I'm not sure the producers of Hell's Kitchen really thought out this season's "American dream" theme.

The American dream is all about getting knocked down and getting back up again. If past seasons of Hell's Kitchen have taught us anything, it's that these chefs will certainly get knocked down during their process of becoming great under Gordon Ramsay's guidance.

[a female guitarist appears to just play the first six notes of "The Star-Spangled Banner"]

"Growing up in Queens, New York, I dreamed of changing the way women were viewed in male-dominated industries. And now, I'm Lobos 1717 CEO Dia Simms, and my American dream came true."

[cheers and applause]

"Dia Simms, the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar company, walks out. It's unreal to know that I am in the presence of true greatness."

—

"Winning Hell's Kitchen IS the American dream."

—

"In this special season, Chef Ramsay will inspire them in ways he has never done before, as he uses uniquely American themes, American success stories, to test them and push them to their limits."

"And while at times, it will be a celebration of the USA, it is also the fiercest, most intense competition ever."

After meeting some inspirational American icons including boxer Oscar De La Hoya and country music superstar Martina McBride, the winning team will be rewarded with a private dinner party.

[a black choir sings "America the Beautiful"]

The contestants serve an All-American brunch to new American citizens.

"In this morning's American dream speed brunch challenge…"

—

"And just like cheerleading is very American, you're gonna be cooking inspired, elevated takes on American comfort foods."

The evening's dinner service is attended by actor Dolph Lundgren.

The Chefs go head-to-head in a soccer-themed cuisine fusion challenge with legend Alexi Lalas.