'MasterChef' kicks-off new season on Lifestyle Network

THE kitchen will heat up again as culinary skills and talents will be tested in the third season of "MasterChef".

More than 30,000 hopefuls from all walks of life auditioned to make their way in one of the famous kitchens around the world and be mentored by award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay, restaurateur Joe Bastianich and acclaimed chef Graham Elliot.

From thousands who tried their luck in the initial stage of the competition, the best and brightest amateur cooks have been flown to Los Angeles, California where they will begin their journey to become the next "MasterChef."

This third US season will introduce 23 individuals representing 23 different states, coming from various locations and occupations.

A stock broker, professional opera singer, emergency physician, food photographer and plastic surgeon are among the few to be selected for the show, as well as the first ever blind cook to partake in the competition.

Each aspirant will battle fiercely to turn their dreams into reality and take home $250,000 and an experience of a lifetime.

"MasterChef" became popular since it's reintroduction in the United Kingdom in 2005.

It was syndicated in different countries which spurned multiple international formats in Australia, Finland, Germany, South Africa, and Vietnam.

In the Philippines, "Junior MasterChef," the spinoff of the "MasterChef" cooking show, was hosted by Judy Ann Santos.

"MasterChef Season 3" premieres this Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. and two new back-to-back episodes every week on the Lifestyle Network. (Glaiza Jarloc/Sunnex)