‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant Fails to Win $56,000 After Ryan Seacrest ‘Mistake’
Wheel of Fortune fans blasted the game show after a contestant missed out on a $56,000 win on a tough puzzle, in which many said “No one says that.” This came after they blamed host Ryan Seacrest for a contestant’s loss on the Crossword Puzzle.
Sheree Corder, from Tampa, Florida, played against Todd Meyer, from Las Vegas, Nevada, and Latricia Randolph, from Franklin, Tennessee, on Monday, March 31. Wheel of Fortune is currently airing summer reruns and replayed this episode on Monday, June 16. Season 43 will air new episodes this September.
Corder, who loves traveling and adventure, solved the first tossup — “Expect the Unexpected” — and the second — “Model Airplane Kit” — adding $3,000 to her bank in the beginning. She also went on to solve the next puzzle, gaining a Wild Card, and earning a total of $6,600.
The next puzzle was only the first one of the night that ruffled fans’ feathers. It was a rare crossword, where all of the words in the puzzle related to the category were crossed over with one letter like a crossword would. The category was “Party.” The contestants had to guess four words in the puzzle. Randolph, a Golden Girls fanatic, started off the puzzle by guessing numerous letters until “G” wasn’t in the puzzle. The turn then moved to Meyer, an amateur competitive eating champion. He guessed all of the letters and even solved the puzzle, saying “Party Time,” “Party Animal,” “Party Decorations,” and “Party Bus.” Seacrest told him that it was incorrect.
Meyer put his head down and rested his arms on his podiums, looking disappointed. Corder then solved “Time, Animal, Decorations, and Bus,” and won the round. Seacrest explained after the fact that for the crossword, the contestants need to say exactly what is on the board. “It’s a shame she stole it from you,” Ryan Seacrest told Meyer.
Reddit users were angry that the host made a “mistake” by not explaining the rules beforehand because it cost Meyer the game. “Ryan not reminding the contestants about crossword solves. Makes me mad every time! Sometimes, he reminds contestants how to solve these puzzles properly, and sometimes, he doesn’t. Doesn’t seem fair. Oh, and this contestant today looked PISSED!” the original poster said.
Meyer shook it off and went on to solve most of the next puzzle. However, he called an “I,” which wasn’t in the puzzle. Randolph solved the puzzle — “A Tremendous Escape” — and won a trip to Ireland. She took the lead with $12,190.
Meyer redeemed himself in the end when he won $10,000 by solving all three Triple Toss-Ups. However, Corder solved the final puzzle — “Dancing in the Dark” earning her a spot in the Bonus Round, giving her a total of $16,600. Randolph went home $12,190. Meyer was in last place with $10,000.
With the Wild Card in hand, Corder made it to the Bonus Round. After picking “Phrase,” Wheel of Fortune gave her “R, S, T, L, N, and E.” Corder chose “C, D, M, I, and P,” to round out her puzzle.
Her puzzle then looked like, “_ _ _ _ P IT _P.” The contestant guessed many words for the first one, knowing the last two were “(blank) it up.” The puzzle was “Whoop It Up.” She lost out on an additional $40,000.
When the puzzle was posted to YouTube, fans commented on how tough it was. “I’ve never heard of this phrase before, let alone hear it being used in conversation,” a fan said.
“What kind of a bonus round puzzle was that?! Does anyone actually use that nowadays?” asked another.
“That was a tough one,” added a third.
“What the heck is Whoop It Up?” asked a YouTube user.
“That bonus puzzle doesn’t make sense, Whoop it up is really not a phrase at all,” said one Wheel watcher.
“That was a horrible phrase. Who says that,” wondered one last fan.
Wheel of Fortune, Season 43, Fall 2025, check local listings
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P
The man should know o ly to say the words in the crossword. It's a given. As far as the final puzzle whoop it up is a phrase. The problem with society today everyone wants to be a winner and that don't always happen. The society has taught the younger generation you participate so you get a trophy, not. You win the final game then you get the trophy.
You bring a contestant on wheel of fortune you should know the rules, if not then you shouldn't be a contestant.
Quit passing the buck, or have you heard that phrase?
52 2
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O
For sure as it has always been the rule. I could not believe he did that!! I hope Ryan doesn't get bothered with all the negativity.
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C
I completely agree, and they're already generous in that everyone leaves with something; there are no losers.
Also, what are all of the comments with people not knowing "whoop it up"?! I'm 44, so maybe youngsters haven't heard it? But then, are youngsters really the ones sitting around watching Wheel of Fortune and commenting on it? Lol, maybe!
