BBQ Showdown Judges & Host: Meet Melissa Cookston, Kevin Bludso & Michelle Buteau!

Shibakshya Rai

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BBQ Showdown Judges & Host: Meet Melissa Cookston, Kevin Bludso & Michelle Buteau! blurred-reality.com

While Melissa Cookston and Kevin Bludso serve as the judges of BBQ Showdown Season 2, Michelle Buteau is the host of the show. Follow to know more about them.

The BBQ Showdown has finally arrived. Following its initial release on Netflix in 2020, the BBQ competition became a popular culinary series. After three years since the show’s premiere, we’ve finally returned to the pit with a fresh group of pitmaster whizzes competing for the top prize of $50,000 and the title of champion.

The candidates’ culinary knowledge and skills are put to the test over the course of eight episodes with tasks that push them to the limit. This competition isn’t for the faint of heart; among the challenges are cooking with peppers as fiery as the Carolina Reaper and a surf and turf challenge that calls for cooking a meal underground.

Apart from the 8 contestants, the host and judges also make a significant impact on the culinary competition. Of course, many viewers are curious to know about the judges and host of the show. Well, we’ve got you covered.

Previously, we touched on Eduardo GonzalezRasheed Philips, Cindy HayterMichelle Lundstorm, and Logan Sandoval.

Meet the Judges, Melissa Cookston, Kevin Bludso, & Host Michelle Buteau of BBQ Showdown Season 2!

Judges and hosts play a significant role to make a reality show successful. Likewise, the judges and host of BBQ Showdown Season 2 have piqued the interest of many viewers with their wonderful personalities, appearance, and expertise. While Melissa Cookston and Kevin Bludso serve as the judges, Michelle Buteau is the host of the show. Now, let’s learn about them in detail.

Melissa Cookston (@melissa.cookston), who was born and raised in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, has won the title of world barbecue champion an amazing seven times. She is also the owner of the renowned Memphis BBQ Company, which is based in Horn Lake, Mississippi. This restaurant has become a must-visit location for BBQ lovers, drawing tourists from all over the world.

Melissa Cookston from BBQ Showdown has won the World Barbeque title 7 times. blurred-reality.comMelissa Cookston from BBQ Showdown has won the World Barbeque title 7 times.
Image Source: Instagram

The BBQ Showdown judge has also published two best-selling cookbooks, Smokin’ in the Boy’s Room and Smokin’ Hot in the South, in which she imparted her culinary knowledge. She has appeared on countless national news and talk shows, so her renown goes beyond her restaurant and books. The American Barbecue Showdown featured her as a judge during its first season. She was an essential contributor to the success of the show thanks to her sophisticated taste and perceptive criticism. She also contributed her knowledge as a judge for Destination America‘s BBQ Pitmasters‘ fourth season.

Similarly, Kevin Bludso (@kevinbludsobbq) is a chef and television personality who has taken the barbeque market by storm with his flagship restaurant, Bludso’s BBQ. His journey began in 2008 when he opened Bludso’s BBQ in Compton, California. From small beginnings, his business has expanded into a global empire, capturing the attention of barbeque enthusiasts all around the world.

Kevin Bludso from BBQ Showdown is the owner of Bludso's BBQ. blurred-reality.comKevin Bludso from BBQ Showdown is the owner of Bludso’s BBQ. 
Image Source: Instagram

Barbecue lovers have come to adore Bludso’s Bar & Que, the chain’s flagship restaurant, which is located in Hollywood. Bludso has expanded his empire outside of the US by setting up a concession booth at the LAFC soccer stadium. He even has a huge restaurant and bar in Melbourne, Australia, named San Antone by Bludso’s BBQ in the Crown Casino.

In addition to The American Barbecue Showdown, Bludso has also been part of Bong Appétit and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Bludso still has a strong connection to his love of barbecue despite his busy schedule. He frequently travels domestically and abroad, offering his pop-up events to hungry foodies.

On the other hand, host Michelle Buteau (@michellebuteau) has recently become well-known for her brilliant stand-up humor and tremendous talent. He is a multitalented individual who is not only a successful actor, writer, comedian, and TV host but also a mother and wife. She is able to engage viewers with ease thanks to her distinguished personality and sharp humor. Her wit and contagious laughter make everyone fall in love at first sight.

Michelle Buteau is a stand-up comedian. blurred-reality.comMichelle Buteau from BBQ Showdown is a stand-up comedian.
Image Source: Instagram

The BBQ Showdown host initially intended to work in journalism, but she wound up working as a news footage editor behind the scenes. But she wasn’t what fate had in mind for her. She made the decision to explore the unpredictable world of stand-up comedy while navigating her emotions. She had no idea that her choice would bring her to the cheering crowds and flashing lights that awaited her. And the rest in history.