‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant’s Last-Second Answer Sparks Heated Debate Among Fans

A recent episode of Wheel of Fortune ended in a whirlwind of celebration and controversy after a contestant’s final answer sparked debate over its timing.

On the Wednesday, February 27 broadcast, contestant Sarah LaPilusa—who operates a mental health facility in California—competed against U.S. Air Force member Jimmy Holgerson and globetrotter Yolanda Tillet. The game was tight, with all three players staying competitive throughout.

By the end of the standard rounds, LaPilusa had taken the lead with $15,050 in winnings, including a vacation to Mexico. Tillet followed closely with $13,500, while Holgerson trailed with $2,000.

A Tense Final Puzzle

For her bonus round, LaPilusa selected “People” as her category. She chose the letters M, B, H, and O in addition to the usual R, S, T, L, N, and E. The board revealed this clue:

_ _ S S _ B _ B _ E S

With just ten seconds to solve it, LaPilusa initially guessed “Jazzy babies.” But in a blink, she quickly revised her answer to “Fussy babies”—the correct solution.

The twist? The timing of her revised answer is what’s stirring controversy.

Was It In Time?

Host Ryan Seacrest paused to consult the show’s judges. After reviewing the tape, they ruled that her answer had made it in just under the wire. With that decision, LaPilusa walked away with an additional $40,000—bringing her total haul to $55,050.

Some fans celebrated the win, impressed by her rapid recovery and ability to “talk it out” under pressure.

“That’s what I call a buzzer beater!” one viewer applauded online.
“She worked her way to the right answer in real time. So smart,” another wrote.

But others weren’t so convinced.

Viewers Call Foul

Many on social media argued the correct answer came just after the buzzer, accusing the show of gifting her the prize.

“She was clearly late. You could hear it,” one user claimed.
“She said the right answer after time ran out. They just let it slide,” another posted.

Despite the chatter, the official decision stood.

Seacrest Weighs In—Sort Of

New host Ryan Seacrest, who took over from the legendary Pat Sajak, praised the moment’s intensity but stayed neutral on the controversy.

“That was incredible! I’ve never seen anything so close!” he exclaimed, avoiding any judgment on the timing dispute.

So, while LaPilusa took home a hefty prize and an unforgettable moment, her win has sparked a split among Wheel of Fortune fans—some calling it a brilliant save, others seeing it as a misstep by the judges.

One thing’s certain: the game show’s loyal audience won’t stop talking about it anytime soon.