Thirty-six of America's finest home cooks enter the MasterChef kitchen in hopes of making it into the Top 20. After a few surprise visitors greet the eager contestants and the cooks learn they will participate in audition rounds, undergoing evaluation from the judges. Only the best of the best will earn an apron and move forward in the competition. A special twist called the "Judges' Pass" will prove to be extremely valuable to one lucky individual. Find out who makes it to the next round.

With only eight aprons remaining in the audition rounds, the search for the next MasterChef continues. The pressure is on as the home cooks rush to create their signature dish for the judges in just under 45 minutes. A select few will have to concoct a dish so impressive that it wins over all three judges. See who takes the final aprons, marking their spot in the Top 20.

The competition kicks off for The Top 20 with a culinary boot camp to weed out the cooks from the chefs. For a chance at immunity, the chef-testants' skills are put to the test in a quick-fire evaluation of their culinary expertise. Then, the home cooks face their first mystery box challenge of the season, in which they will make a dish inspired by Chef Gordon Ramsay or be at risk of elimination. Two people will be sent home.

In two teams of nine cooks, the Top 18 prepare for a 10th anniversary-themed pool party by preparing food for 100 important guests that include former "MasterChef" winners and contestants, but only one team can earn immunity.

The top 18 battle it out for immunity in an epic team challenge. With only 45 minutes on the clock, the losing team has to break down a chicken to make a delectable dish in a crucial elimination challenge. Watch as the top 18 cook for their lives and discover which contestant has to hand over their apron.

Model Alessandra Ambrosio offers input for the Top 17's next mystery box challenge, which includes an additional twist that throws some cooks off balance, but only 15 home cooks can be chosen to continue on to the next round.

The contestants compete in another elimination challenge, in which they must replicate the dish du jour in just 60 minutes or risk being sent packing. Gordon's demonstration is for tarte tartin - a perfect French dessert accompanied with a silky Crème Anglaise sauce. One contestant's journey comes to an end.

The Top 16 home cooks fight for immunity in an epic team challenge. Split into two teams, the corresponding captains are immersed in Italian cuisine, as they head to Joe Bastianich's Los Angeles restaurant, Osteria Mozza, to learn how to make a gourmet, authentic three-course Italian meal. The team captains then make their way back to the MasterChef kitchen to teach their respective teams how to execute the same meal for the judges. Only one team will be safe.

With two eliminations on the line, the pressure is on for the losing team in one of the series' most daunting challenges: the tag-team challenge. The home cooks' taste buds go on an extraordinary world tour as they are tasked with creating dishes inspired by the MasterChef shows aired around the world. In just 75 minutes, the home cooks will go around the world, creating a platter featuring meals from the Philippine Islands, India, Italy, Mexico, Morocco and China. See whose MasterChef dreams go up in flames.

The Top 14 home cooks fight for immunity in another team challenge. Split into two teams, the captains scramble to lead their respective teams to success by preparing 45 meals in only 90 minutes for a very special event: a wedding to be held in the MasterChef kitchen. Even more daunting, the wedding's groom is MasterChef season nine champion, Gerron Hurt. See which team will wow the bride, groom and guests with their creations and which team will face elimination.

The losing team from the previous MasterChef episode, "Gerron's Wedding", must now face its dreaded elimination challenge. The home cooks have 60 minutes to present their best beef dish to the judges, in order to stay alive in the competition and for the chance for their dish to be published on the "Beef, It's What's for Dinner" website. But, halfway through the battle, the judges spring yet another challenge on the contestants. See which chefs can handle the challenge and which chef's journey will be cut short.

The Top 13 endure an immunity challenge fit for a king when they are tasked with breaking down Alaskan king crabs. Special guest Chef Masaharu Morimoto enters the MasterChef kitchen, where the contestants will have to craft something magical for him in under 60 minutes. Halfway to the finale, the judges expect nothing but legendary meals from the home cooks. Who will survive the challenge and receive a special surprise?.

In another mystery box challenge, the home cooks will be forced to rise to the occasion. The contestants are surprised with a secret ingredient that they must re-invent in two unique dishes: one dish will be savory and the other sweet. With elimination on the line, one home cook will be sliced out of the competition.

In under 75 minutes, the contestants must replicate a cake for the judges.

Special guest judge Candace Nelson gives the home cooks 75 minutes to create one dozen macarons.

The Top 10 contestants test their speed in a special team challenge, taking place in one of the most surprising locations of the season: Irwindale Speedway. The judges come racing to the home cooks in speedy race cars before introducing NASCAR driver Bobby Labonte. Told to break into two teams, the contestants are given 75 minutes to cook for 101 race car crew members. One team will woo the judges and secure safety for the week, the other team will face elimination.

The chef-testants return to the MasterChef kitchen to face yet another Mystery Box Challenge. After Gordon gives a master demonstration, the cooks on the chopping block will have to concoct their own delectable dish using all 3 of the mystery, high-end ingredients.

The Top 9 enter the kitchen, surprised to see laser lights and smoke machines. The judges introduce chef Grant Achatz, and he and Gordon show the contestants the art of unconventional plating. The home cooks must use their newfound skills to cook and plate a dish of their choice using an array of props found in the pantry. One will win immunity and a special prize, while the others will face elimination.

The judges introduce special guest Marley the Pig. Judge Aaron then gives a demonstration on how to make his family recipe for chorizo sausage. The cooks must produce a dish with their own version of homemade sausage in just under 60 minutes.

Daphne Oz is tasked with revealing the contents of this week's Mystery Box challenge to the Top 8. The contestants then have 60 minutes to create an elevated one-pan-wonder dish using a staple kitchen tool: the cast iron pan.

The Top 7 take on another immunity challenge when family members and loved ones make a surprise visit. Three of the chefs will secure their spots in the Top 6, while the remaining chefs must replicate one of Gordon's Michelin Star-winning dishes.

For the first time in MasterChef history, the Top Six chef-testants travel across the pond to London for a culinary experience they will never forget. Once there, the remaining six chefs face the ultimate challenge of feeding 36 diners, including the judges and Gordon's family, at his flagship restaurant, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. After they are split into two teams, the chefs have 45 minutes to cook and serve their appetizers and another 45 minutes to cook and serve their entrees to their hungry guests. Watch the pressure in the kitchen intensify as two of the Top Six chefs face elimination.

The top four chefs travel to the historic Hatfield House, where they must cook a venison dish.

Returning from their home towns after a whirlwind trip across the pond, the Top Three home cooks are ready to tackle their final dishes in hopes of crossing the finish line and coming out on top!.

The finalists must execute a superior three-course meal for the judges. Only one will win the title of MasterChef, an opportunity to learn hands-on in each of the judges' restaurants and the 0,000 grand prize.