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Maggie Sajak could take over Wheel of Fortune hosting job from Ryan Seacrest if he ‘can’t work out new contract’

WHEEL of Fortune social media correspondent Maggie Sajak could end up taking over Ryan Seacrest’s hosting job if he doesn’t sign a new contract.

Ryan, 49, took over Maggie’s dad Pat’s longtime job this fall after the iconic star hosted the game show for over 40 years.

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Maggie Sajak stunned in a red gown for a charity Wheel of Fortune game in May 2023.Credit: Getty

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Ryan Seacrest, here on the season 42 premiere in September 2024, took over Pat Sajak’s longtime jobCredit: Wheel of Fortune

 

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Maggie is still very close to dad Pat, who still serves as a consultant on the showCredit: Getty
Despite her beloved dad’s departure, Maggie, 29, has remained on Wheel of Fortune in her role as social media correspondent.

Maggie has proven popular with viewers, and has created buzz for the show through her use of Instagram and TikTok.

“It’s important to allow Maggie to develop her own voice when it comes to the Wheel fan base, and that makes her incredibly valuable to Sony TV,” an insider told The U.S. Sun.

“Because the whole point of bringing in Ryan Seacrest was to reach more young people.”

UNCERTAIN FUTURE

As The U.S. Sun previously reported, Ryan’s arrival on the show has brought a major boost in ratings.

But he has only reportedly signed an official contract for two years, leaving Wheel of Fortune’s future uncertain.

“Sony loves the ratings and wants to negotiate a much longer contract for Ryan, but right now they have to have contingency plans in place in case Ryan simply decides to move on,” the insider claimed.

“Maggie has positioned herself to help out if there’s a hosting vacancy, and the franchise is in her blood and her appreciation for the world of Wheel of Fortune is genuine.”

Whether Ryan stays or goes, Wheel of Fortune execs hope to keep Maggie on the show for years to come.

“Maggie’s already proven herself to be a super-valuable member of the Wheel family, especially during this time of transition,” the insider said.

Wheel of Fortune’s Maggie Sajak takes fans on behind-the-scenes tour of new set & reveals detail that will stay the same

LAWYER LIFE

In addition to her job on Wheel of Fortune, Maggie also recently became a licensed attorney.

“Thank you to everyone who supported me through this journey,” she proudly posted in November.

“Excited to do some good with this in the future.”

As The U.S. Sun exclusively reported, Maggie’s law license was issued on September 7, 2024, by the State Bar of California.

She graduated from Georgetown University Law School in Washington, DC in May 2023.

Wheel of Fortune’s big changes

The game show has undergone a major transformation now that Ryan Seacrest has taken over hosting duties for Pat Sajak.

-Ryan and Vanna White now host on a brand-new set, featuring a blue-toned stage, a green screen and art-deco wheel design.

-Ryan and Vanna make their big entrance from behind new sliding, brightly lit doors.

-Vanna turns – or now, touches – a modern, digital puzzle board controlled by lasers.

-Ryan brings a new hosting style, and has ditched Pat’s signature cue cards.

-The prizes have also been upgraded, and now include tickets to NFL games, and tickets to A-list concerts.

VANNA’S REPLACEMENT?

In May 2023, Maggie filled in for longtime Wheel of Fortune co-host Vanna White, and fans thought she could take over upon the 67-year-old beauty’s eventual retirement.

Vanna seemed to hint Maggie could take on her legendary position standing next to the letterboard in the future.

“I think she’s a good replacement if I can’t be there for some reason,” she told E! in October 2023.

“She’s been around it her whole life, so I think she can fill in for me for sure.

“She’s precious, she’s beautiful, she’s very good.

“I think she learned a lot from her father because he’s such a good interviewer. I think she’s good for our show.”

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Maggie offered fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of the contestants’ point of view behind the wheelCredit: Instagram/maggiesajak

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Pat is is still the host of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, which filmed earlier this year but will air in 2025Credit: Getty

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Maggie and Pat posed together on set in 2023Credit: Getty

‘Wheel of Fortune’ star Vanna White confused by son being called ‘thirst trap’

White’s son Nikko Santro Pietro was deemed a ‘heartthrob’ when he appeared alongside his mother in a recent cooking video

Pat Sajaks daughter, Maggie Sajak, filled in for Vanna White on an episode of “Wheel of Fortune,” as White was one of the contestants playing for charity.

