at the time she reminded him that he had not prepared his chicken portion of his assignment. Fatal mistake on her part?

I think Aaron's best moment was his segment with the girl scout. He was fun and engaging and quite delightful. I thought for the first time, wow, he was pretty good. I don't think any other performance from him matched that.

I think Adam showed a lot of personality and I liked his quirky sense of humor and slightly ruffled appearance. I was also moved by his back story. When he talked about his failed restaurant and how that affected his ability to get back into the kitchen emotionally, I thought that made him quite sympathethic.

y biggest concern with Aaron is his continued misuse of the English language. When he said "I would have ate more". I just cringed. That kind of grammar is just painful to hear and it does not belong on a public broadcast (or anywhere else IMHO).

I worry that grammar issues like this which are often developed and reinforced over many years won't be easily corrected in short order. I suspect that's where editing and videotape will come in. Perhaps FN will limit Aaron's LIVE segments (if there are any) while he beefs up his grammar and enunciation skills.

Television can be a difficult medium to master, and I wish him luck.

I think the other two finalists may still have some opportunities with FN. One of the judges even mentioned that possibility on her blog regarding Adam.

The actual competition may be over but I'd still like to see how this all pans out for the winner. So I'm sure I'll check out Aaron's show.

This was the most shameless act of affirmative action I've ever witnessed. Adam was clearly the strongest of the three finalists but the FN couldn't pass up the opportunity to sell out desperate for a black chef on the station. Aaron is talented but clearly not ready for the camera and his food is less interesting than the other two finalists. But then again, that's what FN wants considering it's obsession with "simple" rather than interesting food. This is gonna be one expensive show given all the takes they'll need to get Aaron to do it right.

I think ROBERT said it best (no offense to anyone, but it got boring after a while), I think the winner was preselected due to demographics because he clearly wasn't "presenting" as a competent person in any show I ever watched. I really thought Lisa APPLIED herself with clear ability and desire in all categories, she clearly and unequivically won in any truly fair arena, which this was not. I don't think I will watch this bore again, even with Bobby Flay. It's funny, these TV made personalities, Bobby Flay, Rachael Ray (the coolest) any number of "Designers" from HGTV, et al., seem to forget they too were once just regular people with dreams. I scoff at these "eliminination" shows and regret I allowed myself to get suckered into this one. This, was no more respectable than watching some gold digging sluts in sparkly dresses try to find "love" (or money) on tv while living with and befriending their competitors, all screwing the same guy hoping he will choose them with the last rose and a marriage proposal. Now, I have Bobby Flay in that vision, handing out the crappy rose to cheapened cooks. Never again. $$ Demographics, we were USED people! There was no real contest here - an analogy would be Bobby Flay picked the girl with the biggest boobs!!! NEVER AGAIN

I think Aaron won because his final show had the best food, which is the real star. The other food items lacked good eats and presentation in comparison.

The other two were good, but I believe would have been annoying over an extended amount of time.

Aaron has the great potential to be down to earth and to be a likable person welcomed in our homes via television, rather than another over-the-top personality.

more or less shocked. i was already looking forward to adam's show, even if he had a few kinks to work out. i can't even watch aaron, I can see into his soul when he talks, he is far too weak of character in front of the camera. shameful

If Aaron was white, he would not have won. Also, I'd never watch a show where the host uses poor English. He should have been kicked off after his poor showing in Las Vegas with that cheap pasta buffet.
Either of the other 2 would have been better. Lisa knew the most about food and Adam was the most comfortable and entertaining.
Entire series turned out to be a waste of my time.....

WOW - I was shocked!! - I liked Aaron but he was definitely not the best. I think the judges knew a long time ago who they were going to pick and that's the reason they helped Aaron come up with the "Big Daddy" name for the demo. That's also the reason they kept all 3 after the Las Vegas show because he definitely lost to the other two. They couldn't keep him and get rid of one of the others. He seems like a nice guy but his English is horrendous and I kept wanting him to dump the cheap earrings. I can't imagine I would watch his show.

I liked Aaron, but I have to agree that he was chosen for the color of his skin. I'm happy for Aaron, but if FN needed a black chef they should have picked the runner up when Guy won. I can't remember his name, but HIS food was GREAT and his personality was so lovable -he could also speak the King's english. An opportunity lost.

I agree with the majority of comments, Aaron did not deserve to win. He is likable enough but his hosting skills were the worst. He also can not speak properly and sounds like he has a mouth full of marbles. The fix was in - 3 contestants on the last episode and no audience vote. They had to make sure Aaron won - very disappointing. Oh, and that Bobby Flay - what an arrogant SOB !! Didn't he start out just grilling meat - boy how quickly they forget. Last season it was Giada who behaved rudely - forgetting that she only got her own show through her family and was terrible at the beginning.

