: A fan favorite who placed 8th and later returned for Season 12: Back to Win .
: Each judge had only eight aprons to hand out.
Watch the intense moment contestants fight for their spot in the MasterChef kitchen: MasterChef Season 9 - Episode 1
Controversial MasterChef Finale: Did Favoritism Crown Courtney? Reality TV Rescues YouTube• Dec 29, 2025
: Impressed with his culinary skill and eventually opened Bowen Bistro in 2019. : A fan favorite who placed 8th and
Several chefs who debuted in this episode went on to have significant careers:
: If multiple judges wanted a contestant, the home cook had to choose their mentor. while Alecia went to Team Aarón.
: Alecia, Darrick, and Tye had to cook a variation of a Ramsay classic. Darrick secured Gordon’s apron, while Alecia went to Team Aarón.