“Wheel of Fortune” star Vanna White was left puzzled after social media users called her son Nikko Santo Pietro a “thirst trap.”

Last month, White, 67, shared an Instagram video in which she and Santo Pietro were seen in the kitchen as they cooked a chicken dish. After fans used the slang phrase to describe the 30-year-old real estate agent, White appeared to be unfamiliar with the meaning of the term during Thursday’s episode of the long-running game show.

“I recently posted a video of me and my son, Nikko, cooking and it got a lot of response,” the TV personality told her co-host Ryan Seacrest as the audience cheered.

Vanna White appeared confused when fans referred to her son Nikko Santo Pietro as a “thirst trap.” (Getty/Vanna White Instagram)

“I don’t get it,” White said with a shrug.

“The kids are calling Nikko a thirst trap,” Seacrest, 50, explained.

The “American Idol” host informed her that fans noticed Santo Pietro was wearing a snug-fitting white T-shirt in the clip.

“Apparently, that was a very tight — he went to the Baby Gap to buy that shirt,” Seacrest joked. “It was very tight and they found him strikingly good-looking and no one knows what you cooked.”

“What did you guys actually make?” he asked White.

“We cooked Uncle Roy’s Chicken,” White replied.

“Well, thank you Uncle Roy and thank you, Nikko, for that tight shirt,” Seacrest quipped.

White went on to tease that she would be posting another video on Thursday.

“Oh boy!” Seacrest said.

“What’s it going to be?” White said coyly to which Seacrest replied, “We’ll find out soon.”

The “Vanna Speaks” author later shared another video of herself cooking with Santo Pietro, which was met with a similarly enthusiastic response from her followers.

After White uploaded the first cooking video in December, fans quickly took the comments section to rave over her “handsome” son and inquire about his relationship status.

“Vanna where have you been hiding Nikko ? He’s GORGEOUS,” one person wrote.

Another commented, “Your son is hot!!!”

“He’s adorable!” one Instagram user added.

Fans raved over Santo Pietro when he appeared in one of his mother’s Instagram videos. (Vanna White Instagram)

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Nikko said the attention was “flattering.”

“Obviously, I had an outpour[ing] from her fans just really being kind and saying all kinds of interesting stuff in the comments,” he said.

Santo Pietro, who works at The Agency, the real estate company owned by Mauricio Umansky, ex-husband of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kyle Richards, added, “I’ve always loved being in front of the camera, and I work really hard on my social media. That’s a big part of what I do, so it feels natural and good.”

White shares Santo Pietro and daughter Gigi with her ex-husband, restaurant owner George Santo Pietro.  (Vanna White Instagram)

However, Santo Pietro was adamant that the praise wasn’t going to his head.

“People see me as this heartthrob, and they’re thirsty for me and all this stuff. I love it all, but at the same time, it’s really good to remember the meaningful things in life and just kind of dial it back, doing a lot of charity work, working hard every day,” he told the outlet.

“That’s what it is to me,” Santo Pietro continued. “Making an impact.”

White added, “He’s such a good kid!”

She continued, “I always taught both of my children, you have to work hard to get things, it’s not just given to you. And he’s doing it.”

In addition to Santo Pietro, White shares daughter, Gigi, with her ex-husband, restaurant owner George Santo Pietro.

Santo Pietro said he was “flattered” by the attention. (Vanna White Instagram)

While some fans had expressed their hopes of finding love with Santo Pietro or setting him up with their daughters, he confirmed he was already in a relationship.

“I have an amazing girlfriend,” he told ET. “She’s an absolute sweetheart. She’s a singer-songwriter. We’ve been together for a year. She wrote a song about me. It’s really sweet that she did that.

He added that his girlfriend, Easae, who wrote the song about him titled “Karaoke,” “obviously detected the heartthrob thing before America did.”

White confirmed that she approved of Easae, saying, “She’s so sweet, she really is, down-to-earth, loving, giving.”

Nikko’s viral attention is also potentially sparking a few more television appearances.

“I would love that,” White said when asked if fans could expect to see Santo Pietro on “Wheel of Fortune.” She noted that her former co-host Pat Sajak’s daughter, Maggie Sajak, has appeared the show many times, including filling in for White while she took over Sajak’s role as host in 2020 when he underwent surgery. Maggie has also worked as the show’s social media correspondent since 2021.