I have read everyone's comments and I just don't understand why race is being brought into this. I loved every episode. I think Aaron did a great job. For God's sake people...none of them had ever been on TV and of course they were all nervous. Why is everyone bashing Bobby Flay...I am happy with the winner and I think he will do a great job...Be happy people!

I am a positively hardcore fan of almost every show on Food Network, but this choice of Aaron was one of the poorest choices that could have been made and I couldn't possible see myself giving a rat's butt about watching it. Lisa was cute and personable and Adam was funny and very likeable, but Aaron seems to have little-to-no cooking talent and even less personality or on screen presence. The food he prepares (or has so far) is very niched and I predict his show will last even less time than Amy Finley's and I doubt the parting will be amicable.

does anyone know where we can send our thoughts/complaints to the FN? or a number where we can reach them?

Haters!

A radio show on WHYY a couple of Sundays ago gave away the fact that Aaron won. I was flabbergasted!

AARON IN A NUTSHELL: jacked up family - runaway kid; speech impediment; scary physical features - the earrings and that smile...creepy if I must say! i could keep going but you know what i mean

all in all, he just doesnt have anything going for him

I watched all season. Even though at first Aaron was uncomfortable, he done very well at the end. Out of all 3 finalists, Adams was the best by far consistently, but it also comes down to food-out of food-Lisa and Aaron's food was the best and most consistent but Lisa just
had too many ghosts that she battled all the time. Good luck and Kudos to Lisa and Adam-this will still help them in the end and Aaron, I look forward to seeing a new show-hope it becomes one of my faves!! By the African American or not-you were the best by far!!

I feel Aaron should absoutely have NOT been chosen as FN winner. If FN wants talk regardign reverse racism, yes...you achieved that with teh above comments and more. Lisa or Adam should have won and you as supposed fair judges KNOW that. Goof Luck FN as I will tno be watching a show where the host is creepy looking, scary....but hey, stir the pot judges!

I feel Aaron should absolutely have NOT been chosen as FN winner. If FN wants talk regarding reverse racism, yes…you achieved that with the above comments and more. Lisa or Adam should have won and you as supposed fair judges KNOW that. Goof Luck FN as I will not be watching a show where the host is creepy looking, scary…. but hey, stir the pot judges! Shame on all the judges.

Aaron has a new touch to give the network, but PLEASE help him with his grammar and vocabulary usage. I find it very offensive and hard to listen to.

I am totally disappointed in the choice. This is not stating that Aaron isn't a nice man, BUT, to me, he didn't seem like the next food network star, Kelsey did though :(

I feel so bad for Adam and Lisa. The judges were totally looking for one thing going into the competition - a "hometown" "homeade" black guy. Adam and Lisa deserved a show, and Aaron should have been out right after the buffet chalenge, it was pitiful. FN you are not being fair. Sorry Aaron, but you didn't deserve to win, and I personally think that you should offer your show to Adam.

What an absolute joke that Aaron won - by any judging standard he should not have even been there. His on-camera persona is positively PAINFUL to watch. He can't ad lib to save his life - the Vegas debacle completely proved that. Ultimately the viewer has to be entertained if they're going to tune in regularly. How long before people tire of "get that daggone thang on there"? Yuk Yuk Yuk! Gimme a break! Adam may not have been a gourmet chef but his food looked good and he was funny and entertaining. Enjoy the days till your show is canceled Aaron. cya

ATTENTION FOOD NETWORK EXECUTIVES AND DECISION MAKERS... PLEASE READ THESE POSTS, AND PREPARE FOR A BETTER SHOW NEXT YEAR. Based on culinary abilities it was Aaron & Lisa. On appearance and personality it was Adam & Lisa. Based on reaching the general public with everyday cooking presentations it was Aaron & Adam. Like Guy said I want to pull out of each of them the things I like. So how do we solve this in the future??? Lets do it "Survivor" style. "Survivor" bases their decision to award the $100,000.00 cash prize based on 'texted' votes. This would give us, the viewing audience a hand in the decision. It seems to work and be fair at the same time. I'm ready ... text 58239 for Lisa, and 38739 for Adam and 30782 for Aaron. (Smile)

I have been a huge fan of the Food Network for years but honestly they could not have done a worst job picking contestants for this year’s show and even a worst job picking the winner. The Food Network’s management is terrible with one bad choice after another. Does anyone really think they produced a show in a week with Big Daddy – Please; the fix was in from the start. Aaron McCargo is a terrible chef he only really cooked Steaks and Crab cakes with a Jerk spice the entire season. They were only looking for the demographic, not the best of the three choices.
Guy’s show triple D is the last good show they have done in years and they are riding it like a mule repeating two shows five times a week. Finally, enough with Bobby Flay! His ambush show it dreadful with his 2 elitist helpers (assistance) and a team of cooks doing all the work to show-up home cooks in front of their friends, I can’t think of a less entertaining concept for a show.

