Wheel of Fortune Contestant’s Win Sparks Controversy
During the February 27 episode of Wheel of Fortune, contestant Sarah LaPilusa walked away with $55,050—but not without sparking a heated debate.
Competing against Jimmy Holgerson and Yolanda Tillet, LaPilusa led with $15,050 before the bonus round, which included a trip to Mexico.
In the final puzzle under the category “People,” she was given this clue:
_ _ S S _ B _ B _ E S
She first guessed “Jazzy babies,” then quickly corrected to the right answer—“Fussy babies”—just
as the clock expired. Host Ryan Seacrest turned to the judges, who ruled her answer was in time, granting her the $40,000 prize.
Fans were split. Some praised her quick thinking:
“Perfect example of talking it out. Amazing!”
Others were skeptical:
“That was after the buzzer. They gave her the win.”
Seacrest didn’t weigh in definitively but called it “incredible” and “so close.”
Whether LaPilusa beat the buzzer remains debated, but the ruling stood. Her win joins a list of
controversial Wheel of Fortune moments that continue to spark passionate discussion among fans.
