The thirteenth season of the Kids Baking Championship showcases a delightful animal theme with 12 of the most talented young bakers from the US and Canada competing for recognition. Following the premiere episode, I’m hopeful that fans who have been boycotting the show reconsider and tune in, as Kardea Brown is proving to be an outstanding host and judge. Here’s why she deserves your support.
Valerie Bertinelli’s Departure from Kids Baking Championship
Budget Cuts: The Reason Behind Valerie’s Exit
In an unexpected announcement in January 2024, Valerie Bertinelli revealed that she has been let go from the Kids Baking Championship. This news followed the cancellation of her long-running series, Valerie’s Home Cooking, which concluded its remarkable 14-season run. Notably, Valerie had previously earned a Daytime Emmy Award for her outstanding performance as a culinary host and for her show.
According to a since-deleted Instagram post from January 2024, Valerie was informed that budget cuts were behind her firing. She expressed her disappointment, especially knowing that she would no longer be able to convey her gratitude to the production team. Valerie further shared that her experience filming season 12 coincided with a challenging time in her personal life, as she was undergoing a divorce. Interestingly, she mentioned how the show provided her with support during that difficult period.
Fans Outraged Over Valerie Bertinelli’s Firing
Calls for Boycotts of Kids Baking Championship
In response to an Instagram clip from Kids Baking Championship season 13, a wave of fans declared their intention to boycott the series without Valerie. While I personally enjoyed Valerie’s role, I still find value in continuing to watch the show with its new format. Yet, many fans are steadfast in their opposition.
Comments poured in, with one viewer stating, “No Valerie. Not watching,”and others voicing their disappointment, asserting that they would no longer support the network for mistreating her. One particularly vocal fan wrote, “It’s a shame it’s not Valerie. You should listen to your viewers. I won’t be watching anymore without Val.”Another questioned the logic behind Valerie’s budget-related dismissal and subsequent hiring of a new judge, remarking, “Shame you got rid of Valerie and it was told due to budget cuts but I see you hired someone else! Shame, shame.”
Some fans expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging Kardea’s talent while still missing Valerie. Comments such as, “Kardea is great but I miss Val,”encapsulate this sentiment. I empathize with their emotional struggle and hope they ultimately choose to watch Kids Baking Championship.
Kardea Brown’s Exceptional Debut in Episode 1
Kardea’s Caring and Knowledgeable Presence
Prior to the airing of Kids Baking Championship season 13, there were questions about whether Kardea could embody the same supportive spirit that Valerie brought to the show. At 37, Kardea is significantly younger than Valerie, who is 64. Valerie was renowned for her encouragement of the young bakers, often offering comforting words and support during their challenges.
Having watched the premiere, I was pleasantly surprised by Kardea’s natural fit within the show’s dynamic. She displayed great rapport with Duff Goldman, her fellow judge, with whom she has collaborated on other projects. Most impressively, Kardea’s welcoming demeanor greatly resonated with the contestants.
Kardea’s interactions with the children demonstrated her ability to connect without condescension. Her support of contestant Micah, who shared his experiences with her, exemplified this. It was heartwarming to witness her ability to foster a safe space for the young talent (as highlighted in the above clip on Food Network’s Instagram).
One particularly touching moment came when Kardea comforted contestant Carly after a mishap with her pie crust. Kardea offered helpful advice, coupled with a hug that helped Carly regain her composure and finish her task successfully.
Moreover, when contestant Elvie experienced distress upon her elimination, Kardea stepped out from her judging position to offer support, asking if she could give her a hug. It is evident that Kardea has embraced the role of emotional support that Valerie once provided, which is vital during the competitive and stressful challenges the children face. Her presence feels like the right match for the show alongside Duff.
Why Kardea Brown Deserves Your Support
Kardea’s Qualifications as Host and Judge
While I hold great admiration for Valerie and recognize her contributions as a former judge, I encourage everyone to give Kardea an opportunity, which I am glad I did. Kardea is a skilled chef and is notably recognized for her show Delicious Miss Brown. Her first cookbook, The Way Home, was published in October 2022, and she has extensive judging experience on shows like Spring Baking Championship and Holiday Wars.
This impressive background makes Kardea more than qualified to be a host and judge for Kids Baking Championship. It’s disheartening when fans project their frustration with Food Network onto Kardea, rather than assessing her merits as an individual. Moreover, the situation regarding Valerie’s firing and Kardea’s hiring could include factors that remain undisclosed, such as compensation disparities.
Notably, Valerie has expressed her support for Kardea. During an episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, both women appeared together, and Valerie lauded Kardea, indicating that the championship is now under highly capable hands. Their shared love for the young contestants speaks volumes about their professionalism.
For those who decided against watching Kids Baking Championship season 13 due to Valerie’s departure, I hope you reconsider. Kardea is doing an exceptional job, stepping into a challenging role left by a beloved figure, and has proven to be an admirable leader on the show. It is essential that Kardea receives the support and recognition she truly deserves.
Don’t miss Kids Baking Championship, airing Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on Food Network.
Sources:
Food Network/Instagram,
Food Network/Instagram
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