In a critical episode of Hell’s Kitchen Season 24, the three remaining chefs faced an emotional day of surprises and a demanding final tasting challenge. The January 15, 2026 episode, titled “Hell of a Showdown,” saw chefs Cydni Stickney, Ellie Parker, and Jada Vidal reunited with their families before cooking for a panel of celebrity judges. This high-pressure test determined which two chefs would move on to the grand finale for a chance at the $250,000 prize and a head chef position.
The Final Three Chefs Receive a Day of Pampering and Emotional Family Surprises
Before the final challenge, Chef Gordon Ramsay gave the finalists a day focused on family and preparation. The chefs were treated to professional hair, makeup, and styling sessions. The emotional core of the day came when Ramsay surprised each chef with video messages from their loved ones, which turned into an in-person reunion as their families walked into the kitchen.
Ellie, who had missed her father’s wedding to compete, was especially moved. Her father later surprised her again by flying in to join the event in person. The chefs and their families enjoyed a special brunch at the Red 36 restaurant, where they shared personal moments with Ramsay. Cydni described her journey as a “year’s worth of learning,” while Jada called meeting Ramsay one of the best moments of her life. This emotional boost set the stage for the intense competition to follow.
The High-Stakes Five-Course Tasting Challenge
The path to the finale was decided by a single challenge: each chef had to prepare and present an original five-course tasting menu. The menu required a cold appetizer, a hot appetizer, and three entrees featuring chicken, fish, and beef. Each finalist was assisted by one of Ramsay’s sous chefs: Jada worked with James Avery, Ellie with Kesha Tatro, and Cydni with Michelle Tribble.
The cooking hour was filled with tension. Jada faced significant difficulties with her Parisian gnocchi for the hot appetizer, struggling as the warm dough fell apart in the water. She attempted to cool the dough and reshape it multiple times, considering a last-minute switch to risotto. Cydni also had trouble, facing issues with poaching an egg for one of her dishes. The contestants plated their dishes for a dining room full of guests, including their families and previously eliminated competitors, adding to the pressure.
Celebrity Judges Score Each Decisive Course
The chefs’ fates were placed in the hands of a renowned panel of guest judges, who scored each dish out of ten points.
- Cold Appetizer (Judged by Susan Feniger): Jada’s hiramasa crudo with charred oranges received top marks. Ellie’s filet tartare was praised, though the judge wanted more horseradish, and Cydni’s grilled peach burrata salad was also well-received. Scores: Jada 10, Ellie 9, Cydni 8.
- Hot Appetizer (Judged by Nina Compton): Ellie’s seafood dish was called a “great start.” Cydni’s crab cake earned compliments for its building spice. Despite her earlier struggles, Jada’s gnocchi was called “like a pillow” by the notoriously picky judge. Scores: Jada 9, Ellie 8, Cydni 8.
- Fish Course (Judged by Ming Tsai): Jada’s Chilean sea bass was cooked well but the plate was deemed crowded. Ellie’s salmon had great texture but needed more acid. Cydni’s fish stew with a poached egg was noted as delicious. Scores: Ellie 9, Cydni 9, Jada 8.
- Chicken Entree (Judged by David Standridge): Cydni’s chicken and dumplings were praised for presentation and sear. Jada’s chicken dish was called incredible, though the onions were criticized. Ellie’s chicken breast was described as bold and good. Scores: Ellie 9, Jada 8, Cydni 8.
- Beef Entree (Judged by Stephanie Izard): All three beef dishes were commended. Cydni’s pan-seared filet was cooked beautifully. Jada’s New York strip was perfectly seasoned but rich. Ellie’s ribeye had perfect harmony on the plate. Each chef scored 9 points in this final round.
Cydni Eliminated as Jada and Ellie Advance to the Finale
After the final scores were tallied, the results were incredibly close. Jada and Ellie finished tied with 44 points each. Cydni was eliminated after finishing in third place with a total of 42 points. In a confessional, Cydni expressed happiness for her competitors but also deep sadness at falling just short of the finale.
Because Jada earned the only perfect score of 10 from the judges, she won a tiebreaker. This gave her the first choice when selecting her brigade of returning chefs for the final dinner service.
“In the end, Cydni finished with only 42 points, and she has been eliminated from the competition.”
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Teams Are Drafted for the Final Dinner Service
With the finale set, Jada and Ellie had to draft their teams from the pool of eliminated chefs. Using her first-pick advantage, Jada selected Anaiya, Anthony, Henry, and Chris. Ellie then chose Cydni, Lisa, Jayden, and Alexandra for her team. These brigades will assist them in the last dinner service of the season, where one will be crowned the winner of Hell’s Kitchen Season 24.
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