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A Surprising Encounter
Vanna White, the beloved hostess of Wheel of Fortune, recently revealed an interesting conversation she had with the rapper Nelly. Despite his famous lyric in “Ride Wit Me” suggesting that they sat together in first class, White clarified that this was not the case. Curiosity got the better of her, prompting her to approach Nelly at an Easter party years ago, where she asked him about their supposed airplane encounter. To her amusement, Nelly confirmed that it was merely a rhyme and not a reality.
Nelly’s Lyric and White’s Reaction
Nelly’s catchy track, “Country Grammar,” features the line, “Payin’ cash; first class — sittin’ next to Vanna White.” White, 59, expressed her appreciation for the song and the shout-out it gave her. Her children, in particular, were thrilled to hear their mother’s name mentioned on the radio. White considers it one of the highlights of her career, especially as it earned her cool points with her kids.
White’s Evolution on Wheel of Fortune
White’s appearance on Wheel of Fortune has made her a pop culture icon during her remarkable 33-year tenure. Over the years, the show has undergone significant changes, from White’s glamorous wardrobe and the vibrant spin wheel to the introduction of touch-screen technology. White now simply brushes her finger to reveal puzzle answers, a far cry from manually turning the letter puzzle board as she did in the early days.
Vanna White Goes Digital
Embracing the digital age, White has expanded her presence with a new mobile game called Puzzle Pop!. In this app adaptation of Wheel of Fortune, fans have the opportunity to play the iconic game on their phones. White, who serves as an avatar in the game, believes it offers a fun and much-needed escape from the chaos of the world.
Behind the Scenes with Vanna White
In a recent Q&A interview, White provided insights into her experiences on Wheel of Fortune:
Choosing Gowns for the Show
When it comes to selecting her dazzling gowns for the show, White discloses that she has worn over 6,000 unique dresses throughout her 33-year run. However, she never repeats an outfit. Approximately 40 to 50 dresses are sent to the studio at a time, and White, along with the show’s team, picks the top 12 for the upcoming two-day cycle of recording. Sadly, she doesn’t get to keep any of them.
Dress Limitations and Favorites
White strives to avoid off-the-shoulder dresses to ensure freedom of movement while turning the letters on the show. Otherwise, she embraces a wide variety of cuts, colors, and fabrics. One of her recent favorite gowns was a white, form-fitting dress adorned with feather accents, reminiscent of a cherished Barbie dress from her childhood. On the other hand, she dislikes extremely tight dresses that require her to hold in her stomach for an extended period.
Wardrobe Malfunctions and Quick Fixes
While wardrobe malfunctions are par for the course in show business, White mentions that they have had to temporarily halt tapings to address such issues. In some instances, they’ve gone as far as sewing her into a dress after a zipper mishap. Thankfully, she’s never had to change outfits entirely during a taping.
Staying Fit for the Show
To maintain her physical fitness for her role on Wheel of Fortune, White incorporates various workouts into her routine. Spinning and Pilates are among her preferred exercises, along with pushups, sit-ups, and arm weights to keep her upper arms toned for strapless dresses, which she frequently wears.
Vanna White’s Shoe Collection
Behind the scenes, White’s dressing room boasts an extensive collection of shoes. Instead of transporting her shoes to and from the studio, she keeps a wide array of choices on-site. At home, she primarily owns flats, boots, and a limited selection of high heels.
Nailing the Right Manicure
In terms of nail color, White prefers a classic French manicure that complements any outfit. She discloses that she has never tried gel nails before.
Addressing Rumors
Over the years, rumors have occasionally circulated about White and her Wheel of Fortune co-host, Pat Sajak. One persistent rumor involved the two indulging in alcohol before tapings. White firmly denies these claims, explaining that she and Sajak would occasionally spend time at a local Mexican restaurant to pass the two-hour break between shows. However, they never allowed themselves to become intoxicated. She further emphasizes that not only have they never argued, but their working relationship has been consistently fantastic throughout their long partnership.
Wheel of Fortune airs on weeknights. Please consult your local listings for more information.