In a remarkable turn of events on the "Jeopardy!" stage, Drew Goins, a journalist, walked off humorously after missing a straightforward clue about Céline Dion.
Drew Goins, a "Jeopardy!" contestant and journalist, experienced a notable moment in the 2025 Champions Wildcard tournament when he incorrectly answered a $2,000 question about Céline Dion, despite referencing her earlier in the episode, New York Post reported.
Drew Goins hails from Hawaii and works for the Washington Post. His participation in the "Jeopardy!" The 2025 Champions Wildcard tournament caught significant attention, notably for a memorable mishap during one of the rounds.
Goins had earlier acknowledged Céline Dion in the show, following a humorous suggestion from John, the producer. This set the stage for a later incident involving a song clue that took an unexpected turn.
The clue in question required contestants to identify the title of a 1994 song by Céline Dion that shared its name with a hit by Huey Lewis: "The Power of Love." While Goins had mentioned Dion earlier, he stumbled when it came time to connect her to this particular song.
When the moment came, Goins attempted to answer but then humorously acted as if he would leave the stage, eliciting laughter and light-hearted comments from the host, Ken Jennings. In jest, Jennings said, "Oh, she's going to be mad, Drew," referring to Céline Dion's likely reaction to his forgetfulness.
This was not Goins's first time facing difficulty with pop culture references on "Jeopardy!" Nearly a year prior, he had incorrectly answered a question regarding Taylor Swift's album "Fearless."
However, redemption came on January 6, when Goins successfully answered another question about Taylor Swift's "1989" album. This triumph prompted Ken Jennings to exclaim, "Redemption for Drew!" marking a high point in his game show journey.
Despite the hiccup with the Céline Dion question, Goins finished the tournament strongly. He secured second place, winning $40,000 and qualifying for the prestigious Tournament of Champions scheduled on February 3.
His performance in the tournament demonstrated a strong resilience and a deep knowledge base, spanning various topics beyond the occasional entertainment-related challenges.
Goins expressed deep gratitude towards his brother Zach, who supported him throughout his "Jeopardy!" journey. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he mentioned how Zach had sacrificed time and resources to help him prepare, crafting practice boards and providing moral support.
On social media, Goins detailed the support received from his brother: "I legitimately would not have been able to accomplish anything like this on Jeopardy! (or in life!) were it not for you." He shared that Zach traveled across the country for each taping, dedicating his time off and funds that could have been used for vacations, all to aid Drew's preparations.
This familial support was a pivotal element in Goins's success, highlighting how behind many successful contestants, there are loved ones who contribute significantly to their achievements.
As Drew Goins prepares to advance to the Tournament of Champions, his journey on "Jeopardy!" is closely followed by fans and supporters who appreciate not only his intellect but also his ability to handle stress with humor and grace.
The Tournament of Champions represents a significant opportunity for Goins to showcase his knowledge and potentially redeem any past mistakes fully. Fans of the show are eagerly anticipating his performance, hoping that his deep knowledge base and quick wit will carry him far.
As the date approaches, supporters from Hawaii and beyond are rallying behind Goins, excited to see how he will fare against some of the best minds in the trivia world.
Whether discussing pop culture, science, or literature, Drew Goins's "Jeopardy!" journey underscores the unpredictable, challenging, and always intriguing nature of the game, making each episode a learning experience not only for the contestants but also for the viewers at home.
