Nikol, a contestant on the March 25 episode of “Wheel of Fortune,” encountered that surprising speed bump. It was a surprise for her during her winning turn on America’s favorite quiz show. Under those bright lights, she took on an enormous 12-word puzzle that alluded to one of Disney’s most popular songs. Sadly, her estimate was off, and that left her without the answer.
The clue in that Sunday crossword was “where the sky touches the ocean.” This line is from the Academy Award-nominated “How Far I’ll Go,” one of 7 great songs, featured in Disney’s animated film “Moana.” Nikol took her shot, though the puzzle only revealed one letter’s worth of information. This oddity clearly only contributed to her moment of befuddlement.
When host Pat Sajak announced that her answer had missed the mark, Nikol’s disappointment was written all over her face. She looked at the puzzle in stunned silence, often appearing to know the right answer seconds after she answered. That moment went on to become one of the most memorable missteps in the show’s history. It really emphasizes the intense pressure that competitors frequently experience under live audience conditions.
Fans on social media chided Nikol for her gaffe with a blend of laughter and pity. The real Wheel of Fortune account cheerfully noted, “That scream you hear is Nikol’s psyche exiting her body…” This humorous aside underscores just how universal her experience has been.
Commenters added their insights, with one stating, “She clearly doesn’t have a young daughter who’s obsessed with Moana,” suggesting that familiarity with the song could have changed the outcome. Another fan empathized with Nikol’s situation: “Well it was cute. I’d probably forget my own name on WOF,” acknowledging the high-pressure environment contestants navigate while competing.
Intriguingly enough, Nikol’s mistake wasn’t a one-off failure. That’s exactly what happened to one former contestant, who got busted for a food mistake in a December 2024 episode. This player was incorrect on the guess on the puzzle “Chocolate Chestnuts and Chi_nese_s.” Instead of writing the right response, “New York Cheesecake,” they wrote “New York Cheesesteak.” In the process, such blunders have arguably become part of the show’s overall charm and entertainment value.