The eighth season of the American reality television series Food Network Star premiered Sunday, May 13, 2012 and consisted of 11 episodes. The format for the eighth season changed to three 5-member teams, each coached by a Food Network host — Alton Brown, Bobby Flay, or Giada De Laurentiis. The members of each team were also announced on the Food Network website. Also this season, viewers have the opportunity to follow the show or their favorite team on Twitter.