Gordon Ramsay's MasterChef Hits Airwaves this July

We've been hearing about the casting calls for Gordon Ramsay's MasterChef for months now, but today we learn that the show— billed as American Idol for chefs—will be premiering on Fox on July 29. What's more, Gordo's brining some big names along to help with the judging, including Mario Batli partner-in-crime Joe Bastianich and (OMG) Graham Elliot Bowles.

Gordo will host, but it is still unclear as to whether he will be the show's Simon Cowell or Ryan Seacrest, so to speak. It is also unclear at this point how the show will differ much from Hell's Kitchen or Top Chef.

From the official press release:

MASTERCHEF is the new series that takes amateur chefs - many of whom simply cook as a hobby - and attempt to turn one of them into a culinary master. Contestants on MASTERCHEF will be put through the paces with various challenges as they compete head-to-head to create delicious dishes. The series will serve as a unique platform for people from all walks of life who want to follow their dream of working as a professional chef.

The program is based on a British show of the same name which was a big hit in the 90s. An Australian version that premiered a few years ago was also a success, hence the desire to bring it to the states. Ramsay was not involved in either. For those keeping track at home, MasterChef will premiere a few months before the third season of Kitchen Nightmares on Fox, so presumably there will be no Gordo overlap.
·Masterchef Premieres Thursday July 29th on Fox [Futon Critic]
·All Masterchef Coveage on Eater [-EN-]