Minnesota Mom’s Lightning-Fast Wheel of Fortune Guess Leaves Ryan Seacrest Speechless — Her Bonus Round Solve Was So Instant, Viewers Thought the Show Had Glitched, but the Truth Behind Her Answer Was Even More Heartwarming Than Anyone Expected
The studio lights were bright, the applause steady, and the energy inside the Wheel of Fortune stage felt electric long before filming began. Contestants stood behind their podiums with nervous smiles and shaky breaths—but one woman seemed remarkably calm.
Her name was Delinda Rood, a Minnesota mother who described herself as an “ambivert”—comfortable in crowds but grounded in quiet moments. She didn’t know it yet, but she was about to create one of the most unforgettable moments in the show’s history.
Her night started off rough. The first Toss-Up, “My Game Face,” stumped everyone, including her. Many contestants lose confidence early after a rocky start, but Delinda leaned closer to her podium, eyes sharp, ready to bounce back.
And she did.
The second Toss-Up—“Practical Joker”—flashed onto the board, and Delinda buzzed in with newfound certainty. Her correct answer set off applause and earned her the first $2,000 of the night. It was the spark she needed.
Meanwhile, her competitors found their own momentum.
Justin Zamora, a contestant from Palo Alto, won a puzzle that netted him over $12,000 and a dream trip to Norway.
Shateria Smith, an upbeat entrepreneur, shocked the crowd by grabbing the coveted One Million Dollar wedge after solving “Summer & Boot Camp.”
The episode was already shaping up to be packed with drama—but Delinda was just getting started.
When Shateria later tripped up on a puzzle, Delinda swooped in with a confident solve:
“Spoil Yourself At The Spa.”
Suddenly, she had earned a luxurious Scottsdale getaway and almost $11,000. Her posture changed. Her voice steadied. She was locking into a rhythm few contestants ever reach.
Then came the Triple Toss-Up round—a lightning-fast sequence demanding quick thinking. Delinda solved two out of three puzzles, sending a ripple of excitement through the studio. Whether it was instinct, intuition, or a touch of Minnesota magic, she was becoming unstoppable.
By the time she solved “A Tough Nut To Crack,” her total had soared to $20,650, sealing her place in the Bonus Round. Justin left with his Norway trip, Shateria with her cash and near-million-dollar moment—but all attention centered on Delinda.
She had played her way into something extraordinary.