I'm not sure any of the three would have made it as a star, but I definitely preferred Adam. He was relaxed, funny, and engaging, and he could cook. I even laughed when he tripped and fell in front of the coast guard crew--it was funny to me because it absolutely bombed. I like somebody who will try crazy things, and be a little outrageous. I don't see Aaron being entertaining enough. Not much I can add to all the other problems others here have mentioned, but the preordained winner will have his work cut out for him in his series. As for Lisa, well, she was one scary woman! Too intense. Too driven. Weird haircut. And what's up with wearing high heels in a kitchen. That's not outrageous; that's bizarre.

RECOUNT, WE DEMAND A RECOUNT !!!

Its not the selection of Aaron that annoys me the most, it the plain and simple fact that he was held to a different standard each week then the other contestants. The contest was to eliminate the worst contestant each week and that clearly wasn't done. From what the judges and guest judges said week to week, Lisa and Aaron were clearly the best cooks. As far as on screen performance (and lets face it, have any of you tasted anything a food network personality has cooked in person? I'd say very little, if any have), the best and most comfortable personalities were Kelsey, Lisa and Adam. If Food Network wanted Aaron to be the next Food Network Star then they shouldn't have made him look so bad. What would the audience have said if they were able to screen the contestants entire performance on the last show. Just the comment from the producer saying Aaron looked like "a deer in the headlights" would have eliminated him. His vulgar attempt at humor on the previous show where he said he had an eating disorder should have dropped him, especially since his food for that episode was clearly the worst. It was obvious to me at that point, he was being kept in the competition for other reasons than cooking and performance. Any of you can box my comments as relating to demographics but I think I've shown that Food Network may or may not be using that as a reason, I am NOT. He simply didn't win the competition fairly. I, personally could not stand Lisa as she comes across as though she's better than everyone else, I would have voted for her over Aaron. I thought Adam had his problems but the last show addressed them all and he clearly had a better performance than Aaron. So, I would have voted for him over Aaron as well. Adam had the best last show but honestly the person I would have selected as the best of the lot was Kelsey. I thought she had the best on screen performance. She came across the most comfortable on camera. Her cooking was as good as everyone elses but
she happened to not be liked by Bob for some reason. I even liked Shane better than Aaron. Now if anyone wants to think my arguments have anything to do with demographics then they are wrong. The best contestant was not picked, PERIOD.

I truly can't believe Aaron won. I agree, if he was white he would not have done so. He could hardly string a sentence together and I found him to be very annoying. It was contest of cooking skill and knowledge of many weeks that led up to the final. Aaron should have left weeks ago - he can hardly cook and certainly can't present. No-one will be watching him at all. Anyone except the Indian and the female comedian (that wasn't) would have been better than Aaron. It was a fix for sure.

Kelsey was great, but was criticized because she didn't cook her own scrambled eggs. She "ordered" Rachael Ray to do it. That is absolutely ridiculous. My six year-old son can make scrambled eggs so do they really need to see Kelsey make them? Judges had told her to be more authoritative the previous week so she followed these directions so they quickly booted her. On the other hand after Aaron was told to be more personable, he tried his sorry eating-disorder routine which bombed and was offensive. The judges didn't even mention that it was offensive. Instead, they apologetically mention to Aaron that it was good to see him try, but sometimes these things bomb. Then they rewarded him for that performance and extremely weak food by allowing him in the finals. What a double standard! Back to Kelsey, I think Giada and Rachael Ray both felt threatened by the younger, tinier, perkier Kelsey. Make a mean comment or two to her and eliminate the potential competition. In all, who wants to watch a future show where the winner is preordained, preselected? FN deserves all this criticism and it's a bit ironic that they spend weeks nit-picking the contestants for such things as how they'll come across on TV, but FN ends up looking worse than any contestant (except Mipa--what a joke). I guess FN thinks its viewers are too stupid to notice blatant bias and subjectivity.

I think that the best person did win. Ultimately it's a cooking show and the bottom line is your food has to be good. Hey let's not forget on the train Aaron showed Adam up who was supposed to be Mr. Personality!!

Also I think its unfair to attack the integrity of the judges and their choice, there were legitimate concerns with each of the others. Lisa, while I did like her seemed pretentious on camera and her food was too ambitious; Adam had difficulty proving that he could actually cook, at least consistently.

