MasterChef Season 12 / MasterChef: Back to Win aired from the 25th May to present 2022 on the Fox Network and there were 20 contestants.
The prize for the winner of MasterChef 12 was $250,000, the MasterChef trophy and training at restaurants owned by the three judges.
MasterChef US season 12 features MasterChef season 11 judges Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sanchez and Joe Bastianich.
They undertake a number of challenges and dishes to prepare, with those failing to impress being sent home.
This season tested the culinary skills of previous MasterChef/MasterChef Junior contestants competing for a second chance to win.
Alejandro Valdivia competed in MasterChef season 11, where he came in 4th place.
He was eliminated in Masterchef season 12 episode 6 after he tried to serve steaks that had been dropped on the floor.
After MasterChef, Alejandro continues to cook with wild game meat on his socials.
He has done a number of pop up dining events and works as a private chef.
Amanda Saab competed in MasterChef season 6, where she came in 13th place.
She was eliminated in MasterChef season 12 episode 16 after her and Derricks duck dish failed to impress the judges.
After MasterChef, Amanda continues to share food pics on socials, is a food blogger and hosts popup dining events.
She also did a colab with Gabriel.
Bowen Li competed in MasterChef season 9, where he came in 5th place.
He was eliminated in MasterChef season 12 episode 15 after his Seafood Stuffed Pepper failed to impress the judges.
Gordon told him he has a bright, exciting future.
Bowen returned to his restaurant Bowen Bistro but this closed in 2023.
Brandi Mudd competed in MasterChef season 7, where she was the runner up.
She was eliminated in MasterChef season 12 episode 14 after her elevated gas station snack was branded as bizarre.
Brandi returned to her private chef business Southern Flair.
Bri Baker competed in MasterChef season 10, where she came in 8th place.
She was eliminated in MasterChef season 12 episode 11 after her vietnamese Salmon dish failed to impress the judges.
Bri continues to wear her crown as The Plating Queen on her socials, with amazing looking dishes!
She is Social Media and Marketing Manager for Gordon Ramsay Academy
Cate Meade competed in MasterChef season 8, where she came in 4th place.
She was eliminated in MasterChef season 12 episode 5 after her fruit cake failed to impress the judges.
Cate continues to be a Private Chef and attending culinary events.
Christian Greene competed in MasterChef season 5, where he came in 5th place.
He was one of the MasterChef season 12 runner ups.
Christian continues to offer dining experiences and more as a Private Chef.
Dara Yu competed in MasterChef Junior season 1, where she was the runner up.
Dara Yu was the MasterChef Season 12 winner after her short ribs and overall technical ability impressed the judges.
Since MC Junior, Dara has graduated from the Culinary Institute of America with a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts.
She shares recipes and more on her socials and works as a Private Chef.
Derrick Fox competed in MasterChef season 6, where he was the runner up.
He was eliminated in MasterChef season 12 episode 16 after his and Amandas duck dish failed to impress the judges.
Derrick continues to host his A Bunch of Losers podcast and is working as a Private Chef.
Emily Hallock competed in MasterChef season 9, where she came in 10th place.
She was eliminated in MasterChef season 12 episode 18 after her baked alaska dessert melted.
Emily returned to her role in food research and shares recipes on her socials.
She currently works in Consumer Insights.
Fred Chang competed in MasterChef season 10, where he came in 10th place.
He was eliminated in MasterChef season 12 episode 13 after his meatball dish was branded as dry and unseasoned by the judges.
Fred continues to share his dessert recipes on his socials and they look amazing!
He is R&D Pastry Cook and Area Director of Revenue Management
Gabriel Lewis competed in MasterChef season 8, where he came in 7th place.
He was eliminated in MasterChef season 12 episode 12 after him and Emily came in last place and Gordon couldn't see the spark in him.
Gabriel returned to being a Private Chef and appeared in a Ring commercial.
Michael Silverstein competed in MasterChef season 10, where he came in 15th place.
He was one of the MasterChef season 12 runner ups.
Michael continues to work as a Private Chef, specialising in keto food and has published three cookbooks.
Samantha Daily competed in MasterChef season 9, where she came in 4th place.
She was eliminated in MasterChef season 12 episode 7 after her potato cake dish was deemed to be too simple.
Samantha returned to her role as a pastry chef.
Shanika Patterson competed in MasterChef season 9, where she came in 8th place.
She was eliminated in MasterChef season 12 episode 18 after her lobster tortellini dish was served unfinished.
Shanika is due to return to her studies at Culinary Institute of America.
Shayne Wells competed in MasterChef Junior Season 5, where he came in 3rd place.
He was eliminated in MasterChef season 12 episode 8 due to his lack of experience but Gordon tells him that he was born to cook.
Shayne has enrolled at Tarleton State University for Fall 2022.
He will be living and working with fellow MasterChef contestant Mike Newton.
Shelly Flash competed in MasterChef season 6, where she came in 9th place.
She was eliminated in MasterChef season 12 episode 10 due to her lack of a voice and choosing both the wrong dish and team.
Shelly has returned to her business 2Girls Cookshop Jamaican Tacos, where she hosts pop up dining events.
Stephen Lee competed in MasterChef season 6, where he came in 3rd place.
He was eliminated in MasterChef season 12 episode 4 after his Panna Cotta dish failed to set.
Stephen returned to his food truck and role as a Private Chef.
Tommy Walton competed in MasterChef season 6, where he came in 7th place.
He was eliminated in MasterChef season 12 episode 9 as his Lemon Meringue Tart failed to impress the judges as it was raw and runny.
Tommy shares food videos and videos of his travels on his Instagram.
Willie Mike competed in MasterChef season 5, where he came in 7th place.
He was eliminated in MasterChef season 12 episode 17 after he struggled to lead the blue team and failed to hand over responsibility.
Willie returned to his catering company and offers pop up and dining events.
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