Tyler Florence and Valerie Bertinelli host "Food Network Star: Comeback Kitchen"

Who says that life doesn't give second chances? As any home cook or professional chef knows: if at first you don't succeed, try, try again! Did your soufflé fall flat? You'll have better luck next time! What do you do if your hollandaise sauce won't stop separating? Grab the whisk and give it another shot!

So what happens to former contestants in "Food Network Star," the culinary network's competition that searches for a potential TV host with the perfect mix of on-air personality and culinary know-how? Until now, they went back to their culinary careers, perhaps with a bit of fame from their brief time on TV.

But, for seven previous contestants who didn't quite make it all the way on their respective "Food Network Star" seasons, the answer is to do what cooks everywhere do when they stumble in the kitchen: they're picking themselves up and trying again in "Food Network Star: Comeback Kitchen," premiering Sunday, May 8.

The next season of "Food Network Star" gets underway Sunday, May 22, but before that competition can get started, this group of Food Network almost-stars is getting a chance at redemption. "Comeback Kitchen" is bringing back seven fan-favorite contestants to compete against each other, with the ultimate winner earning a spot in the new "Food Network Star" season.

So who's coming back? Chris Kyler (season 10), Brianna Jenkins (season 6), Dominick Tesoriero (season 11), Martita Jara (season 8), Michele Ragussis (season 8), Matthew Grunwald (season 11) and Penny Davidi (season 7) are all ready to throw down on camera to earn a second shot at their own Food Network show.

Hosted by Tyler Florence ("The Great Food Truck Race") and Valerie Bertinelli ("Hot in Cleveland"), "Comeback Kitchen's" first challenge will be giving the hopefuls a sinking sense of deja vu. Their task: to recreate, revitalize and rehabilitate the dish that sent them packing during their first "Food Network Star" experience.

The stakes are high. The winner of "Food Network Star" gets their own Food Network show, so getting a second chance to compete is a big deal for any chef with dreams of stardom. 

"Food Network Star: Comeback Kitchen," a chance at redemption for seven Food Network near-stars, premieres Sunday, May 8.