Everyone consistently liked Aaron's food and he can work on getting more comfortable in front of the camera.

Good luck Aaron, and personally, i am looking forward to watching your show and I think it will be successful.

Let's face it. When the judges decided to bring 3 into the finals it became obvious that they were targeting Aaron. It was a little too obvious to the audience to have us believe that the judging was fair and impartial. Let's remember that first and foremost, this is television and you have to put on a show that people will watch. I would bet that viewers watch shows first and foremost because they can somehow identify with the host. They can't taste the food so who prepares the best meal really is not relevant. I watch a show to be entertained. That's Adam. Hands down he would draw the biggest audience. If they do not give him some knod of show, they are missing a talent that someone will certainly pick up. Let him host a show where his energy, humor and food knowlege are displayed. Perhaps a show where he travels to different venues and takes the viewer to a different "food experiences" is right up his alley.

I think that it is a shame that Aaron is being bashed for everything but his cooking which is what the show is supposed to be about. Bobby Flay comes off as jerk and has several shows. Give this man a chance. Black, white, red or yellow HE WON. Get over it. Give the show a chance you might be surprised. He may be ruff around the edges at first, but he is not an actor so he has to learn. Bobby Flay loses on Throwdown to the point of embrassment but has not been cancelled. Rachel Ray has made her own dictionary full of ridiculous words and got a talkshow on network TV. It saddens me that race has to become an issue on something silly as a cooking show. He represents every person that is embarking on a dream. Please remember the start of every diamond!

On last thing. Someone said he wears 2 earrings. Doesn't Guy wear two earrings and he's now has TGIF Friday commercial.
Please open you minds and see a cook and not a color.

I do not like Lisa but I don't judge her or anyone else by their clothes, hairstyle, shoes, or things like that!

It is her own comments to the other contestants, her own actions, that made me dislike her from the start of the show and if she got any better it was only because she knew she had to atleast act nicer on camera if she didn't want to get eliminated. All my opinions for sure but when I heard her comments (this is not her exact words but this is what it meant to me) that she is better than Aaron so Aaron needs to win the most! Then I heard someone say about Lisa reprimending some others for drinking soda drink? I eat healthier than most people I know and if they ask me I let them know but I don't go around reprimending others for what they eat and/or drink! Bobby said something about he would hire Adam to cook and Lisa to be bossy and that again tells why so many do not like Lisa! Even most of the other contestants said they wanted Aaron or Adam to win. It was obvious they did not like the way Lisa treated them. I would had never watched a show with Lisa but I am not so blind I can't see she is talented, she is.

I am happy Aaron won! No, he was not perfect and he bombed on some of the challenges but so did ALL OF THEM!! Over all I think Aaron did great! I like Adam but can not believe he was not eliminated sooner!

It was the judges right to do just that judge and if they felt Aaron had did well enough over all to not be eliminated, then they had every right to send him on with the others. I feel very sure that somewhere in the rules it states the rules are subject to change. I have read enough from others (not the judges, either) that actually tasted Aaron's cooking to know he is a great cook!

I did like Adam, even though I was shocked he was not eliminated after serving raw food TWICE, I would watch his show for the humor. Humor is a good thing to have in a stresful world.

I know many would not care for this and that's ok but I thought it was great when Aaron's wife thanked God for Aaron winning. If Lisa had won I am sure she would had thanked Lisa. Her better than everyone else attitude thinking she was perfect really turned me off!

And oh, forgot the part about Lisa talking about her sophisticated child. I love for children to eat healthy but they should not be forced to like adult sophisticated foods. And neither should she expect all children to be sophisticated. Another turn off.

The Foodnetwork polls showed of the three remaining contestants, Aaron was way in the lead. They chose who the majority wanted.

Congradulations Aaron!

Aaron had the personality and the culinary chops to be voted the winner. He thought well on his feet and had a sense of humor. Oh, by the way, he is black.

I don't think ANY of the contestants were strong enough to have a successful show, and that was the biggest dilemma for the judges. Lisa could cook, but had an overbearing personality. Adam had the personality, but was inconsistent in his food prep. Aaron could cook, but didn't have much of a personality and looked like a deer in the headlights. So the judges chose Aaron, and I believe, like others that they chose him weeks ago. Is it racist to suggest that one reason Aaron won was that Food Network wanted another African American to serve a certain demographic? Absolutely not. Of course it's a factor. How could it NOT be a factor? I mean, Shane and Kelsey appealed to a young demographic. Lisa appealed to a French-cooking wannabe demographic. Meepa appealed to the anti-fish throw a whole fish in the trashcan demographic. And Food Network is more acutely aware of demographics and the numbers/percentages than any of us....

