November 18, 2024 Recap (Placeholder)

We flew into Los Angeles on Tuesday. Wednesday was my filming day! I set an ABUNDANCE of alarms because I had an intense fear I would sleep in (silly of me to think I’d be able to sleep). We had to be at the studio at 6:45 AM. My husband went on the trip with me, but he didn’t have to get to the studio until 11.

I hopped in an Uber and arrived at Sony Pictures! I wandered around for a minute because I couldn’t find where I had to go. 😂 Another show was setting their catering up and they thought I was with them. Finally I found a security guard and he directed me in the right direction.

I kept asking for a sign from my grandma that she knew this was happening. This was our show and she passed away two years ago from dementia. When I arrived in the holding area (which was the first floor of the parking garage), the very first person introduced herself at Dorothy. That was my grandma’s name. I instantly knew that was my sign. Dorothy said she doesn’t go by that, she uses Darcy (she was on tonight’s episode!) So it felt even crazier that it was the first name I heard!

Okay moving along, all of the contestants for the day started trickling in and the energy level was amazing. Everyone was just so HAPPY and excited, and it was the best to be around a group of people who loved and appreciated this show just like myself.

We headed into a big empty warehouse type area and sat at tables. We had a talk from a lawyer right off the bat. He was pretty funny too. They went over what to expect for the day. They gave us breakfast (I’m writing everything as it comes to me…some of it may be out of order 😅)

After going over some more of what to expect for the day, one of the producers was walking around and going over the intros that Ryan was going to talk about. She clarified things with some people, added details, etc. I was the only one she didn’t make it to, so when we went into the stage area to practice the intros, I had to wing it. 😂

Walking into the studio for the first time was next level. I had tears in my eyes as soon as it was all in front of me. I was struck at how much smaller everything appeared! Every person in that room was so in awe, and it felt so incredible to be surrounded by people who appreciated this moment as much as I did.

Now we practiced our intros and spinning the wheel. One of the producers acted as Ryan. I talked about our Thanksgiving Day tradition and about being a hockey mom. I was so excited to be able to talk about my three boys and our family’s love for hockey! At two weeks postpartum, I built a hockey rink in the basement. I never imagined I’d be a hockey mom because I’m so anxious. Not only am I that, but my kid is a GOALIE. So that’s what my little story was about!

Three people went up at a time, and we basically played a mini game. Spun the wheel, shouted out random letters to practice enunciating, and our intros.

We went back into the warehouse area, which is when I had my makeup touched up. During that time, they started announcing the show lineup. They said three names, then pulled a ball from a bowl and whatever number was on it, was the show you’d be on. The first three names they read were mine, Tamika, and Joey! Then they pulled the ball - #1! I was terrified at first. I couldn’t believe we would be going FIRST. EXCUSE ME?? I was getting my makeup done while they were saying this so I had to try to keep it chill. 😂

Oh before this part, we also watched some videos where they went over different categories and what to expect when guessing them (make sure you know there could be differences between PLACE and ON THE MAP, or PERSON and OCCUPATION, etc)

Okay NOW it’s dress rehearsal time. We walk back to the stage and line up to film the hometown howdies. At this point, I’m wearing a purple sweater. I stood on my mark and a photographer took my photo. Then, we read a card for a video that would be sent to local affiliates. “Hi I’m (name) from (city), watch me on Wheel of Fortune!” I messed up the first time because I had to straight up stop myself from saying “Hi I’m Lindsay, and you’re watching Disney Channel!” 😂🤦‍♀️ I’m serious.

Then after they took my photo, they said I needed to change my outfit. I was bummed at first because I really liked my sweater! They didn’t give a full reason, but I think it clashed with the lights and set. So I ran to my bag, pulled out my top, and the wardrobe woman steamed it. I had to get the mic off and then reattached. And boom! The backup outfit came in handy. I think the green ended up looking better!

We did our rehearsal in our groups and in the order of our shows. It was similar to practicing spinning the wheel, but this time we actually had practice puzzles too. There are also platforms behind the wheel, and they were raising and lowering those for each contestant so everyone was at a comfortable height for the wheel.

