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 / NEWS

'Wheel of Fortune' viewers in disbelief as contestant loses out on $40,000 because of one word

While some felt the puzzle was easy, many agreed that the player's letter picks let her down.
PUBLISHED SEP 9, 2025
Screenshot showing the player, Jade Ball attempting her Bonus Round puzzle (Cover image source: YouTube/Wheel of Fortune)
Screenshot showing the player, Jade Ball attempting her Bonus Round puzzle (Cover image source: YouTube/Wheel of Fortune)

"Wheel of Fortune" fans are often left frustrated when a terrible decision or difficult puzzles cost a player $40,000. One such player was Jade Ball, who comfortably made it past her competition to reach the finale, only to be stumped by the last puzzle of the night by a single word, which was "Whispering." Shocked fans started a debate in the comments on YouTube over her performance, as they discussed whether the puzzle was easy or too tough to solve. 

Screenshot showing the moment of loss (Image source: YouTube/Wheel of Fortune)
Screenshot showing the moment of loss (Image source: YouTube/Wheel of Fortune)

Ball got off to a great start as she solved the first few puzzles to take the early lead. After the initial Toss Up rounds, she racked up $6,150 in cash while her opponents struggled to get off the mark. She kept going in the Mystery Round as she solved the prize puzzle to win a tour of Ireland worth $9,650, according to Andy Nguyen's blog. She then solved a couple of puzzles in the following rounds and emerged as the big winner of the night with a total of $19,350 and her trip. 

Screenshot showing the contestant at the wheel alongside Ryan Seacrest (Image source: YouTube/Wheel of Fortune)
Screenshot showing the contestant at the wheel alongside Ryan Seacrest (Image source: YouTube/Wheel of Fortune)

Advancing to the Bonus Round, she chose the unpopular category, "What Are You Doing?" With the show's host, Ryan Seacrest, at the wheel, she was joined by her husband of 12 years, Pearce, on the stage for support. After picking out her Golden Envelope, Ball was faced with a short one-word puzzle on the board. With the show's standard letters, "R, S, T, L, N, E," on the board, she chose, "C, H, M, and O," as her additional letters. However, her letter picks got her just one more clue on the board as the puzzle read, "_ H _ S _ E R _ N _."

Screenshot showing the Bonus Round puzzle (Image source: YouTube/Wheel of Fortune)
Screenshot showing the Bonus Round puzzle (Image source: YouTube/Wheel of Fortune)

As Seacrest started the ten-second timer, it was clear that Ball was at a loss for words. However, she didn't give up, as she made guesses including "FISHING, PHASHERING, and CHASHERING." "Would have helped to have the W there," the host said as the time ran out. After co-host Vanna White revealed the correct answer, Seacrest added to the heartbreak by revealing that Ball had lost out on taking home an additional $40,000.

While the player and the host felt there weren't enough clues on the board, not everyone agreed. "She failed an easy puzzle, but oh well, it’s probably just pressure," wrote @endlessproductions69 in the comments. "Are you serious?!" exclaimed another fan, @freshprince374.  

Screenshot of a comment talking about the puzzle (Image source: YouTube/@richardhernandez4490)
Screenshot of a comment talking about the puzzle (Image source: YouTube/@richardhernandez4490)

On the other hand, some people agreed that the puzzle wasn't easy after all. "I see why she couldn’t get it; she needed more letters," suggested @zaidarodriguez8455. "That 'H' was a helpful letter for me and did figure out the puzzle with Whispering, now the 'H' was the right letter to pick, but if Jade had chosen a "P" as well, then, she would've got it," explained @jacobwilson6192

More on Market Realist:

'Wheel of Fortune' viewers frustrated as the same puzzle costs big money to two contestants

'Wheel of Fortune' contestant starts shaking after solving tricky bonus puzzle to win $40,000

'Wheel of Fortune' fans sympathize with player who lost $40,000 over terrible choice of letters

RELATED TOPICS WHEEL OF FORTUNE
MORE ON MARKET REALIST
The player, Gary got too excited and almost tore down the prize board off the roof.
5 hours ago
The player, Megan Zandrowicz, walked away with a fantastic $65,000 from the show.
9 hours ago
In the end, the guest regretted using the beautiful Mettlach Cameo Platter for her parties.
12 hours ago
The contestant Mary, won a trip to Vancouver as a perfect birthday present.
2 days ago
The player was in for another heartbreak after she failed to solve the puzzle.
2 days ago
The player, Elisa Butcher's risky dice roll stunned everyone as she won a brand new Volkswagen car.
2 days ago
The star of Boyz II Men got sentimental after looking at the item from their first album cover.
3 days ago
It wasn't an ordinary ring but the 2004 Patriots Super Bowl Ring, which Harrison refused to let go.
4 days ago
Harvey was in disbelief after he misheard what Ming-Na Wen's teammate said.
4 days ago
Harvey could feel the pain as he collected the answers from the contestants.
4 days ago
The owner of Harry Karstens' First Ascent Denali Ice Axe was shocked to learn how valuable it was.
5 days ago
As model Rachel Reynolds slammed on the brakes, fellow presenter Alexis Gaube nearly fell over.
5 days ago
Harvey couldn't believe his eyes when an answer did not show up on the board.
6 days ago
The winner, Trish yelled "This cannot be happening!" as she sat in her new car.
6 days ago
Harvey was shocked to see some of the answers show up on the board.
6 days ago
The seemingly tough puzzle cost contestant, Kelly Amodio a brand new Mini Cooper.
6 days ago
The contestant, Jodi Hope took home $75,000, using her puzzle solving skills.
6 days ago
The guest had to promise on camera to share the profits with her friend who gifted the item.
7 days ago
Harvey just couldn't seem to understand what Giuliana Rancic's mother was saying.
7 days ago