It finally happened—after nearly three weeks of Bonus Round heartbreaks, Wheel of Fortune fans finally got the win they’d been waiting for. On Friday night’s episode, just ahead of Memorial Day weekend, one contestant did what 19 others couldn’t: solve the Bonus Round puzzle. And she did it with style, charm, and a whole lot of Louisiana flair.
Meet Rachel Granier, an energetic and proud Louisiana native from Lafayette who’s not just a contestant—she’s also a school principal. Known for her love of Cajun food, swimming, and the laid-back music of Jimmy Buffett, Granier was the perfect fit for the show’s tropical-themed “Margaritaville” week. From the moment she walked onstage, viewers could tell she was going to be unforgettable.
“I’m Cajun through and through,” Granier proudly told host Ryan Seacrest during her introduction. She quickly made an impression on Seacrest and co-host Vanna White by dishing out some Southern hospitality—suggesting crawfish for one and shrimp and grits for the other. But it wasn’t just her flavorful recommendations that made her stand out. Granier’s fun-loving spirit truly came alive when she joked, “If there’s water nearby, I’m in it. Ocean, pool, or even the bathtub—I might be a mermaid in disguise.”
While her personality won over the audience, Granier’s gameplay was just as impressive. By the end of the main game, she had banked an impressive $22,200. That alone would’ve been enough to make her night a success—but then came the Bonus Round, the part of the show that had recently become a graveyard for contestant hopes.
The category was “Phrase,” and Granier got the standard starting letters—R, S, T, L, N, and E. That revealed the cryptic puzzle: “_ _ _ R _ _ _ R N E _ _ _ _ _ T S.” She chose C, M, P, and O for her additional letters, but the board only shifted slightly to “_ O _ R _ O _ R N E _ _ _ _ T S.”
Most viewers probably thought she was toast. But not Granier. She stared at the board, and then—like lightning—figured it out. First came “YOUR JOURNEY,” followed by a pause, then the final word: “AWAITS.” And just like that, the streak was over.
Solving the puzzle earned her a $40,000 bonus, bringing her total winnings to $62,200. The audience erupted, and so did social media. Comments flooded in from fans who had been waiting for this moment. One person shouted in the YouTube comments, “FINALLY! There’s a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel! All hail you, Rachel! I love you! God bless you!” Another simply declared, “THE CURSE IS OVER! REDEMPTION, BABY!”
Almost instantly, fans crowned Granier the unofficial “Wheel of Fortune Queen.” Some even said her victory was the perfect kickoff to Memorial Day weekend. With her warm energy, strong gameplay, and one memorable win, she reminded fans why they love the show in the first place.
After racking up over $62K and earning nationwide praise, there’s a good chance Granier is now enjoying a well-deserved “cheeseburger in paradise”—in true Jimmy Buffett fashion. One thing’s for sure: her journey certainly didn’t end with that final spin. It was just beginning.
