The live challenge had two rules - the first being that the cakes had to be at least three feet high, and the second being that there were no rules. The teams were led by celebrity decorators Bob Brougham, Ruth Rickey, Brian Stevens and Debbie Goard. The cakes were judged on their interpretation of the theme, which was Kansas City; what entertains the most; and sportsmanship. It was important to Elder that the audience saw that, depsite the drama that comes off on TV challenges, these decorators truly love what they do and have fun doing it.
Debbie Goard, leader of "Team Wicked," won the $1,000 prize for her winning cake that had a barbecue and blues theme and topped off with the shuttlecock that is an icon in the front lawn of Kansas City's Nelson-Atkins museum. The shuttlecock sculpture was designed by Goard's favorite artist, Claes Oldenberg.
The challenge also featured a People's Choice award, that was judged by cash votes from the audience. Goard proved to be a double-threat, taking the judges prize and the People's Choice. The win was a huge personal victory for Goard, who couldn't help but get emotional.
In addition to the challenge, the audience also participated in a live auction, where an apron autographed by celebrity decorators from around the country went for $260 in a heated bidding war.
