The latest season of ‘Big Brother’ recently crowned its winner, Ashley Hollis, who took home the grand prize on September 28. The show’s 27th season concluded with Hollis emerging victorious and securing the title of the winner of “Hotel Mysteré” house. Hollis managed to outlast her competitors, including Vince Panaro and Morgan Pope, to claim the ultimate prize of $750,000. Following a successful run in the final Head of Household competition, Hollis strategically chose Panaro to accompany her in the final two, resulting in a jury vote that sealed her victory at six to one.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Big-Brother-092526-05-46ba0de7fb1041e09d8803ccdd36b9d5.jpg)
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly post her win, Hollis shared her plans for the prize money, expressing her intention to manage it prudently. She mentioned wanting to treat her family to a memorable trip, allocate a significant portion to her parents, and save the rest for future investments, potentially including the purchase of a house. The prize money for ‘Big Brother’ winners has seen an increase from $500,000 when the show first aired in 2000 to the current amount of $750,000 as of season 23. Host Julie Chen Moonves announced this increment during the season 23 premiere, emphasizing the quarter of a million boost to the grand prize.
Apart from the winner, other contestants on ‘Big Brother’ also stand a chance to earn cash prizes. The runner-up receives $75,000 as of the latest season, and before season 23, the second-place contestant was awarded $50,000. Additionally, the introduction of America’s Favorite Houseguest allows fans to participate in the prize-giving by voting for their preferred houseguest. The chosen favorite receives a prize that was initially $25,000 before being raised to $50,000 in season 23, adding another layer of excitement to the competition.
Contestants on ‘Big Brother’ are not only vying for the top prize but also receive a weekly stipend of $1,000 for their participation during filming. This stipend ensures that all houseguests, regardless of their final standing in the competition, are compensated for their time and involvement. Past winners of the show, such as Ian Terry from season 14, have utilised their prize money to address financial obligations like student loans, tuition fees, and significant purchases like homes and vehicles. Others, like season 10’s Dan Gheesling, opted to invest most of their winnings while maintaining their regular careers.
The show continues to captivate audiences with its mix of strategic gameplay, interpersonal dynamics, and high-stakes challenges. With each season bringing new twists and turns, fans eagerly anticipate the next installment of ‘Big Brother’ to see who will outwit, outplay, and emerge as the ultimate victor. As the legacy of the show grows, so too does the excitement surrounding the potential rewards and surprises awaiting the contestants brave enough to enter the infamous ‘Big Brother’ house.