[s12e1] Back To Win: Audition Battles 〈500+ Premium〉

: Gordon emphasized that the contestants were now returning as professionals , not just home cooks, and the judging would be more rigorous accordingly.

wowed the judges with a "rockin'" bourbon-glazed salmon. [S12E1] Back to Win: Audition Battles

impressed with a perfectly executed seared venison loin. Both earned their way back into the kitchen. : Gordon emphasized that the contestants were now

: This round saw Amanda Saab (S6), Christian Green (S5), Lexy (S11), and Wuta (S10) compete. not just home cooks

The episode featured three intense four-way battles, grouping contestants by their past performance or season history:

: The season notably included former MasterChef Junior contestants now competing as adults, such as Dara Yu , who ultimately went on to win the season .