Additional Coverage:
- ‘Wheel of Fortune’ contestant follows Ryan Seacrest’s advice — but still loses $40,000 in bonus round (marketrealist.com)
‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant Drives Fans to Distraction After Missing Out on $40,000
In a recent episode of “Wheel of Fortune,” contestant Carrie Trujillo came agonizingly close to winning a $40,000 bonus prize, but ultimately drove away empty-handed. Trujillo, who had her sights set on taking her grandson to Disneyland, put in a strong performance throughout the game, racking up $22,050 in cash winnings. She even bested fellow contestants Matt Komma and Phil McManus to make it to the coveted Bonus Round.
With her son, Carlos, and husband, Tony, cheering her on, Trujillo selected the “What are you doing?” category.
Joined by host Ryan Seacrest, she also mentioned her grandson, Roman, adding to the heartwarming family affair. After choosing her letters, the puzzle board revealed “_ R _ _ _ N _ _ N T _ E _ _ _ _ _ _.”
Following Seacrest’s encouragement to “talk it out,” Trujillo began guessing. “Driving in the…” she started, followed by a series of increasingly specific attempts: “Driving in the road,” “Driving on the railroad,” and “Driving on the express drive.” Despite her efforts, time ran out before she could land on the correct answer.
“You were right there!” Seacrest exclaimed, revealing the solution: “Driving on the Highway.” The audience, along with Trujillo and her family, groaned as Seacrest announced the missed $40,000 prize.
Trujillo’s valiant attempt sparked a flurry of comments online. Many fans sympathized with her, praising her for following Seacrest’s advice and “talking it out.”
One viewer commented, “Nobody can say she didn’t try.” Others offered strategic post-mortems, analyzing her letter choices and suggesting alternative approaches.
Trujillo’s near-miss serves as a reminder of the high-stakes drama and unpredictable nature of the Bonus Round. It also highlights the ongoing debate about the best strategy – to talk it out or go with your gut. One thing is certain: the “Wheel of Fortune” continues to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.