Sydney, Australia – November 10, 2025
In a nail-biting conclusion to My Kitchen Rules 2025‘s second semifinal, South Australian friends Maria & Bailey clinched a hard-fought victory over Queensland besties Lol & Lil, earning their ticket to Sunday’s grand final.
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The episode, which aired on Channel 7 tonight, delivered high-stakes drama both in the kitchen and beyond, leaving fans divided and social media ablaze.
The head-to-head cook-off at Kitchen HQ saw the two teams battle it out with three-course menus, judged by their fellow challengers—including already-qualified NSW dads Justin & Will—and a panel of experts.
With the pressure cranked up to 11, both duos drew on their regional roots for inspiration: Lol & Lil channeling hearty Queensland flavors with vibrant, tropical twists, while Maria & Bailey infused their dishes with bold Mediterranean flair.
A Menu of Highs and Heartbreaks
Lol & Lil kicked off with an entrée of grilled prawns with mango salsa and coconut foam, aiming for a fresh, beachside vibe.
Judges praised the “explosive” flavors but docked points for uneven seasoning and a slightly overcooked protein. Their main—a slow-cooked beef cheek with native bush spices and roasted root vegetables—showed technical promise but faltered on plating, described by one challenger as “rustic to a fault.”
Maria & Bailey countered with a punchy entrée of charred octopus tentacles with harissa yogurt and pickled fennel, earning raves for its “Mediterranean soul” and precise execution. Their star turn, a lamb shoulder tagine with preserved lemon and couscous, sealed the deal, with host Manu Feildel calling it “a masterclass in comfort with edge.”
Dessert for both teams—a deconstructed pavlova for the Queenslanders and a baklava-inspired mille-feuille for the South Aussies—tipped the scales, but Maria & Bailey’s innovative textures proved the edge.
Final scores: Maria & Bailey tallied 84 out of 100, edging out Lol & Lil’s 81 in what host Pete Evans dubbed “the closest semifinal call we’ve ever seen.”
Drama Boils Over: Accusations and Fan Fury
The real heat, however, simmered off the stove. Tensions erupted when Maria & Bailey labeled Lol & Lil’s table talk as “disrespectful” after the Queenslanders critiqued their earlier rounds. “We’ve been strategic, sure, but this feels personal,” Maria vented post-cook. Lol fired back in a confessional: “We’ve called it like we see it—all season. Hypocrisy much?”
Social media exploded in real-time, with #MKR trending nationwide. Fans rallied behind Lol & Lil, accusing Maria & Bailey of “game-playing” through lowball scores on rivals earlier in the series. “Rooting for the underdogs just to watch the salt flow,” tweeted one viewer, while others decried the “toxic vibes” and threatened to boycott the finale. Defenders of the victors hailed their “underdog grit,” pointing to consistent high scores as proof of skill over scheming.
Road to the Grand Final
Maria & Bailey now join Justin & Will in the ultimate showdown, where the winning duo will claim the $100,000 prize and bragging rights as Australia’s top home cooks. “We’re not here to make friends—we’re here to win,” Bailey declared, eyes gleaming with determination. Justin & Will, the season’s quiet achievers, promised a “dad-style feast” to counter the controversy.
For Lol & Lil, the heartbreak was palpable. “We poured our hearts into this,” Lil said, hugging her partner amid tears. “But what a ride—Queensland proud forever.”
Tune in Sunday at 7:30pm on Channel 7 or stream on 7plus for the grand final fireworks. Will the strategic South Aussies prevail, or will the steady NSW dads dethrone them? One thing’s certain: MKR 2025 has cooked up a finale no one will forget.
Grok News Desk covers entertainment and lifestyle with a side of spice. Follow for more MKR updates.