The producer stated Aaron looked like a deer in the headlights on one of the first takes! After the final take the producer said Aaron did great! All the contestants talked about Aaron had/has a great personality so don't know why anyone would think he doesn't have much of a personality? From what I have read Aaron has a great personality! And Aaron did great talking on camera when he wasn't doing the challenges so it was probably the stress of the challenges as from what I saw on the final show and on the preview of his first show, he is doing great on camera now that all the competitions are over.

While I do think that Aaron initially struggled with relating to the audience, I think that overall he was the best choice. If anyone looked at the sneak peak, Lisa's had to be done several times before she got it right, as well. And Adam, we weren't even sure he could cook. If you want to talk about favoritism, week after week they talked about how Adam's food wasn't up to par- he should have been kicked off early in the show. The only thing he had going for him was personality, but what good is that on the FOOD NETWORK, if you can't cook. Also and for the person who said Aaron couldn't cook- he's the only one whose dishes were consistently raved over during the competition. If you'd watched the entire season, you'd have seen that. The episode where they had to eat someone else's dish and describe it, Adam was so busy eating Aaron's dish he couldn't even talk. That's how good it was. Personally, I wanted Aaron to win, but I wouldn't have minded if Lisa had won. She was a pretty good cook even if her dishes did were a bit more fancy than I would cook at home. Overall I think Aaron won for his ability to cook and to be molded into what they want him to be. So for those who keep hopping on the fact that Aaron didn't do as well in Vegas as he did on other episodes, all of them did bad at some point during the season. The judges were basing it on total performance throughout the season, not just one failure. And I wish everyone would stop saying he was picked because he was black. As if to say that the only thing he had going for him was that he was black. He was picked because he has excellent culinary skills, he knew about food and the judges could see that if he would relax into being himself he would relate to a lot of people. But more to the point, how many times in our lives have white people been picked because they were white. I mean honestly you mean to tell me that out of all the contestants only two black people were good enough to be a finalist? Please! So even if you were all correct. If the deciding factor was the fact that he was black. Then so what... How you look is used so often in determining hiring practices, admission to schools, and so much more. Reverse racism? Please you don't even know what racism is. Bottom line Aaron deserved to win based on his skills alone... No one can take that away from him

It really is disappointing that some people really think that he only one, because he was black. It wasn't that. Aaron's food was consistent with the exception of the next to the last show. Yes, he was not comfortable in front of the camera, but he was when it counted. We didn't need another Martha Stewart; and we didn't need someone telling us about food when he didn't know much himself. The young lady from culinary school was too cheerleaderlike (Rachel Ray) and really lacked work experience. She just needs to cultivate her craft and wait for Rachel Ray to retire from the Foodnetwork. Aaron was the right choice. Don't take that away from that man. He is good and you know that you wish you could taste the food he prepared. I am glad he didn't use ingredients that we would have lauch an expedition to find. That is what makes foodnetwork great for the viewers. I mean who wants to watch a chef cook something that you will never be able to taste. For those who hated on Aaron. I hope you find some business.

I put the food network on a little while ago and Aaron was cooking with the Neely's in their kitchen. They were all kissing each other's as. It was nauseating.

I don't care much for the Neely's BUT I do like Aaron and will watch his shows. The kissing might had been nauseating to some (didn't bother me lots of families and friends when they get together do the same) but I bet the food was great! I also agree Adam should had been gone sooner. Serving raw food twice and Adam's other goofs were too much for him to not had been eliminated. And Adam was so far down in the viewer polls until I would think many feel the same about him not being eliminated early on. I do wish them all the best!
Congradulations Aaron!

Just watched "Big Daddys" and before that Aaron on the Neely's show "Down Home With The Neely's". I liked what I saw on both shows. Aaron not only had great connection with the Neely's, but also a lasting relationship with the audience on his show, and his food looked delicious. After reading the above post about demographics I have to say that somebody has lost it. I don't beleive the FN cares that much about attracting a larger Black audience or more sponsors to "throw" a contest. Get over it. I liked Lisa as well as Adam. Lisa truly does (did) not prepare foods the majority of us would cook or even eat at home. What is tar -vtar and duck confe or what ever. Adam was not clear minded in his decisions of menu choices. Thats why the eggs were raw and he and Aaron finally went with Aarons decision to use skinless and boneless chicken breast. You have to look at the whole picture. Congrats Aaron and much success with the show.

I just watched Aaron's show, too! The food looked awesome! And he did great on camera talking and cooking which more than validates those that said they felt it was just the challenges that made it difficult for Aaron on camera. I agree. I am looking forward to watching all his shows.

