“Wheel of Fortune Fans Shocked as Flight Attendant Misses $63,000 on Simple Puzzle”
Fans of Wheel of Fortune were left in disbelief when a contestant, Chad Cabanilla, failed to solve a Bonus Round puzzle that could have earned him $63,000. The incident occurred during the Spring Forward champions tournament on April 16, where Cabanilla competed against Terry Smith and Payton Perry-Radcliffe.
Contestants and Their Performance
Terry Smith hails from Harleysville, Pennsylvania, and entered the game with a total of $12,200. He is a local baker who showcased impressive skills by solving the first toss-up puzzle. His final total after two nights of competition reached $17,050.
Payton Perry-Radcliffe, a contestant from La Salle, Michigan, also performed well, solving the second toss-up puzzle and finishing with $5,050. The third contestant, Chad Cabanilla, originates from Nicollet, Minnesota, and while he led the game early on with a prize puzzle and a trip to Amsterdam, his performance in the Bonus Round left viewers shocked.
Key Moments in the Game
- Terry Smith: Solved “Peanut Butter and Jelly” for $4,850.
- Payton Perry-Radcliffe: Solved “Second-String Quartet” for $3,050.
- Chad Cabanilla: Solved the “Prize Puzzle” – “The Window Seat” – and led with $9,193.
Bonus Round Puzzle Controversy
During the Bonus Round, Cabanilla selected the category “Phrase” and received the clue that he saw as “_’M _ _ _TE _RO_D OF _O_.” Despite having the letters “R, S, T, L, N, and E” populated, he guessed “I’m White Proud Of…” instead of the correct phrase, “I’m Quite Proud of You.” This misstep cost him a chance at the additional $45,000.
As Cabanilla struggled with the letters, viewers expressed their disbelief on social media. Many viewers felt the puzzle was straightforward and had anticipated that he would solve it. One fan humorously remarked that they predicted he would mistakenly say “I’m white proud,” which he did.
Final Standings and Prizes
| Contestant | Total Winnings |
|---|---|
| Chad Cabanilla | $18,293 |
| Terry Smith | $17,050 |
| Payton Perry-Radcliffe | $5,050 |
This episode of Wheel of Fortune highlighted the unpredictable nature of the game. Cabanilla’s close call in the Bonus Round serves as a reminder of the pressure contestants face while trying to secure substantial winnings. Viewers continue to discuss and decode puzzles, showcasing their love for this iconic game show.
For more exciting moments from Wheel of Fortune, tune in weekdays, check local listings, and stream episodes the next day on Hulu and Peacock.
