I was just curious to find out how they choose competitors for the Food Network Challenges? How do they find out about the decorators? I would love to know. Yes, it is my secret dream to be on that show some day...but, alas, my talent is not there yet... But, I have been wondering where the challengers come from. Does anyone know??

I am not sure, but I would sure like to...
That is so my not-so-secret dream. I saw a girl that stood across from me during culinary school on two challenges. I was a little green with envy. She was/is a fantastic artist. She makes some of the best figurines I have ever seen!!!

They know some of the big names who they started with. They will also ask those big names to recommend people that they think have the abilities and drive and know-how to be on the show.

Yep, what Jenn said.. Previous (and currant) cake challengers make recommendations to the producers. They also are on the lookout in cake magazines and local cake shows too... I know a few folks who have been asked/or been on.

They asked me to do it and said that they found me through my website, so they look around online, too.