Tameka S.

Hello, AMERICA!!!! My name is Tameka Stephens and I appeared on Wheel of Fortune’s Rail Tour Season 41 (INSERT LOUD SCREAM). I have watched Wheel of Fortune for YEARS and dominated from the comfort of my home😊. My husband had been encouraging me to apply for a while and on June 1, 2023 I did it. I had no faith in being selected until I received an email stating that I was selected to participate in a 5 minute VIRTUAL CONTESTANT AUDITION. I still wasn’t convinced that they wanted little ole me from Virginia to appear on America’s favorite game show. I dressed up as if I were headed to an interview for the best job in the world! I had 5 minutes virtually with a contestant producer and I NAILED IT! 🙌

OMG OMG OMG! I got another email inviting me to the NEXT STEP INTERVIEW! I chose the day after Father’s Day. It was the first without my dad and I whispered to HEAVEN, I got this ROCKSTEADY! After that interview I began to say AMERICA IS GOING TO LOVE ME, everyday! I knew I was going to be selected! I KNEW IT! Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour was calling my name but I chose not to buy a ticket anticipating being selected for Wheel of Fortune! I gave up Beyonce for Pat Sajak! 

in July, my phone rang and it was my son Juwan. As I answered the call I saw an email with the subject line WHEEL OF FORTUNE and I starting screaming, jumping and shouting!!!! I forgot Juwan was on the phone, but when I opened the email and read it out loud in its entirety, everyone was screaming!  To prepare for the show, I watched Wheel every night, I looked at YouTube videos, TikTok and every blog to get an idea of what to expect as a contestant. I talked to Pat and Vanna while walking through the house! INSERT LOUD SCREAM!!!!! Dreams do come true. There is no trick and no magic, just faith, favor and many blessings. I recited daily, “I am going to be the first million-dollar winner on Pat Sajak’s last season of Wheel of Fortune.” 

The staff at Wheel of Fortune and the hair and makeup team were phenomenal and made the experience unforgettable! This was the best 22 minutes of my life!  When I got to the studio and walked in to practice, I envisioned myself being in the middle spot. When my team was selected, my placement was in the MIDDLE. That is when I knew I was going to WIN AND WIN BIG! You have no idea my story (that’s another blog) so this opportunity was truly a blessing and favor from God. It was a blessing for my son, Juwan and my husband to share this experience with me. They talked about going on the stage if I win the Bonus Round. I could not stop the tears when I had the pleasure to introduce them for the whole world to see! My mom couldn’t make the trip with me but she covered me with her prayers and WE DID IT! My dad passed away 09/09/2022 and he would have been SO PROUD. 

The puzzle that will haunt me for the rest of my life!!!!! LEGEND IN THE MAKING (UGGGGHHHHHHH) I should have picked a G (DUHHHHHH).

I will be on a cruise when my show airs but my family in Newport News will be hosting a watch party at Bowman’s Soul N The Wall in Hampton, VA and my former co-worker will host a watch party at her home in Chester, VA. This has been the hardest secret to keep 😊 I know my mommy will be proud when she finally gets the chance to see it. AMERICA IS GOING TO LOVE ME! I just turned 50 in March and I used the hashtag #Talk50ToMe…Not to be braggy but this is how you do 50…Life is good and God is great! I pray that this encourages someone, anyone to JUST DO IT…we are all #OverdueForAnUpgrade!