I THINK AARON IS THE RIGHT CHOICE. ITS NOT EARRING STAR ITS FOOD NETWORK STAR. HE CAN COOK CAN HE, WELL DON'T WORRY ABOUT HIS LOOKS. ITS A LOT OF THEM THAT COOK THAT DON'T LOOK GOOD. LONG AS THE FOOD IS GOOD.

I used to love Food Network, it now however has become so commercialized. It had such basic roots at one time as did MTV, it will backlash on them. I just do not watch it as much as I used to. Aaron's show is very ordinary, nothing spectacular. My favorites though are Giada, Tyler and Emmeril.

Elizabeth, isn't it nice there are enough shows for everyone to find something or someone they like to watch? We are all so different with our ideas and taste until there is no way for one show to suit everyone. I love Bobbly Flay, Mission Impossible, Iron Chef and somewhat like Emmeril. I do like Aaron's show, too, but I am ok with those that don't if they would just be kind as you have in their comments. No one has to watch any of the shows.

I'm sorry, but I just have to say that Aaron is a total waste of space time, and
money. Any show that FN produces with him will end up a money pit. Just because a
guy is likable enough that is no reason to give him his own cooking show. I can't say

that I saw a single thing he has prepared that made me want to duplicate it. I must
admit, however that I did prepare Lisa's Zabaione Sauce , and you know what??? It ain't half bad, and quite easy to prepare. Sure her stuff might seem a bit pretentious, but hell, what is so darn pretencious about whisking eggs over heat??? Do you people really know hat pretentious cooking is??? Besides good cooking is supposed to be pretentious! Most of us want to cook stuff that makes
other people gaze upon us in awe, and I'm afraid Lisa's food fits that bill. Okay,
maybe not a lot of you feel this way, but I dare say that most people who love to
cook want our friends and family to hold us above others in these areas. Adam's food
is great for entertaining and feeding the good friends and family, but when you want

to prepare something special for someone or some occasion, it is Lisa's cooking that we wish to master, and it is what FN was created for in the first place. To bring the
skills, well maybe not skills, but the appearance of skills like Mario Batali, and
Emeril et al into our homes and please the masses, or that special someone. There is
no way in hell I would prepare braised short ribs for an anniversary, or some other
special occasion. I want to know what Lisa or Mario, or Emeril would prepare, and I
want to prepare it the way they do. And just for the record, throwing together a
Chicken Parm dish is 20 minutes is about as impressive as making scrambled eggs in
under half an hour. I do chicken parm in my sleep, and most pasta dishes are no
brainers if you are not making your own pasta. (and I do) I don't care if people find

me pretentious or a food snob. I will wear that title proudly because I care that
much about food, and I care enough about the people I cook for to prepare something
memorable and delicious.

Sorry, back to Aaron... he was the chosen one from the beginning. That was so
obvious it was insulting. Even when the judges liked someone else’s food more, they
always found a way to assure him that the backroom deal they had was still solid and
working out. Aaron does not belong on FN, except maybe as a backstage prep cook. His
style and technique are painfully one dimensional. I understand that FN wants to make

shows about food that is accessible to the viewers, but they keep foregtting that the

viewers are not children. We have no problem grasping the concept of making sauces to

complement a dish, and many of us like sauces. Thank GOD for Alton Brown and his
clever unraveling of the mysteries of the 5 mother sauces!

I cannot force myself to watch Big Daddy's Kitchen. I have been a fan of FN for a
long time but this constant barrage of no talent hacks like the neelys is giving
indigestion. In fact I found the presence of the neelys on Top Chef to be insulting
to the chefs and the viewers intelligence. These yokels aren't of any mind to judge a

real chefs work! I threw stuff at my TV that night.

There are just too many levels of unforgivable stupidity going on at FN, I have the
notion to stop watching anything but Alton Brown and Iron Chef. Those are the only
two shows that I find any real inspiration these days.

So there you have it. Long winded as I may have been, that is my take on the
situation. FN is trying too hard to draw in a new demographic, and the price they are

paying is the quality of programming. And as the quality goes, so go the viewers, and

then what do you have? A channel that is nothing more than a series of old series
re-running and re-re-re-running ad infinitum, but nobody will be watching anymore. Oh

sure they will have a change in upper management and try to fix it, but it will be
too late. Should listen to the viewers while they still have them, and stop
forcing hamburger helper recipe shows at us. Of course that’s just my opinion. I
could be wrong.

I'm not, but I could be.

But, I'm not... but still... then again... you know.

Any clue when the next season starts???

