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Vanna White just called out a Wheel of Fortune contestant who repeatedly called Ryan Seacrest “babe” during her entire episode. The playful moment had viewers grinning from ear to ear. Melanie Goodwin’s endearing habit became the talk of the show.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Contestant: Melanie Goodwin from North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina aired March 31, 2026
- The Quirk: Called host Ryan Seacrest “babe” after nearly every round and game moment
- Vanna’s Reaction: Told Goodwin at end of show, “I loved how you called Ryan babe after every round”
- Prize Impact: Missed $50,000 bonus prize by not solving “You’re Overdoing It” in final round
A Contestant’s Southern Charm Steals the Show
Melanie Goodwin brought infectious energy to the Wheel of Fortune stage from her very first toss-up. Originally from Massachusetts but now living in Vanna White’s hometown of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Goodwin embodied genuine enthusiasm. Her playful chemistry with host Ryan Seacrest became instantly memorable. Every spin, every puzzle, every decision came with that signature term of endearment.
Goodwin solved the first toss-up and won $3,000 on the second. She tackled “Most Likely To” when solving “Win Best Picture At The Oscars” for $5,450, exclaiming “This is so much fun, babe!” The audience loved her authentic, bubbly personality as she danced and laughed between rounds.
Vanna White calls out contestant’s ‘babe’ comments to Ryan, viewers react
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Building Momentum with Cash and Charm
Throughout the episode, Goodwin accumulated $21,298 after solving “Artistic Masterpieces” for a trip to Italy. She then conquered two of the three Triple Toss-ups, building confidence with each victory. When asked if she was ready for the bonus round, she confidently replied, “I guess so, babe.” Her teammate Ryan Seacrest responded with barely concealed amusement at her consistent pet name usage.
The contestant brought her son Dylan to cheer her on from the audience. Dylan had been accepted into the National Honor Society, making the family moment extra special. Goodwin’s final puzzle winnings totaled $30,248 before the bonus round.
The Bonus Round Missed Opportunity
| Detail | Information |
| Puzzle Type | Phrase |
| Given Letters | R, S, T, L, N, E |
| Chosen Letters | C, D, M, I |
| Answer | “You’re Overdoing It” |
| Prize Missed | $50,000 and European Grand Tour |
In the bonus round, Goodwin selected “Phrase” from her category options. The puzzle pattern revealed “_ _ _’RE _ _ERD_IN_ IT.” Despite her momentum throughout the episode, she couldn’t crack the code. Seacrest sympathetically said, “Oh, come on. Not you,” as she admitted, “I was overdoing it.” She left the stage having missed out on $50,000 and a European Grand Tour prize package.
“I loved how you called Ryan babe after every round.”
— Vanna White, Wheel of Fortune Co-Host
Vanna’s Gentle Ribbing Captured the Heart
At the episode’s conclusion, Vanna White and Goodwin shared a warm, genuine moment on stage. Rather than ignoring the obvious pattern, the legendary co-host leaned into the humor. White’s warm acknowledgment transformed a potential awkward moment into pure television gold. She spoke to Goodwin about her favorite Myrtle Beach restaurant, creating personal connection beyond game-show pleasantries.
The contestant laughed genuinely at being called out, showing her playful spirit wasn’t performative. Viewers on Reddit immediately praised the exchange, with fans commenting how Vanna pointed it out at the end made the whole moment funnier. Some admitted they thought they were imagining she kept saying “babe.”
Why Are Fans Still Talking About It?
In an era where game show moments often go viral for wrong reasons, Goodwin’s appearance reminded viewers why they love Wheel of Fortune. The show thrives on authentic human interactions, not manufactured drama. Vanna and Ryan’s chemistry with contestants creates memorable television. Goodwin’s unselfconscious enthusiasm combined with White’s sharp observation delivered a perfect moment.
Social media erupted with clips of the segment. Fans praised Goodwin’s energetic personality and Vanna’s gracious humor. Some viewers noted how the interaction showed White’s warmth that makes her a daytime television icon after decades on air.
Sources
- TV Insider – Complete episode recap with contestant details and viewer reactions
- Reddit WheelOfFortune Community – Fan discussion thread with genuine viewer comments
- imdb.com – Official episode information and contestant records