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R
I wasn't watching at the moment, but whoop it up is to go out and have a good time. I don't know about anywhere else, but I have lived in W Va, Fl and Alabama and have heard the term in all three states.
28 3
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B
Well I currently live in Florida and have NEVER heard that
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P
I've heard it before, but not that way. I grew up with it meaning "fix it, get it, quick!" Like Supper.
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G
It's a thing in Canada too,, maybe an older thing... but a thing
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O
Yes it is used here in Canada
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G
I think they should stop adding the trip amount to the totals. The other day, one contestant gets like 4 clues and 3 tossups correct, but the other wins a trip that was 15k (strangely, all other trips are usually around 10k or less) and she won, despite only winning 2 tossups and 1 clue. He deserved to go to the final puzzle round.
26 2
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C
That is the stupidest logic, ever.
1 1
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C
Panic's comment is very logical. "Wheel" is not purely a game of chance. Chance is certainly a factor in the game, but ultimately, one must be able to solve a puzzle in order to win. Therefore, the main objective of the game (puzzle solving) should be the main factor in determining the win, and adding the vacation total gives more weight to chance which is an insult to the merit of the one who solved more puzzles.
Very simple.
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G
Ryan is the best host replacement for this show. Pat, who was great for years, was getting tired and admitted it. I understand the contestants are informed and coached how the puzzles work and how to play the game before it's taped...as in, say only what's on the board don't add anything you don't see. There are local or regional phrases more popular in one area if the country than others. That's the fun of the show. The puzzle creators offer a variety of puzzlesolves. There are so many food and drinks solves I have never heard of especially if the shows theme is NE US. Living in Midwest, we have not heard of their food combinations. I remember when many people became upset with jogging was the solve for fun and games. It is fun for many and views as a hobby. Personally I find it work!
23 1
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G
I solved the bonus before any additional letters were added, Said it immediately; I thought it was very easy.
22 4
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O
If a constant plays Wheel of Fortune, they should not need to be reminded to say only the phrases when answering. It’s the rules, so follow the rules!
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E
Right? It's not The Price Is Right where there are a ton of games and some of them are rarely played. The rules of Wheel are simple and straightforward. They shouldn't need reminders.
17 2
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P
I guess there are no OG Orange County Housewives fans on here. Whoop it Up is a classic phrase
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G
Only for that ass hat, vicky.
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G
Guess y'all haven't been down Broadway in Nashville on a Friday or Saturday night when some girls Bachelorette's party bus comes by "Whooping it up"
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O
I’m 77 and only heard “Whoop it up” on Housewives of OC. That phrase is from the the 1930s or something!
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O
Get over it it is a phrase! I have heard it a million times !Get over your sour grapes! I she won!
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B
Oh the drama.. 😄
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B
Whoop it up? What is this,the real housewives of the OC?🤣
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B
I think all of the people whining about the crossword puzzle should realize all contestants are told what the rules are before the show even starts. Not to mention, ANYONE who has ever watched this show would know that you ONLY say the exact words in the crossword puzzle.
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G
No one says whoop it up. She should be invited back to play again
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O
This is a thing? People at home (my 75 year old mom included) knew the answer! She was more my age and yes, its a phrase. We can't blame other people for everything in our life, she made out great, TBH. and anyone on that show was close to winning
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C
How are going to say that was Seacrest doing? Rule are rules, and common sense is common sense...
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G
These people are presumably fans of the show... the show, that has been on for decades. You have to know some rules by now. Crossword is always just what you see
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R
I think all of the rules are explained before the show starts. It's not Seacrest's fault.
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P
It’s a Southern slang thang! 🙂
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G
It is a term that was used in the 1800s
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M
Its a southern phrase, not unheard of. It's commonly said by cowboys at rodeos.
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O
I think everyone should stop blaming whoever for their mistakes.
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G
I saw the screen shot, realized the S and C had been called (so not SCOOP IT UP), and the next thing I thought was WHOOP IT UP. Dunno what to say.
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G
I think that the entire show is Bullshit ave they use any excuse in the book to disqualify whoever they can. Every single show finds a new way to screw someone over. I mean really what use is it anymore
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P
I haven't watched the show since he took it over. Go away.
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B
Why? Is it because he has all the charisma of a dirty dish sponge?😄
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C
Unless they RESTORE that poor man who lost on the party time puzzle, I will personally boycot and NEVER watch this unfair show again
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