[s12e1] Back - To Win: Audition Battles

Despite their history, both and Shanika delivered standout dishes—Emily with crab tortellini and Shanika with a "curveball" strawberry arancini—to advance together.

: Gordon emphasized that the contestants were now returning as professionals , not just home cooks, and the judging would be more rigorous accordingly. [S12E1] Back to Win: Audition Battles

: This round saw Amanda Saab (S6), Christian Green (S5), Lexy (S11), and Wuta (S10) compete. Despite their history, both and Shanika delivered standout

overcame a mid-cook pasta crisis to secure his spot. Despite their history

successfully redeemed her past baking failure with a stunning Za'atar olive oil cake, securing the final apron of the night. Episode Highlights

: This heavyweight round featured Season 6's Derrick Fox , Season 7's Brandi Mudd , Season 2's Adrien , and Season 4's Natasha .