After our rehearsal, we went and sat in the audience to watch the rest of them. It felt surreal to think it was going to be happening soon. At this point, it still didn’t feel real.

After the 6th show did their rehearsal, they called for show 1 to come down and get our final touch ups. It was about to happen. We are getting ready to go live!!!

Our guests arrived in the studio right around this time. They sat on the opposite side of us. In the middle was general audience. And then we were on the far right (if you’re facing the stage). Our guests didn’t know which episode we would be. I was excited for my husband to see me walk out first!

I can’t remember when this happened…maybe right around final rehearsal? One of the producers told me “I know you were excited about talking about being a hockey mom, but we’re going to have you talk about your American Idol story.” (Before heading out to LA, we filled out a form with a bunch of different prompts and stories that Ryan could possibly talk about)

Okay now cut to right before show time. We’re all in our spots, ready to begin filming! There was quite a bit of waiting and it didn’t seem like anything was happening. Then they said I needed to be taken back for another makeup check. I was like what?! Even the makeup lady seemed confused. So, according to my husband, while I was back there, they were playing the Ruben video! They had to test it out, but didn’t want to ruin the surprise for me. I didn’t know that’s what was happening!

Now it was ACTUALLY show time!!! As soon as Ryan and Vanna walked out, I felt like I was in a dream. None of it made sense to me that I was actually THERE. ABOUT TO SOLVE A PUZZLE.

The best part is, you just have to get right into it! No time for nerves! So the first puzzle went on the board, and I am still kicking myself for not getting it. “GRATITUDE” has been my theme word this year, and I can’t believe that was the very first puzzle and I didn’t get it! 🤦‍♀️

Before we did our intros, a fire alarm went off. It was just a false alarm, but did give us a little delay. 😂 So then it was intro time! My goal was to mention my kids’ names, so I threw it in there during my part where I talked about Thanksgiving! Then, the American Idol story! It’s such a core memory. I was an absolute Idol fanatic for like 10 years, and it started with Ruben. I totally blacked out after I heard him say my name. It was an amazing surprise!

During the commercial break, Ryan told me he called him that morning and asked him to send the video, which is why it was so last minute. I couldn’t even believe it!

Ryan was SO friendly during the commercial breaks. He had individual conversations with each of us. He would talk to the audience. He was just the absolute best. At one point mid sentence I just stopped and said, “I can’t believe I’m literally talking to you right now.” 😂 Something else that stood out to me was when I was talking to him and a producer interrupted to say something to him. I figured that was the end of the conversation, and then he turned to me and said “sorry, go on!” It was so small but so NICE and polite. He genuinely cared about the conversations he was having! All three of us told him how he’s doing such an amazing job as host, and he was visibly touched.

The rest of the show flew by. I had some pretty devastating bankrupts. One came shortly after I just got $5000 worth of S’s. I knew the puzzle, but I wanted to spin at least one more time to get two Hs. I got a bankrupt instead! I genuinely wanted to just spin again and be like, maybe no one noticed that. 😂😂 Luckily that one came back to me, so I was able to solve it, but with less money!

I truly didn’t want any part of that day to end. It took about an hour to film the episode, with the fire alarm and a couple technical difficulties. The producers were amazing. They really made us all feel like we belonged there. Everyone on the set had such a positive attitude.

I read comments about people saying the contestants seemed like actors, or over the top, fake, etc. and it was hard to keep my mouth shut after my experience. 😂 The other contestants were just so fun to be around. We have a group chat and have kept in touch regularly. This past week has been especially fun with our shows airing! It makes me really appreciate the whole process even more.

Post-Wheel of Fortune depression is real. I felt it almost immediately after my show filmed and I am feeling it again right now, now that my show has aired. My life is now in two parts: Pre-WoF and Post-WoF. 😂 If there was ever a possibility for me to return to the show, I would do it in a heartbeat. I would do it even if I didn’t win a single penny (even though there is a house minimum, I know lol)