‘MasterChef’ exclusive: Alejandro Toro on elimination, team challenges, current projects

This past episode of “MasterChef” was a sad one if you were an Alejandro Toro fan. The voice-over artist, despite having some success earlier in the competition, was eliminated after his cake-related Pressure Test went array. We’d say that it was the most surprising elimination of the season so far, at least in terms of losing someone who had come across as a potential favorite just a couple of episodes earlier.

In our email exit interview with Alejandro below, we spoke with him about making it as far as he did, some of his highs and lows, and what he’s been up to since the show.

CarterMatt – How does it feel to withstand so much and make it to the top 12?

Alejandro Toro – It feels amazing! Now that I’ve had the opportunity of watching my experience from a 3rd-person perspective, I can truly grasp the reach of my participation. This has been a blessing not only for me but for all of the people that feel identified with my trajectory.

You’ve definitely had some high points this season, so were you feeling confident going into the sweet 16th party?

I really have! And I did, when we lost I was confused, I actually suggested the results sounded ‘sketchy’ at the moment but I understand things don’t always go my way. I quickly got over that and moved on. I had a feeling after I worded my discomfort that my time was coming. Nevertheless it was great to finally work with Tanorria, Eric and Terry who I never had the chance to work with as a team before, a great bonding moment that will last a very long time. I enjoyed every single day of this adventure.

Why didn’t the Red Team get the same love from the teenagers as the Blue Team?

I never felt less love towards either team from the teens, we weren’t able to see the voting process, [but] they seemed very happy with both teams when we were with them. I was shocked to learn the results. Nevertheless I’m very happy to have been a part of such an important day for them, I know how one experience can change your life!

Did you get a sense that there was as much tension and chaos on the Blue Team during the challenge as we saw on TV?

Absolutely, working with Nathan was hard enough, Katie is a sweetheart and she needed to be firm and the other teammates weren’t exactly the submissive type so I knew it was going to be hard, but they proved us wrong and pulled a win! I love to see people succeed so I was happy they got it together and had the opportunity of shining! This experience is a learning process and that we did!

So where did things go wrong with the cake? Is there anything you wish you would have done differently?

I can’t regret anything I did because I know I did all I could with the knowledge I had available at the moment. I think my two biggest problems were not knowing how to make the frosting and not cooling my cakes soon enough. I was improvising and taking risks because I didn’t know exactly what to do and I failed. It was a fair battle and my dish was the least favorite even for myself. I wasn’t sore about it though. I understood this was my time to move on to my next project! I can’t say enough how thankful I am for this opportunity.

What are you up to now? Are you still doing voice-over work, and finding some cool ways to utilize your passion for food?

I still do voice over work consistently, it’s a beautiful career that has been amazing to me! Luckily, this gives be a lot of free time to explore my other passions so I have been spending a lot of time in the kitchen too. I’ve actually always been into content producing and lately I’ve been producing content including food. I have new responsibilities now though. My country [in Venezuela] sees me as an example of perseverance, a leader. I must share the struggles of my country and share my culture with the world, it’s my responsibility now.

Overall, what’s the reaction been like for you being on the show from your friends and family, and also people online?

It has been incredibly positive! I’ve gained thousands of followers, I get hundreds of messages daily and the reach has been all positive! I couldn’t bee happier with the experience I had and how it was portrayed. I will be eternally grateful with this opportunity and everyone involved in it!