'Top Chef': Melissa says show has helped her father become supportive of her career and queer lifestyle

'Back in Season 12, I was just really trying to prove to my dad cooking is my life,' says Melissa
Melissa King (Getty Images)
Melissa King (Getty Images)

As 'Top Chef' draws to a close, viewers along with chefs have started to get nostalgic about iconic moments from the show. Tonight, the contestants are in Parma, Italy, touring a cheese factory, understanding more about flavors and the art of cheesemaking.  Impressed by the curiosity and willingness to learn more about the ingredient, the hosts gifted a giant wheel of cheese to the chefs, which had to be carried on their shoulders. 

Later, as they sat down for a lovely dinner, each remembered their favorite moments from the show. Melissa King remembered the time they all went glamping but that's not all she's taking from the show. 

The chef shared how her relationship with her father improved since Season 12 ended for her. "Back in Season 12, I was just really trying to prove to my dad cooking is my life," she says in her green-room interview, which is interrupted by an old clip from the previous season where she tells how her father never participated or showed interest in any of her culinary adventures. 

However, all that changed after Season 12 happened. "My relationship with my father blossomed," she said and added that he has been supportive of her career and her queer lifestyle. Melissa concluded that she is more confident ever and is ready for the finale. For viewers, Melissa has been an easy chef to pick as a contender for the winner given her track record of acing almost every challenge thrown at her. Ever since the beginning of the season, she has been a fan favorite and for good reason. She has been consistent with her performance and impressed judges with her creativity. 

Meanwhile, fans are convinced that Melissa is going to be a winner. "I will only accept Melissa as the winner of #TopChef this season," a viewer commented, while another shared: "Melissa theee King! My girl my girl! She’s doing so so good." A viewer shared, "Melissa has been killing it all season (her dishes have twice been labeled as Michelin Star level). She is clearly the front runner and cooks very innovative food — romaine salad aside." 

Catch all the new episodes of 'Top Chef' on Bravo every Thursday.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The new casting update comes as 'Heated Rivalry' Season 2 begins filming in Toronto.
7 hours ago
Flossie’s conversations with Jukebox and Raq set off decisions that reshape Kanan’s life and connect the series to ‘Power: Origins.’
10 hours ago
‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’ episode 3 sees two familiar faces, but their alternate-universe roles lead to a deadly confrontation.
12 hours ago
Apple TV+ will screen 'Widow's Bay' in AMC theaters, and here's why this event makes things historic for the streamer.
12 hours ago
Episode 3 puts Stuart's life at risk as a magical universe brings shocking twists and familiar faces, with a major role for Bert.
14 hours ago
Jake T Austin starred as Max Russo in the original series ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ alongside Selena Gomez and David Henrie
19 hours ago
Luke Mitchell's social media story has seemingly confirmed that fans will see a familiar face return to Season 12
20 hours ago
The release date for ‘Emily in Paris’ Season 6 has not been announced yet but it is expected to premiere sometime in late 2026
22 hours ago
Iain Armitage's Sheldon Cooper’s absence still fits the franchise timeline, but the door remains open for a return when the story calls for it
1 day ago
The legal drama begins with a celebrity divorce before shifting to a defamation case led by three new cast members.
1 day ago