A little family fun fact…a few of my family members are Gameshow Champions! We had the exciting experience of participating on one of America’s favorite game shows…Family Feud, hosted by Steve Harvey. Meet the cast from left to right: cousin-in-love Kiki (also known as Mahogany Knots), first cousin Samantha, sister-in-love Nilaja and hubby Kobie who all participated in 3 episodes of the show.
Auditions: when Family Feud moved its studio location to Atlanta, GA where Nilaja and Kiki resides, Nilaja was immediately interested in auditions. She called us eagerly wanting us to complete the process for the chance to be on the show. My family loves to have fun together so of course we were down to try and see if we could get selected.
Our steps were:
- Write a fun engaging letter of interest- Nilaja wrote a letter introducing each potential member of the team. She was advised to write it in a way that would be memorable for the readers. After all…they read so many letters and meet so many people on a given day so you want it to stand out.
- That tip did the trick because we were selected for a mock game-show. We went to Atlanta to participate in a demo episode. This was video-recorded for the purpose of the producers having the opportunity to see our on-camera chemistry. We were in a large room with other families who were all randomly selected to play against each other in mock rounds of the show. We were given the rules of the game and instructed to remain positive and use high energy. If you know my family, then you know that was super easy for us to do.
- Don’t call us, we will call you- pretty much sums up the message received as we exited the building. We were told that if we were selected for an upcoming episode, we would be notified by a phone call and receive additional information via email. (I would suggest you designate a family member that answers unknown numbers and check emails regularly as the person of contact.)
- Once selected, we were advised to pack bright colored clothing (like skittles) to pop on camera. Coordinating colors was optional but looks much better on screen.
- We watched tons of episodes of the show and played practice rounds using the app to mentally prepare before recording our episodes. I will say though, that once under the bright lights, in front of a live studio audience, and standing on the stage to personally answer the questions on television, it’s a totally different, yet exhilarating, experience.
Each audition process varies. Be sure to research the updated version when preparing your family.
There are many benefits to playing games with family members including creating happy memories, laughing and bonding together and strengthening your family unit. Of course, we wanted to win the car but we came up two games too short. We had a blast participating and winning over $20,000 for our family but most importantly, we loved being able to enjoy it together.
The added bonus, listening to Steve speak during commercial breaks and between shows. Not only is he HILARIOUS but he shared a lot of his personal life story with the participants and studio audience just as he does on the Steve Harvey Morning Show.
Now that it’s recorded, what’s next? Well, just because you record an episode doesn’t necessarily mean it will be viewed. I know…bummer! We waited almost 6 months before being notified that ours were selected. It was brutal going that long not being able to say a word about the fun we had while taping.
Once it was appropriate to share the details, we invited family, friends and the community to watch it with us. It was super fun hosting a viewing party at Richland Library when the episodes first aired on television.
Every once in a while, you will get a question that you have no idea how you are going to answer it. But you have to do it with a smile and confidence…and your team has to say “good answer” regardless of how bad it may be. Mine came when we were asked, “What would a senior citizen take to a strip club?” The first time it came to me, I was prepared. I quickly answered “cash” and secured us points on the board. I didn’t think that question would come back around to me and when it did, I had no clue what to say, so I responded ” condoms”. A big dong came with a bright red “X” on the board. That’s when Steve told the entire world on live television that I’ve never been to a strip club…EMBARRASSING…but that would be correct. This is the face you make when put in that awkward position.
It’s super cool seeing the re-runs years after recording the original shows. We always appreciate friends and family letting us know when they are back on in their area. Particularly when they send screenshots from the show.
We always get asked, “what did you do with your earnings?” Kobie and I invested our prize money in a franchise location of Wine & Design (as seen on Shark Tank).
Best wishes if you and your family decide to audition. I hope to see you all on the show making great family memories. Thanks so much to those of you who watched our episodes. Maybe one day you will see us on the Champion Round. Survey says…good answer! Xoxo