BYU NewsNet - BYU Grad Out of 'Food Network Star' Race

After seven weeks of intense competition, BYU graduate Kelsey Nixon got eliminated from Food Network's reality show "The Next Food Network Star."

Nixon's chicken Parmesan wasn't enough to impress the judges on Sunday night's episode.

Nixon, 23, from North Ogden, made it to the final four after preparing a number of dishes, one of which was featured on Red Lobster's menu nationwide.

"I expected to kind of be there on the bottom two," Nixon said during her exit interview on the show.

During the interview, Nixon said she had no experience on a restaurant kitchen, but that the show has helped her develop and realize more of her talents.

"I not only exceeded my expectations," Nixon said, "but I think that I exceeded the expectations of my loved ones."

Nixon was eliminated on a "throw down" match, hosted by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, which took place in Las Vegas.

Sunday night's challenge involved each of the final four contestants cooking his or her signature dish, while at the same time trying to cook an opponent's signature dish.

"I think I'm probably being sent home because I need to polish up my food knowledge," Nixon said. "I need to get a little bit more experience, and I need to be more of an authority on camera."

Though the show was filmed from late January to March, Nixon has been contractually obligated not to disclose any information to anyone regarding her standing on the show.

Daniel Nixon, Kelsey's father, said they haven't heard from her since her elimination Sunday night because she is currently on her honeymoon in Hawaii for 10 days.

He said Kelsey built a good relationship with the network, and she is staying in contact with the people there.

"There is a good chance that we will see her again," Daniel Nixon said, regarding his daughter's future on TV.

Kelsey Nixon said she wanted to win the contest and bring the title home, but she understands why she lost and the necessities of the network.

"I think that this experience has defined my future a bit," she said. "I now know more than ever that I have to be cooking on television as my profession. That will be my profession."

Nixon reached the final four contestants. The prize for the winner is to host his or her own cooking show on the Food Network.