Guy Fieri on Minute to Win It: "I Live Some High Highs and Some Low Lows — And I Wouldn't Trade It for Anything"

Food Network superstar and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives host Guy Fieri returned as host of NBC's Minute to Win It for three special holiday-themed episodes (December 7, 14, and 21) featuring a $3 million grand prize and audience giveaways. Premier Guide Miami sat down to find out what that means — and what comes next.

Food Network superstar Guy Fieri returned as host of NBC's Minute to Win It for three special holiday-themed episodes airing Tuesday, December 7, 14, and 21 (8-9 p.m. ET), featuring a $3 million grand prize and huge audience giveaways. In each one-hour episode, competitors face 10 challenges using everyday household items, each with a one-minute time limit. The show also held open casting calls in New York and Miami on December 11.

On the origin of his signature hair: "Ten years ago I was with the girl that cuts my hair, Kristina. She said, 'You got to lose this haircut. You got this hot, slicked back spiky mullet.' I said, 'Fine. Do whatever you want.' She comes from underneath this beehive and I thought it was shampoo. I'm like, 'Are you going to wash this out?' And she goes, 'No, that's your hair color.' It was such a unique situation. When I went to Food Network for the next shot, it was the color of choice that quarter or month. And it just kind of stuck."

On what he loves most about the show: "I love the question because as a person, I'm very about family, very about my friends, very about helping people. And that's the biggest charge that I get from this. It gets to help people. Everyday people. You don't have to be a road scholar. You don't have to be a world-class athlete. Just an everyday person who likes challenge, likes game. And to give everyday people a shot at what I like to call ridiculous amounts of money and to be the dude that does that — it's like being in the line at the mini mart when somebody buys a lottery ticket and wins a million bucks and you're standing there with them."

On the emotional toll of eliminations: "I live some high highs and some low lows. I've been on the floor with them when they're going after big money and they lose it and there's tears and heartbreak and disappointment and loss and you've got to be the shoulder to cry on. I tell all the contestants before they ever come on the show: 'Walk away from here with whatever money, but make sure you walk away with an experience and a good memory.' I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's a wonderful experience."

On returning to the South Beach Wine and Food Festival: "Will I be in SOBE for the food fest? Will the waves be crashing on the beach? Of course I will. If you haven't been to the food and wine fest, go check it out. It's one of the greatest culinary experiences you'll find. A really good time down there."

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