Survivor contestants are bidding farewell to a portion of the prize money that pop singer/songwriter Sia has been generously awarding to her favorite players every season. Jeff Probst, the host of Survivor, recently announced that the longstanding tradition of the Sia Prize has officially come to an end, just two days after the conclusion of the 46th season. This announcement was made on May 24th through a post on Probst’s Instagram, which was later reposted by Sia herself.
Over the span of eight years, 14 seasons, and a total of 19 players, Sia has graciously handed out over $1,000,000 to Survivor contestants as part of her heartfelt tradition. Probst expressed his gratitude and admiration for Sia, highlighting the joy and positivity that she brought to the show through her generous contributions. This unique relationship between a popular TV program and a global pop star has now reached its conclusion, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and unexpected surprises.
Sia initiated this tradition back in 2016 during the live finale of the 32nd season, Survivor: Kaôh Rōng – Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty. Probst fondly reminisced about the moment when Sia, moved by one contestant’s act of kindness towards a chicken, took the stage and awarded him $50,000 from her own pocket. This unexpected gesture set the stage for numerous other players to receive monetary gifts from Sia, ultimately impacting the lives of 18 individuals in total.
Despite the discontinuation of the Sia Prize, Probst acknowledges the unique and special bond that Survivor has formed with Sia over the years. He refers to her as a member of the “Survivor Hall Of Fame of Superfans,” recognizing her unwavering support and positive presence on the show. It is clear that Sia’s legacy in the world of Survivor will continue to be remembered and celebrated, even without the official affiliation with the long-running CBS program.
The end of the Sia Prize marks the conclusion of a heartwarming tradition that brought unexpected joy and financial support to contestants on Survivor. Sia’s generosity and genuine spirit have left a lasting impact on the show and its participants, creating a memorable chapter in the history of reality television. While this chapter may have come to a close, the positive influence of Sia’s contributions will be felt for years to come.