A recent episode of Wheel of Fortune ignited a heated discussion among fans following a contestant’s buzzer-beating answer in the final round, leaving viewers divided over the legitimacy of her win.
A Tight Race to the Finish
On the episode that aired Wednesday, February 27, contestants Sarah LaPilusa, Air Force member Jimmy Holgerson, and avid traveler Yolanda Tillet competed in a closely contested game. LaPilusa, who operates a mental health clinic in California, led with $15,050, including a trip to Mexico. Tillet trailed with $13,500, and Holgerson had $2,000. LaPilusa’s lead secured her spot in the bonus round, setting the stage for the ensuing controversy.
The Controversial Bonus Round
Choosing the category “People,” LaPilusa selected the letters M, B, H, and O, supplementing the standard R, S, T, L, N, and E. The puzzle displayed: _ _ S S _ B _ B _ E S. With the clock ticking, LaPilusa first guessed “Jazzy babies,” which was incorrect. She quickly followed with “Fussy babies” just as time expired. The timing of her correct response immediately sparked debate among viewers regarding its validity.
Judges’ Decision and Fan Reactions
Host Ryan Seacrest, who recently succeeded Pat Sajak, deferred to the judges for an official ruling. After careful review, they concluded that LaPilusa’s answer was within the allotted time, awarding her a $40,000 bonus and bringing her total winnings to $55,050. The studio audience erupted in applause as LaPilusa celebrated her victory.
Many fans lauded her quick thinking and composure under pressure. On social media platforms like YouTube, viewers praised her ability to “talk it out,” leading to her last-second success. One commenter noted, “That’s what I call a buzzer beater! Great job, Sarah!” Another added, “PERFECT example of ‘talking it out.’ She said ‘jazzy babies,’ which led her to ‘fussy babies’ just in time. AMAZINGLY well done.”
Criticism and Ongoing Debate
Conversely, a significant number of viewers contended that LaPilusa’s answer came after the buzzer, deeming the win undeserved. Critics on social media were quick to express their disapproval, with one person stating, “That was 100% after the buzzer. It was so obvious.” Another echoed, “She was too late. They gave her that win.” This controversy has fueled an ongoing debate among Wheel of Fortune fans about the fairness and accuracy of the timing in such high-stakes moments.
Host’s Neutral Stance
Ryan Seacrest acknowledged the tension but refrained from commenting on the judges’ decision. “That was incredible! I’ve never seen anything so close!” he remarked as the audience continued to applaud. His neutrality left viewers to form their own opinions on the legitimacy of the ruling.
Conclusion
Despite the controversy, the judges’ decision stood, and Sarah LaPilusa walked away with $55,050, including the $40,000 bonus. Whether her answer was timely or slightly delayed remains a point of contention. Nonetheless, her victory has become one of the most talked-about moments of the season, sparking discussions about fairness, timing, and the immense pressure contestants face during critical final moments. Regardless of individual opinions, the episode undeniably added excitement to the long-running game show.