“I don’t know how well I’d play the game, but I’d love to participate at some level,” Nikko added.

Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Stanton contributed to this report.

‘The Price Is Right’: Hip-Shaking Mom & Daughter Make Drew Carey Blush – Fans React

Price is Right Instagram

The Price Is Right has been sharing classic moments on its social media channels while viewers wait for the new season, and a clip posted on Monday (August 5) had fans in hysterics. It featured a mom and daughter duo who made host Drew Carey blush by grinding close to him!

The clip in question was shared on the official The Price Is Right Instagram page and featured mother-and-daughter duo Sharol and Tionna. The excitable pair boogied their way to the stage, where they greeted Drew Carey by dancing and bumping their hips into his. Carey blushed and laughed before explaining the rules of the game.

Sharol and Tionna were faced with the Grand Game, in which contestants can win up to $10,000 by picking products under a target price. For those unfamiliar, the contestants begin with $1 displayed on the board and are then given a target price. They are then shown six grocery items, four of which are priced below the target and two of which are priced above.

The mom and daughter were given a target price of $6.50, with Carey telling them, “All you have to do is tell me which four [are under that price], and every time you get one right, we’ll add one zero to that board.”

 

Sharol and Tionna were then shown the six items, which included a 16-ounce container of Mom’s Best Cereals Quick Oats, one Scrub Daddy’s Scrub Mommy Scrubbing Sponge, six-count box of Nestlē’s Abuelita Hot Chocolate Tablets, a 25-ounce jar of Yo Mama’s Spicy Marinara Tomato Sauce, one 0.34-ounce box of Mommy’s Bliss Baby Probiotic Drops, and one 11-ounce package of Grandma’s Frozen Noodles Wide Egg Noodles.

“Give me one that you know for sure is less than $6.50,” Carey asked.

The contestants talked it through and looked to the studio audience for guidance, ultimately settling on the noodles as their first guess. Their pick was right, as the noodles were priced at $4.29. They continued their success by picking the oats and the sponge next.

Price is Right Instagram

With $1,000 on the board, Sharol and Tionna could have walked away at that point. “You guys have $1,000; you can stop right now if you want because if you get the next one wrong, you lose everything,” Carey reminded them. “[But] you do get an extra nine grand if you get this next one right.”

After discussing their options, Sharol and Tionna decided to continue and selected the hot chocolate. Carey revealed the price of the hot chocolate as $5.49, meaning the lovable mother and daughter bagged themselves $10,000. The pair started screaming and running around the stage as the audience cheered them on.

“They bumped up a BIG win… nice one,” wrote one Instagram commenter.

“Great show,” said another.

One fan argued that the pair “cheated” because they were “dollar up bidders,” meaning a tactic where players on Contestant’s Row outbid the previous guesser by $1.

However, another user argued, “They didn’t Cheat! It has always been part of the rules. Recently, someone bid $1 over another bidder. Much to everyones surprise, the original bidder was the actual price and won the extra $500.”

The Price Is Right, Weekdays, 11am ET/10am PT, CBS

‘Jeopardy!’ Fans, Did You Catch Ken Jennings’ Unexpected Personal News?

The quiz show host is officially on Instagram — and he’s celebrating the occasion with a selfie.

Ken Jennings dropped surprise news about his online presence, and it’s something most Jeopardy! fans likely missed.

The quiz show host isn’t one to be on social media often, but he can be found giving his two cents on life on X (formerly Twitter). Well, Ken decided to switch things up in December 2024, because he dropped the ultimate surprise for longtime viewers. As it turns out, Ken is now on Instagram — and he had a great way of kicking off this new journey on the platform. Posting a selfie of himself in a dark blue pullover sweater, he lightheartedly acknowledged how he finally joined the social media platform.

“This is a ‘selfie’ because I’m now on ‘Instagram’!” he jokingly wrote in the caption on December 20, 2024.

This content is imported from instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Given how Ken is not one to blast out his latest social media achievement, it took some time before folks realized he was on Instagram. But once they did, they immediately bombarded him to celebrate being alongside them online.

“Welcome to IG, Ken!!” one person excitedly wrote in the comments. “Icon moment! Welcome to IG,” another congratulated. “Omg finally! ❤️❤️,” a different follower added.

