Sia has decided to stop giving cash prizes to her favorite Survivor contestants. “It marks the end of one of the most unique chapters in Survivor history,” host Jeff Probst wrote in an Instagram post a few days ago. “After eight years, 14 seasons, 19 players, and over $1,000,000 awarded, Survivor is officially ending the Sia Prize era.”
The pop star began giving out monetary awards during the finales, starting with season 32, when she unexpectedly took the stage to present $50,000 to fan favorite Tai Trang. “I still vividly recall the day Sia stood up from the audience during the live finale of Survivor: Kaôh Rōng and made her way onstage,” Probst wrote. “She was so moved by Tai’s dedication to protecting a chicken that she gave him $50,000 of her own money. Tai was stunned, the audience was stunned, and I was stunned! What was happening? Sia was on stage in her wig, handing out money to a Survivor player!”
“That was the start of what became fondly known as ‘The Sia Prize,’” he continued. “Over the years, Sia has brought so much joy to many players, always straight from her heart. We are incredibly grateful and admire Sia as we conclude this unique relationship a TV show could have with a global pop star like Sia.”
“I’m truly honored for Survivor to have had this unique association with Sia,” Probst concluded. “She’s in the Survivor Hall of Fame of Superfans!”
The final unofficial Sia Prizes were awarded during the Survivor season 45 finale in December. Last week’s Survivor season 46 finale had no Sia Prize, although finalist Ben Katzman released a new song to celebrate.