Jeff Probst has announced the end of a unique era in the history of Survivor. The Sia Prize, the cash award given by the pop star to her favorite participants on the CBS reality show since 2016, will no longer be awarded.
“After eight years, 14 seasons, 19 players and over $1,000,000 awarded, Survivor is officially bringing the Sia Prize to a triumphant end!” Probst wrote on Friday. He updated his Instagram Stories with a post that Sia later shared in her own Stories.
The Survivor host recalls the moment when Sia surprised everyone during the live finale of Survivor: Kaôh Rōng — Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty in 2016 by giving contestant Tai Trang $50,000 for his compassion towards a chicken during the season.
“Tai was shocked, the audience was shocked, I was shocked! What was happening? Sia was on stage in her wig handing out money to a Survivor player?!” Probst reminisced. “That was the start of what became known as ‘The Sia Prize.’”
Over the years, Sia has awarded several Survivor players $100,000 each, including Rick Devens from Season 38, Elaine Stott and Janet Carbin from Season 39, and Carolyn Wiger from Season 44.
Other recipients of Sia’s generosity include Donathan Hurley from Season 36, Ryan Medrano and Owen Knight from Season 43, and Kaleb Gebrewold from Season 45.
In his Instagram Stories update, Probst commended Sia for bringing joy to many players, noting her generosity was always genuine. “With immense gratitude and admiration, we close this unique relationship between a TV show and a pop star of Sia’s caliber,” he added. “I’m honored for Survivor to have this incredible association with Sia. She’s a superfan in the Survivor Hall of Fame!”
Survivor, Season 47, TBD, CBS
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