The eleventh edition of MasterChef kicked off with a bang, delivering one of the most watched moments on television as Monday night drew in viewers from coast to coast. TVE introduced the culinary talents to their families during a lengthy gala, unveiling 23 fresh contestants who would vie for the top apron. Among the notable newcomers is Luca DaziA, a well-known TikTok creator boasting a reach of over 600,000 followers who captured attention even before stepping into the kitchen studio.
The 18-year-old rose to fame through videos featuring emotional exchanges of extravagant gifts with relatives, with one clip highlighting an interaction described as a display of affection among Spain’s wealthiest cousins. This backstory helped fans form opinions before any plate touched the judging table, laying the groundwork for a social media storm around his first appearance on the show.
From the outset, Luca found himself at the center of online chatter, quickly becoming a social media hero for a moment in the judging room that led to a white coat and an immediate pass into the competition. The moment signaled to viewers that the season would blend online influence with kitchen credibility, and that the judges were prepared to recognize talent beyond traditional resumes.
As the production screen rolled, some applicants faced a harsher arc. MasterChef 11 prepared a final test for candidates whose applications were not outright rejected. Chef Pepe Rodríguez explained that some dishes left judges unsatisfied, not due to lack of effort but because they felt these plates fell short in flavor, authenticity, or aesthetics—three vital elements that tastefully define a winning dish. Those who fell short would still be given another chance to prove themselves.
In the following rounds, many viewers assumed that only those who had received a rejection from at least one judge would be brought back for reexamination. It surprised audiences to see Luca, who had previously faced a yes from some judges but a no from Jordi Cruz, avoid the same rigorous recheck. Yet the final test proceeded with all the drama and anticipation that fans expect from the show.
Social networks buzzed with debate as fans accused the program of nepotism and questioned whether Luca’s youth and social media presence unfairly influenced the process. In the end, Roberto faced a setback and did not advance, a turn of events that fed ongoing online conversations about fairness and merit on the show. [Source: YOTELE]
However, Luca was not the only contestant who received a no from the jury and still moved forward. As explained to YOTELE by the show’s producers, certain candidates who the judges deemed otherwise capable were allowed to continue. The production team described a system where those considered to be missing something on the plate could receive a symbolic black armband, signaling a need for improvement regardless of the final verdict on any single dish. This approach underscored the show’s emphasis on growth and consistency over a single moment of failure. [Source: Shine Iberia]
For example, Luca faced negative votes from specific judges, while receiving positive feedback from others, much like some fellow contestants who did not receive the black armband because their plates were considered complete in flavor, authenticity, and aesthetic balance. The process highlighted how the judging panel weighs multiple perspectives and how the final decision can hinge on a composite view rather than a binary yes or no.
Beyond the quiet tension in the studio, the dynamics among the contestants and the decision-makers reveal a careful calibration of talent, potential, and showmanship. Luca, like the others, was measured against a standard that values story, technique, and presentation in equal measure. The Thursday episodes and leadership choices within the program structure influence who gets a gate pass and who remains in the testing pits, reflecting a broader strategy to balance skill with narrative appeal across the season.