“Can't believe it won” Rock the Block fans react to Victoria and Boyd winning the first challenge

HGTV's renovation competition Rock the Block kicked off its sixth season with a bang as veteran competitor Alison Victoria scored her third consecutive kitchen challenge victory, this time alongside partner Michel Smith Boyd.

The season premiere, set in Utah, introduced viewers to this season's "veterans versus rookies" format with four teams competing to add the most value to identical properties.

While Victoria has solidified her reputation as the "kitchen queen," her latest win has sparked heated debate among viewers. Social media platforms erupted with divisive reactions to the bold jade green kitchen that caught guest judge Bobby Berk's eye but left many Rock the Block fans bewildered.

The striking color choice marked a significant departure from the neutral palettes chosen by competing teams, creating an immediate visual divide that mirrors the split in audience opinion. As Victoria seeks her first overall competition win in her third appearance on the show, the controversy surrounding her initial victory suggests this season may be her most challenging yet, despite starting with another kitchen triumph.

---

Fans react to Rock the Block’s Alison Victoria and Michel Smith Boyd’s green kitchen

The fan reaction to Victoria and Boyd's win has created two distinct camps in the Rock the Block viewership. One group appreciates the bold design choices, celebrating the team's willingness to take risks with their jade green concept amid a sea of neutral competitors. These supporters value the uniqueness and high-end feel of the space.

The opposing – and seemingly larger – contingent expresses dismay over the victory, questioning both the practicality and marketability of such a distinctive kitchen.

“What did you all think of the green kitchen on #RockTheBlock ? I can't believe it won the challenge, it was soooo taste specific. That range hood was outlandish.” one fan posted to X.

“I personally loved the green kitchen. I do agree the sink should have been copper tho.” a fan commented.

“This premiere was kinda boring and stale. It was so obvious that the “kitchen queen” was gonna win the kitchen for the third time since they talked about it constantly.” another fan declared.

“Would not buy a house with all that green!!! It would cost a fortune to change it. The greens also clashed horribly. Was my least fav of all four.” a fan commented.

“Cheering for both rookies!! I think one of them should’ve won or Jonathan knight and his brother. I’m sorry but Alison and Michel’s green kitchen was not it. The whole time I’m watching I’m saying they better not win it’s terrible! The green on green is too much!” another fan commented.

“Was a lousy judge picking that hideous green kitchen as the best one. #fail” a fan said.

Many viewers cite concerns about the design's limited appeal to potential buyers, the overwhelming use of a single color, and what they perceive as impractical design elements.

“Watching #ROCKTHEBLOCK and I full on disagree with who won that Kitchen challenge.. Too much green.. Not going to appeal to like 95% of buyers.. I love light colors but omg Chelsea and Cole's desing should've won, 2nd for me was Jordan & Jon and the Kalamas 3rd..” another fan said.

“Alison and Michel's kitchen area was the ugliest and had the worst storage and yet still won?” a fan posted.

“No idea why she is the “kitchen queen”. That kitchen was hideous.” a fan commented.

“They chose far and away the ugliest kitchen.” another fan said.

“I like green but not that much green. Gosh the hood vent is obnoxious. A lot of people would not want that kitchen.” another fan posted.

“Hated that green kitchen. Esp the way that green slab just ended around the hood vent. No clue why they won. It was godawful.” a fan said.

While judges often reward creative vision and standout designs, viewers frequently evaluate spaces through the lens of personal preference and practical concerns. The controversy has injected early drama into this Rock the Block season, with some fans suggesting Victoria's reputation influenced the outcome despite this season's blind judging format.

---

What happened in the season premiere of Rock the Block?

The season opener wasted no time establishing high stakes. Host Ty Pennington welcomed contestants to Utah's stunning landscape, announcing that this season would feature "bigger houses, bigger lots" and exciting new challenges. The veteran teams – Alison Victoria with Michel Smith Boyd and brothers Jonathan and Jordan Knight – faced off against rookies Cole and Chelsea DeBoer and Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama.

The Rock the Block premiere challenge combined kitchen and dining room renovations with an additional twist – teams also needed to complete their living rooms. This triple-space challenge immediately tested competitors' budget management and design vision.

While most Rock the Block teams opted for neutral color schemes that complemented Utah's natural surroundings, Victoria and Boyd chose a dramatically different direction. Their kitchen featured bold jade green cabinetry, bronze accents, and a statement range hood that immediately distinguished their space from competitors.

Victoria's third kitchen victory confirms her expertise in this particular space. As she noted during her first appearance on the show:

"I've designed over 140 kitchens, so if I don't know what I'm doing here, then I don't deserve to win. I know what's going to up the value of any property — the kitchen being the most important."

Her background as the star of DIY's "Kitchen Crashers" provided Victoria with specialized experience that continues to serve her well in Rock the Block competitions. Throughout nine seasons of that show, she transformed countless ordinary kitchens into showstoppers – an experience that clearly influences her competition strategy.

The blind judging twist added a new dimension to this season of Rock the Block's competition. Guest judge Bobby Berk evaluated each space without knowing which team created it, theoretically leveling the playing field. However, his design aesthetic aligned perfectly with Victoria and Boyd's bold choices, leading to their victory.

While Victoria has dominated kitchen challenges across three seasons, converting these early victories into overall wins has proven elusive. This pattern raises questions about whether she and Boyd can maintain momentum throughout the competition or if their distinctive style might prove too polarizing in other spaces.

For Rock the Block fans, the premiere sets up compelling storylines to follow. Will Victoria finally claim the overall victory that has eluded her? Can the rookie teams overcome their first defeat to challenge the veterans? How will teams adapt their strategies, knowing that bold design choices might resonate with judges despite potential market concerns?

---

You can catch Rock the Block Season 6 every Monday at 9 p.m. ET on HGTV, with episodes available to stream the next day on Max and Discovery+.