‘MasterChef: Generations’ winner Michael Leonard: ‘It’s like I’m living this alternate reality’ [WATCH]
The winner of “MasterChef: Generations” was crowned on Wednesday night, when judges Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez and Joe Bastianich named 27-year-old millennial Michael Leonard the 14th champion of the franchise. The Myrtle Beach, South Carolina native defeated Kamay Lafalaise and Becca Gibb to win the $250,000 grand prize, a new Viking kitchen and MasterChef trophy. Watch our exclusive video interview above.
“It’s surreal. It’s something that I’ve always dreamed of,” Michael told Gold Derby senior editor Denton Davidson. “I guess it’s something that you feel like you can do, but when it happens, it’s like a dream come true. It’s like I’m living this alternate reality, but it’s insane.”
More from GoldDerby
In the Season 14 finale, the finalists had to create a three-course meal that highlighted their generational backgrounds and culinary skill sets. Michael took several risks throughout each course, impressing the judges with his ambition and technical flare. He shares, “When it comes to the final menu, it was more of a concept before it was an actual dish. Having the concept in the background, which was basically taking you on a journey through my life, from growing up in New Jersey to where I am now, made the dish — the story itself. Conceptually, that’s how I came about it.”
SEE ‘MasterChef’ winners list: All seasons
Throughout the finale, Michael drew inspiration from his mother, who passed away from cancer last year before he got to the “MasterChef” kitchen. “She always believed in me more than anybody else,” he shares. “It forced me to believe in myself during this and do the best that I possibly could. The last show we watched together was ‘MasterChef,’ and she used to always say, ‘You could be on this. You could win this.’ Now actually being on this and then winning it is surreal.”
Michael owns an irrigation business in Myrtle Beach, but hopes he can transition his passion for cooking into a full-time career. He explains, “I’m just going to keep going with this momentum and see where I can take it. I’m living a dream and I’m not gonna stop here. I’m just going to keep going and see where it all takes me. I’ve always wanted a restaurant, but it’s definitely gonna be something I do further down the line. I always said I wanted to gain more experience, travel and taste different cuisines before I open up a restaurant. For right now, I definitely want to create content on social media and also, private catering events would be so much fun to do.”
The champ also reveals which challenges were the most difficult this season, which contestant he formed the closest bond with and what it was like to have Gordon, Aarón and Joe critique his food.
“MasterChef” is now casting for talented culinary duos from all types of backgrounds and with a range of cooking styles. If you and your duo think you have what it takes to become the next MasterChefs, visit www.masterchefcasting.com for eligibility rules and other terms and conditions. Must be 18 years old or older as of October 11, 2024.
Best of GoldDerby
Sign up for Gold Derby's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.