Well, isn’t this a fun way to celebrate the new year? Clearly that was just the beginning, though, as he’s quickly gotten into a rhythm of posting moments from both hosting Jeopardy! and life off-camera. He even shared with fans an update from his trip to Patagonia earlier this month, posting a photo of him posing in front of what appeared to be a lake within a canyon.

“Just got back from a week of hiking,” he shared on January 19 on Instagram. “Patagonia looks like a Star Wars planet.”

This content is imported from instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Even though he’s just gotten into the swing of using Instagram, fans have seen Ken take the reins when it comes to posting online. He did post a rare selfie on Jeopardy!‘s feed ahead of making his own account, where he got folks excited for Celebrity Jeopardy! season 3.

We can’t wait to see what else Ken has in store for us!

Who is replacing Norah O’Donnell on ‘CBS Evening News’?

The churn of anchors on your favorite newscasts continues, as John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois are set to replace Norah O’Donnell on the anchor desk of “CBS Evening News.” The new co-anchors will make their debut on Monday evening’s broadcast.

O’Donnell is not leaving the network, but is taking on other duties, including working on the “60 Minutes” program.

Here’s what you should know about the new “CBS Evening News” anchors ahead of their debut.

Norah O’Donell signs off of CBS Evening News; John Dickerson, Maurice DuBois set as replacements

Norah O’Donnell signed off as anchor of “CBS Evening News” on Thursday, Jan. 23, a day earlier than initially planned because CBS is scheduled to air the Farmers Insurance Open Friday evening, per TV listings.

Relative unknowns John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois will replace Norah O’Donnell.

Who are John Dickerson, Maurice DuBois?

John Dickerson is the anchor of “The Daily Report with John Dickerson,” co-host of Slate’s “Political Gabfest” and “Whistlestop” podcasts and also hosts the “Navel Gazing” podcast.

Dickerson also served as co-host of “CBS This Morning” from January 2018 until May 2019, and is a former “Face the Nation” moderator.

Maurice DuBois co-anchors CBS News New York at 5 and 11, and serves as substitute anchor for “CBS Evening News” and previously hosted “CBS Mornings.”

DuBois also reported for “60 Minutes Sports” and “CBS Sunday Morning.”

Dickerson and DuBois will team up for their first broadcast of “CBS Evening News” on Monday, Jan. 27.

“CBS Evening News” airs at 6:30 p.m. on CBS and at 10 p.m. on the CBS News app.

Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Bill Maher shocked to admit ‘Trump is cool now,’ says sports players love the president

Bill Maher says Democrats ‘f**ked up’ so bad that ‘Trump is cool now’Bill Maher says Democrats ‘f**ked up’ so bad that ‘Trump is cool now’

“Real Time” host Bill Maher appeared to be stunned by his admission that President Donald Trump is now considered “cool.”

“Here’s how bad the Democrats f—ed up: Trump is cool now,” Maher said during a panel discussion Friday night.

“He’s not just the most powerful guy in the world and just made himself like the richest, he’s actually kind of [cool] at 78!”

“I mean, rappers like him, the athletes are doing-” Maher continued while gesturing Trump’s iconic rally dance.

“I was making fun of him, j—ing off two guys at one time, and now he owns it. And now they’re doing it!”

“I mean, the Village People are gay for Trump now!” he added.

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., responded by pointing out how Trump had “always been a celebrity,” pointing to his stint as “The Apprentice” host and his countless film and TV cameos.

“He was a joke!” Maher pushed back.

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“Real Time” host Bill Maher found himself shocked as he admitted that President Donald Trump is now considered “cool.”Real Time with Bill Maher, /YouTube

ESPN host Stephen A. Smith suggested Democrats are to blame for making Trump a celebrity, insisting liberal A-listers “all loved him until he ran for office.”

“You know what would be nice in this country?… Do we have to have the celebrity president?” Khanna complained.

“I mean, is it all about coolness? How about being cool as president is actually about helping people?”

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Maher revealed the shocking statement in a panel discussion on Friday night’s show.AP
“That horse has left the barn,” Maher responded.

Earlier in the conversation, Maher and Smith panned Democrats for drifting so far left, allowing Trump to be elected for a second term.

“The man was impeached twice. He was convicted on 34 felony counts, and the American people still said he’s closer to normal than what we see on the left,” Smith said.

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Maher also mentioned, “He’s not just the most powerful guy in the world and just made himself like the richest, he’s actually kind of [cool] at 78!”Getty Images
“Exactly,” Maher agreed.”

