Survivor has officially bid farewell to an era, marking the conclusion of the illustrious Sia Prize. Jeff Probst, the venerable host of the long-running CBS series, gracefully announced on social media Friday that the renowned pop star will no longer be presenting her cherished financial gifts to her beloved Survivor contestants each season.“After eight glistening years, spanning 14 thrilling seasons, embracing 19 deserving players, and awarding over a million dollars, Survivor gracefully brings to a close the magnificent Sia Prize!” Probst exclaimed on his Instagram Story. “Throughout these glorious years, Sia has generously showered joy upon countless players, with every gesture stemming from the depths of her heart.”
Probst continued, “It is with profound gratitude and utmost admiration for Sia that we bid farewell to one of the most exceptional relationships a television show could ever forge with a global pop icon of Sia's caliber. I am deeply honored that Survivor has had the privilege of fostering this one-of-a-kind bond with Sia. She rightfully belongs in the Survivor Hall of Fame, among its most ardent superfans!”The talented artist behind the hit single "Chandelier" initiated this enchanting tradition with the reality competition series in 2016, during the climactic season 32 finale of Survivor: Kaôh Rōng — Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty.
"I recall the moment vividly, when Sia rose from the depths of the audience during the live finale, her steps steady and determined as she made her way onto the stage," Probst reminisced about the unforgettable occasion. "She was so deeply moved by Tai Trang's unwavering dedication to safeguard a helpless chicken from becoming a meal that she bestowed upon him a generous sum of $50,000 from her own pocket."
The host continued his emotional recollection in his post, "Tai was dumbfounded, the audience was in disbelief, and I was equally astonished! What was unfolding before our eyes? Sia, standing onstage in her extravagant wig, was personally handing out money to a contestant of Survivor! That fateful moment marked the genesis of what would later be fondly referred to as 'The Sia Prize.'"
The singer-songwriter went beyond that initial gesture, further rewarding 18 additional players with varying amounts of cash, including seven fortunate individuals who each received a whopping $100,000. It's worth noting that the Sia Prize is not an official aspect of the Survivor franchise, as the show's ultimate winner is awarded a grand prize of $1 million. Nevertheless, Sia's generous acts added an unexpected and heartwarming dimension to the competition, leaving an indelible mark on the Survivor experience.
