Florida Contestant Comes Heartbreakingly Close to $61K on Wheel of Fortune
Corrina Bain, a flight attendant from Fort Lauderdale, came agonizingly close to a big payday on Wheel
of Fortune. During the Bonus Round, she was just one tricky phrase away from winning $61,000 — but a small misstep cost her dearly.
Originally aired on October 17, 2024, and rebroadcast on June 26, the episode saw Bain dominate early,
racking up $21,800. Her competitors, cheese tester Heather Leinen and psychology postdoc Zack Tedder, kept it close, but Bain advanced to the Bonus Round.
With the support of her “brunch crew” in the audience, Bain faced a final puzzle in the “Phrase” category. After choosing her letters, the board revealed:
_ _ C K / _ N / T H _ / D _ _
With just 10 seconds on the clock, she guessed “Made in the Day.” The correct answer? “Back in the Day.”
Host Ryan Seacrest consoled her: “You were really close,” as the crowd groaned in sympathy. The miss cost her a $40,000 bonus prize.
Despite the loss, Bain walked away with $21,800 and praise from fans online who admired her
poise and gameplay. Wheel of Fortune returns this fall with Seacrest and longtime co-host Vanna White.