“Why?” Smith continued.

“Because something that pertains when you talk about the transgender community, for example, you talk about the issues that pertain to less than 1% of the population, the Democratic Party came across as if that was a priority more so than the other issues.”

‘CBS Evening News’ makes risky pivot to ‘local news’ format after Norah O’Donnell’s exit

The ratings-challenged “CBS Evening News” is set to make a risky pivot following the departure of Norah O’Donnell — scrapping the traditional, anchor-driven format in favor of multi-anchor ensemble that will have the feel of a local news broadcast that the network hopes will bring back viewers.

O’Donnell, who helmed “Evening News” as it lagged behind in the ratings race against competitors at ABC and NBC, signed off for the last time on Thursday — ending her stint as anchor and managing editor of the Tiffany Network’s national nightly news program that began in the summer of 2019.

John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois, who are up against stiff competition, are set to succeed her as co-anchors, with their first broadcast scheduled for Monday.

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CBS News
O’Donnell will continue to file long-form stories for “60 Minutes” and “CBS Sunday Morning.”

In July, O’Donnell announced that she would vacate her role as anchor and managing editor after the 2024 presidential election to focus on an expanded role at the network amid sagging viewership.

The decision came months before parent Paramount Global laid off some 2,000 staffers as part of a move to cut $500 million from the budget ahead of its merger with Skydance Media.

O’Donnell’s demotion was preceded by a significant cut in pay as her salary was reduced by more than half — from $8 million annually to just $3.8 million, The Post reported in 2022.

The “Evening News” averaged just 4.6 million total viewers in the most recent quarter and less than 670,000 in the key 25- to 54-year-old demographic — trailing “ABC World News Tonight” and “NBC Nightly News.”

Dickerson and DuBois, who will be based in New York, will co-anchor a revamped version of “Evening News,” according to parent company Paramount Global. O’Donnell had been broadcasting nightly from Washington, DC.

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Norah O’Donnell signed off for the last time anchoring the “CBS Evening News” on Thursday.CBS News

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John Dickerson will co-anchor the new iteration of the “Evening News.”Gail Schulman/CBS News
Under the new model, “Evening News” will feature a rotating team of correspondents, each specializing in key subject areas such as politics, international affairs, technology and investigative journalism.

Instead of relying on a single anchor delivering the news from behind a desk, the program will now incorporate live reports, on-the-ground analysis and a stronger emphasis on expert commentary.

Margaret Brennan, moderator of the Sunday political talk show “Face the Nation,” will lead coverage from Washington, DC, while Lonnie Quinn, a colleague of DuBois at WCBS-TV in New York, has been named chief weathercaster.

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Maurice DuBois of WCBS-TV will co-anchor.CBS

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Margaret Brennan, moderator of “Face the Nation,” will head the “Evening News” coverage of politics.FilmMagic
This shift aligns with broader industry trends where viewers seek more in-depth, visually immersive reporting rather than conventional studio-based broadcasts.

The transition also coincides with a broader restructuring of CBS’s news operations, reflecting the company’s shift toward a more digital-centric approach.

The network has already invested in enhanced graphics, virtual sets and new interactive storytelling tools to create a more immersive viewing experience.

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The Tiffany Network’s national nightly news program will have the look and feel of a local news broadcast.NurPhoto via Getty Images
CBS will also lean heavily on its global correspondents to provide on-location reporting, adding a layer of immediacy and authenticity to the broadcast.

“The strength of CBS News has always been in its ensemble of journalists, both in front of and behind the camera, and our goal with John, Maurice, Margaret and Lonnie at the Evening News is to elevate the best in their fields every night for our viewers,” Wendy McMahon, president and CEO of CBS News and Stations, said in a press release.

‘Price is Right’ host Drew Carey blamed as contestant had no idea how to play math game in bizarre moment

The mathematically challenged player who was playing “Do the Math” needed some help from the host.

Screenshots showing Drew Carey explaining the game to the contestant (Cover image source: TikTok/The Price Is Right)

Game shows such as “The Price Is Right” remain relevant and entertaining thanks to new games that they introduce from time to time. Although they are mostly meant to be fun, some games can be a bit complicated for people who aren’t good with numbers to understand. That’s where the hosts come in, as they need to explain the game to contestants in the most simplified manner so that they have a fair chance. Contestant Sophie Turner, who admitted that she wasn’t good at math, once stepped in to play a game called “Do The Math.” Things were clearly not in her favor but then host Drew Carey came to her rescue and explained the game to her over and over again. This made some fans question his ability to explain the game well, while others defended him as a patient host.

