Talk about a twist in the kitchen! “Top Chef VIP 4” has completely flipped the script. Instead of sending contestants home for good, the show now welcomes them back. It’s a radical change. Valeria Cuevas and Yany Prado were the first to get a second chance. But the biggest buzz, and some serious drama, surrounds Paco Pizaña’s return.
The new format meant several stars, who had already left the show, faced fresh cooking challenges. The judges then decided who would get back into the competition. Besides the chosen few, other familiar faces like Jerry Bazúa, Christopher Velez, Norkys Batista, Nicole Curiel, and Celinee Santos also vied for a spot.
Fans cheered when Yany Prado made her comeback. She hadn’t been eliminated in the usual way. Instead, she left earlier due to a family matter. However, Paco Pizaña’s return has ruffled many feathers. Social media is buzzing with angry comments.
Just recently, on September 11, the Mexican actor and model was eliminated. He told fellow contestant Cristina Porta that it was his time to go. He also clarified to Salvador Zerboni that he left because he wanted to, emphasizing that no one else made that decision for him.
Naturally, the online crowd didn’t hold back. “Predictable and not well received,” one Instagram user quipped. Another internet user declared Paco’s return “a mockery for viewers.” A third person even threatened to stop watching the show. “The contamination is back, I’m saying goodbye,” they wrote. These reactions show how passionate viewers are about who gets to cook on the show.
Pizaña earned his way back by beating the Venezuelan star Norkys Batista in a dish showdown. Norkys struggled quite a bit in the kitchen that night. She even asked Carmen Villalobos for help, but Carmen refused, noting the mess Norkys had made.
The Lineup Shifts Again
Before these comebacks, seven celebrities were still in the running. Now, with the re-entries, the number is back up to ten. Here’s a look at who’s been eliminated, noting those who found their way back:
- Sergio Goyri
- Christopher Vélez
- Karina
- Elvis Crespo (abandoned)
- Sergio Sendel
- Valeria Cuevas (returned)
- Jerry Bazúa
- Hector Sandarti
- Yany Prado (abandoned and returned)
- Norkys Batista
- Nicole Curiel
- Celinee Santos
- Paco Pizaña (returned)
It’s also worth remembering that Argentine singer and influencer Matías Ochoa faced elimination on September 8. But he had a special “advantage” up his sleeve. He used it to overrule the judges’ decision and stay on the program.
The champion of the fourth season won’t just earn bragging rights in the kitchen. They will also take home a grand prize of $200,000.
Yani Prado in ‘Top Chef VIP 4.’ Photo: Courtesy of Telemundo
You can catch “Top Chef VIP 4” Sundays through Fridays. Tune in at 7:00 pm ET / 6:00 pm CT on Telemundo. If you prefer streaming, it’s also available live on Telemundo’s platform and Peacock.