ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / ECONOMY & WORK

'Wheel of Fortune' contestant jinxed by Ryan Seacrest loses $40,000 after he predicted big win

Fans once again called out the puzzle, which, according to them, was too tough.
PUBLISHED OCT 26, 2025
The player with Seacrest after failing to solve the puzzle (Cover image source: YouTube | Wheel of Fortune)
The player with Seacrest after failing to solve the puzzle (Cover image source: YouTube | Wheel of Fortune)

"Wheel of Fortune" host Ryan Seacrest is one of the most supportive and entertaining game show hosts on American television. But sometimes he faces flak for interrupting contestants while solving puzzles, and even depriving someone of a prize due to mispronunciation. Recently, the host may have jinxed a contestant, who lost out in the bonus round despite doing well in the earlier stages. In the end, the player suffered a heartbreaking $40,000 loss.

Screenshot showing Ryan Seacrest and the contestant with the million-dollar wedge. (Image credit: YouTube | Wheel of Fortune)
Screenshot showing Ryan Seacrest and the contestant. (Image source: YouTube | Wheel of Fortune)

According to a TV Insider report, Kellee had won $21,300 on her way to the Bonus Round. Williams had been married for 28 years and had three children. None of the kids could make it to the show, but her husband was there with her for support. Host Ryan Seacrest asked him to "stick with her" as she was going to win big in a few seconds. But this prediction by Seacrest didn't bring any luck to Williams.

After all the formalities, the contestant spun the wheel, and it landed on an I. She had chosen the ‘Phrase’ category and, as per the rules of the show, was given the letters R, S, T, L, N, and E. Williams now had the chance to pick three more consonants and one more vowel. The contestant chose the letters M, Y, D, and O. Unfortunately, these were not the best picks.’

Screenshot showing the contestant's husband. (Image credit: YouTube | Wheel of Fortune)
Screenshot showing the contestant's husband. (Image source: YouTube | Wheel of Fortune)

The puzzle barely even opened up as it now read, “_O_    _ _ _ _LO_S.” Williams had 10 seconds to get it right, but it was quite clear from the start that she wasn’t going to be able to do it. She blurted out “Bob” at one point and, towards the end of her time, said, “Hot holsters.” Of course, that was not the correct answer, and everyone on stage knew that.

The correct answer was then revealed to be ‘How Fabulous,’ much to the contestant’s disappointment. Seacrest was quick to console Williams as he said, “Which you are. Fabulous,” after seeing the correct answer. He then opened up the envelope in his hand to reveal that the contestant could have won an additional $40,000.

Screenshot showing Ryan Seacrest revealing the prize. (Image credit: YouTube | Wheel of Fortune)
Screenshot showing Ryan Seacrest revealing the prize. (Image credit: YouTube | Wheel of Fortune)

Williams was not too disappointed as she was going home with $21,300, which was quite a lot of money. Another unique thing about this episode was that both Seacrest and Vanna White were in their pajamas.

Fans were not too happy about the result and made it clear in YouTube comments. "Impossible to solve with the letters she had. She was a really good player though!" @loveforeignaccents exclaimed. Some even accused the show's producers of trying to save money by deliberately throwing tough puzzles at contestants.

Screenshot showing Ryan Seacrest consoling the contestant. (Image credit: YouTube | Wheel of Fortune)
Screenshot showing Ryan Seacrest consoling the contestant. (Image credit: YouTube | Wheel of Fortune)

Watch the thrilling game and disappointment in the video here.

More on Market Realist:

'Wheel of Fortune' contestant was confident she could win bonus round — it didn't end well

'Wheel of Fortune' player loses car in bonus round — fans say the puzzle was too tough to solve

'Wheel of Fortune' contestant loses out on car — fans claim she was given tough puzzle on purpose

RELATED TOPICS WHEEL OF FORTUNE
MORE ON MARKET REALIST
Fans of the show were happy with the win but not with how the game was played.
24 minutes ago
Customers have been urged to destroy the affected products and ask for a refund.
2 hours ago
Powell claimed that wealthy Americans held most of the high value assets like real estate and stocks
3 hours ago
The company said that affected employees will have 90 days to find a new role internally.
6 hours ago
"We applaud that the federal government is providing innovative solutions for employees and families to plan for their future," BoAf stated.
8 hours ago
"Twanda was caught up in the "Busy Highway" and missed out on the Mustang. She ended up with a disappointing under $15,000 in prize," a fan reacted.
11 hours ago
At that point the "Abbott Elementary" star absolutely had to get the answer right.
23 hours ago
It must have been a hard loss to take as he came mighty close to winning it all.
23 hours ago
The affected products first went on sale in 2019, with some even sold overseas.
1 day ago
The FDA quickly took note of the matter and slapped a Class II warning on the affected products.
1 day ago
This could be good news for many who may be eligible for compensation.
1 day ago
"These actions are designed to reduce complexity, improve flexibility, and build a responsive and efficient operation," Nike stated.
1 day ago
"Amazing that she solved it before the clock even started!" a fan reacted.
1 day ago
She said that she had joined a financial company but chose to be on the set on her first day.
2 days ago
There has yet to be any reported illness from the consumption of the affected products.
2 days ago
The Social Security trust fund is running dry and before long, things may get dire.
2 days ago
The President's policies are not being favorably looked at by millions across the country.
2 days ago
This will be welcome news for millions who have suffered the affordability crisis.
2 days ago
The K-shaped economy is to be blamed for this kind of disparity.
3 days ago
As Congress approaches the funding deadline of January 30 without any positive conclusion, Trump indicated that the inevitable is possible.
3 days ago