Screenshot of Drew Carey on “The Price is Right” (Image source: CBS | The Price is Right)
 

In the episode, Sophie took on the pricing game in which a contestant sees two prizes and a figure representing the difference in value between them, while the actual price of the two items is hidden. Thus, without knowing the price of the products, a contestant must guess if the amount displayed should be added to or subtracted from the price of the item on the left to equal the price of the one on the right. Once the player picks the – or + sign, the prices are revealed. If they guess correctly, they get to take home both prizes.

In Sophie’s case, the prize on the left was a fully furnished home bar and the prize on the right was a home office setup with a Macbook Air. The amount shown on the screen was $947. Before the game, Sophie admitted that “math wasn’t her thing.”

Screenshots showing Sophie and Drew Carey playing the game (Image source: TikTok/The Price Is Right)
 

Thus, Carey went on to explain the game to her. “It’s the price of the home bar, plus $947 equals the price of the laptop and the desk, Or, is it the price of the home bar, minus $947, equals the price of the laptop and the desk? The price of the home bar, plus or minus $947,” he said.

However, Sophie’s reaction was that she understood very little to nothing about what the host said. She couldn’t even decide if she wanted to add or subtract the amount from the price of the home bar. The host further clarified the rules and what she should do, to help her make the decision. “If you think the home bar is more expensive say minus $947, if you think it’s less expensive say plus $947.”

 

A completely clueless Sophie stammered that according to her the price of the home bar was higher. “Plus? Minus?” she said causing Carey to burst out into laughter.

Screenshots showing Sophie making the guess (Image source: TikTok/The Price Is Right)
Thus, Carey told her that this meant she wanted to subtract $947 from the price of the home bar. When the prices were revealed, Sophie was on the money as the home bar’s price was $3,492 and the home office was worth $2,649. S “You got it!” Carey exclaimed as Sophie jumped in joy and ran over to grab both of her prizes.

While things turned out to be well for Sophie, fans in the comments section had their own concerns. Some argued that Carey didn’t explain the game well enough, given that the player told him she wasn’t good at math. “I don’t think she even knew what she had guessed,” @joeysouthworth wrote on Instagram, and the player herself agreed.
Screenshot showing the comments (Image source: Instagram/The Price Is Right)

Even some viewers didn’t get the game, “I didn’t even understand the question,” @jackie.curtis commented.

However, there were people who lauded Carey for being warm and understanding. They said Carey explained the game well and did everything he could to help the player. “He did such a good job explaining the game to someone who clearly didn’t understand,” @cbrewlovesyou wrote.

Ryan Seacrest Left ‘Live With Kelly and Ryan’ After 6 Years — Here’s Why

After hosting the morning talk show Live With Kelly and Ryan for six years, co-host Ryan Seacrest left the show in April of 2022 to embark on new adventures. Ryan has stretched himself thin across multiple hosting gigs for more than a decade. He started his career on American Idol and has been very successful.

Fans were left wondering what led to Ryan’s exit and what he’s been up to since leaving. Here’s what we know about why he left and what he has planned for the future.

Why did Ryan Seacrest leave ‘Live With Kelly and Ryan’?

 

Source: Live with Kelly and Mark FacebookRyan Seacrest toasting to the end of his run on ‘Live With Kelly and Ryan’ with his parents and sister.

Having been the longtime host of American Idol, radio shows On Air with Ryan Seacrest and American Top 40, and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, Ryan has an incredible hosting resume. But when he first started on Live, the “Host Chat” segments posed a new challenge: finding hobbies, or generally speaking, a life outside of work.

In an interview with Variety, Ryan credits six seasons at Live with helping him evolve as a broadcaster. He said, “I’ve become more comfortable letting things just happen without thinking about what has to come next. Because it can really go in any direction.”

Ryan Seacrest was supposed to only do three years of ‘Live With Kelly and Ryan.’

What was initially supposed to be a three-year run turned into six years on Live With Kelly and Ryan. Ryan enjoyed working with co-host Kelly Ripa and their crew. He told Variety, “With each year that went by, I continued to extend my contract because I love sitting next to my partner and having this unique and casual connection to the people that watch.”

