List of Top Chef contestants
Top Chef is an American reality competition television series. The contestants, sometimes referred to as "cheftestants",[1][2] compete against each other in episodic challenges to become the next "Top Chef" and win a cash prize. The show has aired 21 seasons since its premiere in March 2006 and featured over 300 unique competitors. Some return to compete in future seasons, such as with the two all-star editions, and are also often asked to reappear as guest judges on the show.
The contestants are selected through an audition process.[3] Although the series began with people with vastly differing amounts of cooking experience, such as a sommelier, nutritionist, and culinary school student in the first season, later seasons would limit casting to professional chefs and restaurateurs.[4] For a typical season, casting producers will perform a nationwide search, researching the latest recipients of culinary accolades, like the James Beard Foundation Awards and Michelin stars; reviewing recommendations from past competitors; and scouting social media and various cities across the United States for potential applicants.[5]
Several Top Chef alumni have gone on to make regular appearances as hosts, judges, and contestants on other television shows, such as Chopped, Guy's Grocery Games, Bobby's Triple Threat, and Tournament of Champions on the Food Network, as well as Hell's Kitchen and Next Level Chef on Fox.[6][7]
Contestants
[edit]- The contestant competed on a previous season.
References
[edit]- Notes
- ^ The contestants' city, state, or country of residence during time of filming.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad The contestant was eliminated in a double elimination.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s The contestant was eliminated during the qualifying rounds of the competition.
- ^ a b c d e The contestant started in the Last Chance Kitchen but did not earn a spot in the main competition.
- Footnotes
- ^ "Top Chef's Season 20 Heads to London with an Interesting Twist". Bravo. August 1, 2022. Archived from the original on August 1, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
- ^ Raphael, Shannon (February 7, 2024). "Meet the Cheftestants Competing on Top Chef Season 21". The Daily Dish. Archived from the original on February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
- ^ Kennedy, Naomi (May 18, 2021). "Here's How To Get Cast On Top Chef". Mashed. Archived from the original on June 22, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
- ^ Chilton, Charlotte (September 23, 2021). "All The Rules You Probably Didn't Know 'Top Chef' Contestants Have To Follow". Delish. Archived from the original on September 23, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
- ^ Lambe, Stacy (August 16, 2023). "Talent Is Key, but 'Top Chef' Has Added a Secret Ingredient to Its Casting". IndieWire. Archived from the original on August 16, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
- ^ Hogan, Kate (March 9, 2023). "Top Chef Winners: Where Are They Now?". People. Archived from the original on March 9, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
- ^ Chilton, Charlotte (May 13, 2020). "Your Favorite 'Top Chef' Contestants, Then and Now". Delish. Archived from the original on August 16, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2025.