Well, Foodnetwork did listen to the viewers! Aaron clearly had the majority of viewers that wanted him to win out of the final three, period!!!!! Aaron had a huge lead over both Lisa and Adam at the Foodnetwork poll. And as far as his cooking skills, anyone with the bio he has as both chef and owning his own restaurant doesn't need to convince anyone of anything. Those that have actually tasted his cooking (not talking about the judges, either) but have eaten at his restaurants know he is a great cook with great cooking skills! Argue with those that have tasted his cooking. You won't win! There is enough shows to suit everyone. All the shows don't have to be about just a few bashers of any of the cooking chefs.

Hoorah for FN they finally need to look at the demographics. They need more shows that represent the whole USA we are a melting pot. It should be Asians, Latinos, Jewish, & African American cooks. All nationalities. We want to see how everyone gather together and what they eat. We need to stop being divisive on everything. Lighten Up People.

Let's all be honest people. Aaron seems like a nice person, but he is PAINFULLY awkward in front of the camera. I must agree with Janie, this was an obvious fix and yes, I give Aaron's show about 5 episodes before getting canned.
And of course, anyone, with proper coaching and professional editing can make a decent pilot.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see just about anyone win over a cocky white male candidate, but Adam clearly had the most charisma and solid food chops. I just lost a lot of faith in the food network (as if Rachel Ray was not bad enough!)

Aaron bashers are not going to like this!

Big Daddy's House, premiering Top 5 in its time slot for target W25-54 demographic

http://www.cynopsis.com/content/view/3710/53

You people that wanted Adam to win obviously don't know two things: 1. Adam serving raw food twice clearly should had sent him home and 2. That Adam did get his own show that suits him more as he don't cook on it! Even Adam acknowledged on the behind the scenes interview that he didn't know if he could had cooked and talked at the same time so the show he got will be more suited for him. He obviously has talent on camera and humor and I would watch him for that but NOT for cooking skills! The NFNS judges obviously knew that, too.

I'm sorry but his energy is still forced and fake. In today's show he flipped over a New York Strip and actually kissed the raw meat! Yuck!!! Food Network might want to reign him in a bit.

D.B., my husband and I agree with you. We just watched
Aaron's show with the steaks and he was "too much". Needless to say, we won't be watching anymore of his shows.

D. B. & Sue it appears that Aaron is not producing the level of "octane" for the FN show, or executive producer Gordan Elliott, so he is obviously being encouraged to "fake it till you make it". He needs to lose the hype, its as if he still has to sell himself. This is not the Aaron we saw on the challenges. He needs to relax and let his food do the talking. I really think he lost some viewers with todays show. If the producer had to tell Adam 3 times to wash his hands with soap(use soap Adam) during Adam's pilot, how much more essential is it that you do not put raw meat to your mouth. All of the cross contamination precautions are tossed out the window. I will continue to watch, I am hoping that FN will bring on guests or even his young son again to absorb some of the nervous energy that being in front of a camera produces. You have to interact and relate to someone. Thats why I think Rachel Ray has lost some of her sizzle on 30 minute meals. My opinion.

I loved today's show! Aaron looked so natural on camera and he kept looking at the camera a lot. As for Aaron kissing the steak, I doubt his lips actually touched the meant!! He probably got close to it and some just assumed his lips touched it. Aaron just said on his last show to not let kids have the chicken batter because of possible contamination so doubt seriously he touched the steak with his lips.

I think i heard a smack !

Anyone can make a smack sound with their lips and voice! Doesn't mean he actually touched the steak! He could had held it close to his lips made the smacking sound as IF he kissed the meant without really touching it.

Someone please give Aaron lessons on speaking. I can't stand listening to him, as you can't understand a word he utters. Sounds like mush.

Let's face it, the best recipe Aaron had on The Next Food Network Star was the color of his skin.

If you can't stand listening to Aaron or watching him, then why do you listen or watch him? Aaron bashers/haters find something you love to watch and watch that instead of being such a sore loser. Some of you Aaron haters are so obssessed with finding fault. Many have no problem understanding Aaron!!

I've watched two episodes of Big Daddy - and I must say that Aaron needs to dial it back a bit-- the forced enthusiasm and cutesy, over-the-top outbursts are annoying and clearly forced. Raw meat kissing aside, I wonder why he never mentions his wife...wasn't she seen in the video clip during the contest (as were his kids, who were featured in the first episode of Big Daddy)-- and wasn't she right there on stage when he was announced the winner? Seems odd to see/hear of her now.
I think he's good for 6 shows - just as Aimee was. Honestly, Adam should have won-- so what if some of his food wasn't prepared correctly during the contest-- look at Rachel Ray's beginnings-- she's not even a chef and admits it proudly. It's all about TV appeal and personality and whether or not you want to spend 30 minutes of time watching someone cook a meal that might inspire you to do the same thing. Aaron doesn't cut it for me. He was more appealing personality during the contest. Now, he's just annoying.
As a point of reference, the FN shows that I enjoy the most are Throw Down with Bobby Flay, Grill It (Bobby Flay), Barefoot Contessa, Everyday Italian (Giada).
Also, which came first-- Adam's idea of an interactive/internet viewer Q&A food show or "Ask Aida"? Anyone know?
Anyway, I don't think I'll be able to muster up the enthusiasm to watch another Big Daddy. Bummer.