Ryan’s addition to Live led to the show consistently performing well in ratings. By his second to last week on the show, they celebrated 29 consecutive weeks as the No. 1 syndicated talk show in America. The show has topped the Nielsen ratings for three consecutive years.

The show’s success has even led Kelly and Ryan to win Daytime Emmys in 2019 for outstanding hosting.

But after the fourth year, Ryan confided in Kelly about potentially leaving the show. On April 14, 2023, Ryan left the show with a send-off of his greatest moments that included an iconic clip of him declaring, “The winner of American Idol is Kelly Clarkson,” in the Dolby Theatre.

What is Ryan Seacrest doing now?

Source: Instagram/@ryanseacrest

First and foremost, Ryan will still be hosting American Idol, but he also has other plans and goals too.

A foodie at heart, Ryan plans to dive into the culinary world. Ryan always had a plan B in case his first plan as a broadcaster failed. He told Variety, “My fallback plan was to be a chef, to be around food and learn how to do it well.”

He continued, “I was very much into the performance aspect of how a kitchen worked, and how it was served. It was like backstage and onstage.”

His ongoing love and curiosity for cooking led to him starting an organic olive oil and wine label called, Concento.

“I’ve just found so much joy and fun in doing it,” Seacrest explains. “Dovetailing from it will be ideas for shows and programs, as well.”

Whatever Ryan chooses to do in the future, we have no doubt that he will be successful.

Wynonna Judd to Serve as Guest Cohost on ‘Today’ With Jenna Bush Hager After Hoda Kotb’s Exit

Rick Kern/Getty Images for Farrah Fawcett Foundation

Wynonna Judd is gearing up to sit alongside Jenna Bush Hager on Today With Jenna & Friends! The country music star will be guest cohosting the show on January 30 during the week dedicated to music.

In honor of the Grammys coming up, Today is welcoming a slew of musical guest cohosts ahead of the big February 2 ceremony. In addition to Wynonna, Kelsea Ballerini will cohost the show on January 27, Jordin Sparks will cohost on January 28 and Ciara will cohost on January 29 and January 31.

“It’s a whole celebration of music,” executive producer Talia Parkinson-Jones said, per People. “The Grammys is the following weekend, and we’ve tailored all the content to [the hosts].”

Today With Jenna & Friends has been welcoming a rotating panel of celebrity guest cohosts since Hoda Kotb departed the program on January 10. Previously, Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria and Keke Palmer each took the stage with Jenna, 43, as her cohost for several episodes in the week after Hoda’s final episode.

Wynonna, 60, previously spoke out about Hoda’s departure from the talk show.

“Oh @hodakotb, what a light you are. Thank you for making space for myself and so many others,” the songstress wrote on Instagram alongside a photo with Hoda, 60, and Savannah Guthrie on January 10. “Wishing you all the health and happiness on your next journey.”

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After it was announced that several music superstars would be cohosting Today, the show put out a call for fans to show their support for the artists.

“Starting Monday, January 27, we’re kicking off Music Week on TODAY with Jenna and Friends and we’re looking for the biggest fans of Kelsea Ballerini, Jordin Sparks, Ciara and Wynonna Judd!” the post on TODAY.com said. “If you love these talented women and can’t get enough of them, fill out the form below and send us a short video (60 seconds max) explaining why you love these singers and what they mean to you! A TODAY producer will be in touch if your video is selected.”

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Scarlett Johansson also served as a guest cohost after Hoda left, with special surprises from her husband, Colin Jost. Colin, 42, appeared during the “Great Debate” segment on the show where Jenna presented them with an interesting debate topic. “Staten Island ferry, good idea or bad idea?” the former first daughter asked the couple.

The comment was a reference to the Staten Island ferry Colin bought with Pete Davidson in 2022.

“All I can say is if anybody out there would like to start a GoFundMe for the Staten Island Ferry, please be my guest,” the Avengers actress said. “I don’t know if I’m speaking for the Staten Island Ferry or against it, but help our family. This has now become a telethon for Support the Staten Island Ferry.”

“All I’ll say is I hope you have a good, thick pair of gloves at home because someday you’re going to be getting paper cuts from all the checks that start rolling in from this ferry,” Colin replied to his wife.

“I believe in this ferry,” he continued. “If anyone out there believes, please go to the GoFundMe.”