Rachael Ray was back in the spotlight after facing scrutiny about her ‘unrecognizable’ appearance. The Food Network icon, 58, was in great spirits as she returned to host the 18th annual Blue Moon Burger Bash in New York City on Thursday. While hosting the star-studded event, Ray sent her love to the crowd and urged them to vote for their favorite burger. ‘A huge crowd here! My love to everyone within the sound of our voices!’ Ray said.’It’s a big, big deal. It’s a big deal to these people and they busted their asses all day, so please do take the time to vote,’ she later said. Rachael was co-hosting the event with comedian Bert Kreischer, 53, who called it an ‘honor’ to do his cooking show Something’s Burning alongside her. Rachael Ray was back in the spotlight hosting the Blue Moon Burger Bash with comedian Bert Kreischer in New York City on Thursday ‘Yesterday I did my cooking show, Something’s Burning, with Rachael Ray. It is an honor,’ he said.’I didn’t burn anything and neither did he! He made amazing tortellini,’ Ray said.’Tortellini carbonara. Handmade tortellini!’ he gushed.This year’s winners were decided by celebrity judges Cedric the Entertainer, Sophie Flay, Andrew Rea, Jet Tila, Anna Navarro, and Anthony Anderson. Three different eateries were crowned winners. Nowon won the Blue Moon People’s Choice Award, Gotham Burger Social Club was winner of the Pat LaFrieda Judges’ Choice Award, and RW Prime received Mike’s Amazing Special Opportunity award.A longtime host of the food spectacle, Ray couldn’t have looked any happier as she took to the stage.Her familiar smile on her face and upbeat voice, Ray looked in her element as she presided over another fun-filled event. It comes several months after Ray sparked fan concern over her appearance again. While hosting the star-studded event, Ray sent her love to the audience and urged them to vote for their favorite dish Ray is a long-time host of the beloved food festival Rachael was co-hosting the event with comedian Bert Kreischer, who called it an ‘honor’ to do his cooking show Something’s Burning alongside her The star-studded event included a panel of celebrity judges lending their culinary expertise to the eventIn July, the celebrity chef shared a video offering seasoning tips – yet fans were distracted by her appearance, with several pointing out that she looked noticeably different. ‘I didn’t even recognize her,’ one wrote, while someone else asked, ‘Did something happen to her?’ Ray also sparked concern last year with her ‘slurring’ speech. In an Instagram video she shared on Mother’s Day, her words sounded garbled as she leaned heavily on the stove in front of her.In October 2024, the TV personality shared that she had suffered ‘a couple of bad falls’ while carrying wood for a fire. But that, it seemed, was only part of the story.As an insider exclusively told the Daily Mail last year, Ray’s family have been left worried for her wellbeing.’Those close to Rachael are so concerned,’ the insider said. ‘She has shut people out and lives a very secluded life. Ray’s appearance in July left fans concerned; Source: Rachael Ray/Instagram The celebrity chef rose to fame on the Food Network before landing her own long-running cooking show; pictured 2010 As an insider previously told the Daily Mail that Ray ‘has not had the easiest time’ since The Rachael Ray Show ended’She seems lost and when anyone reaches out to her she doesn’t respond,’ they added. ‘Rachael was always so meticulous about her appearance, and it is very telling and concerning that she now just doesn’t care. It is indicative of a bigger issue.’It has not helped that she has suffered a string of career setbacks.Ray rose to fame hosting on the Food Network from 2001.Her hit eponymous syndicated cooking show – The Rachael Ray Show – which premiered in 2006 and ran unhindered for 17 seasons, concluded in 2023. She subsequently launched a new program, Meals in Minutes, in April 2024.However, the cancellation of the show that made her name no doubt came as a blow.As an insider previously told the Daily Mail, Ray ‘has not had the easiest time’ since the show ended. It was her ‘pride and joy, and it was her life for so many years.’