Oh my! There are many of the Foodnetwork stars that rarely mention their families or much of anything else other than what they are cooking. Maybe something about themself is said some times but not that much as far as the ones I watch!

Well looks like Big Daddy Aaron is starting to gell. This show was better than last weeks and almost as good as episode # 1. It shows that he does well with an on camera guests. I hope FN will keep this in mind until he is able to fly solo. Much Success Aaron !

I think Aaron was the better choice. Lisa was too arrogant and Adam still needs more experience with his food. Aaron can deliver consisten food, and the camera presence part only needs some work. I have watched his show a couple of times and it is getting better. I wish him the best.

NOTE: The Nealy's... let's just say I change channels whenever they come on. The woman is obnoxiously fake, and the guy, let's just say the show would be much better just with him. She kills the show.

To all you hating, white morons, stop it with the reverse discrimination and affirmative action comments. If you feel that Aaron shouldn't have won, just stated that and stop injecting race into your comments. But I most say, that I have been enlightened by your coments, and have learned that whites are just as guilty, when it comes to playing the race card.

DITTO MAYO, Everytime I watch the Neely's the question arises why did he marry her. I'm thinking maybe her family had money that he needed for the barbeque restaurants success. Or is he a weak minded man that she can easily twist to her advantage, like a Daddy's girl used to getting every thing she wants with simply a smiling "Pleeeaaassseee". Or did she cook spaghetti and a 'special' sauce for him on their first date, and he's been blind every since. (You may have to be from the South to understand the last statement) While we are talking about Mrs. Neely have you noticed the uncanny similarity between her and Tiffany of "I Love New York, & Ms. New York Goes To Hollywood" ?

WAY TO GO AARON - GREAT SHOW !!! Looks like Aaron has gelled. Todays show was smooth as silk, only used the word "got" improperly about twice. Continued Success...

What is wrong with some of you people. Why are you so negative? You talk about the Neelys and Aaron as if these people have done something to you personally.

If you don't like the show turn the channel, or could it be due to your negative attitude and obvious character flaws you have no friends who can stand to be around you. Aaron won. If his show last a day or a season, HE STILL WON! GET OVER IT AND GET A LIFE!

If your comments toward the Neelys and Aaron are based solely on the fact that they are people of color, PLEASE. Let it go! IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE SHOWS, DON'T WATCH! BELIEVE ME, WE WILL NOT MISS YOU ARE YOUR NEGATIVE REMARKS.

"Your opinion of someone else does not have to become their reality."

I am quite sure that when they are on the way to the bank to cash their checks, and you who are most likely struggling to make ends meet, your nasty thoughtless and meaningless comments will not matter one bit. Stop hating and get a LIFE!

JUST WATCHED BIG DADDY. ENJOYED THE SHOW. Aaron is scheduled to have one more show in his time slot and then Guy comes in. Is this it FN ??? Or is he in a new time slot?

ALL of you that was so sure YOU just knew (or sounded like you knew) Aaron's show would flop, never make it, would be a disaster, well, I just love it you know it all's being so wrong :) Aaron's show is renewed starting again in Jan!

No one is going to like all the Foodnetwork shows. That's why it's great they have so many to choose from but think if I didn't like a show I would either just say so, or not watch it, not want it to fail, not try to predict it's gloom and doom, because in doing so just made those of you that wanted it to fail look like sore losers and whiners!

I am happy for everyone's success whether or not I like them.

CONGRADULATIONS Aaron! You did it even in the midst of all those so very jealous of you and your success.

By the way Aaron was also on RR show on CBS and he will be doing something at times on that show with some other chefs.

Happy to hear I can watch Aaron again. I like his show, I knew he just had to get used to the cam's and all of that. WAY TO GO AARON !

AARON WON CAUSE HE WAS THA BEST! AND ALL YA'LL WHO HATE HIME, I DONT SEE YA'LL WITH A SHOW!

To the ones who think racial comments are being made, well I have news for you. YOU are the ones making the racist comments. YOU are the ones saying "you white people" when you don't even know the color of the skin of the people writing the comments. I couldn't find a comment that stated anything negative about Aaron based upon the color of his skin. If you want the hate to stop, you might want to consider starting with yourself.