The moment Ryan Seacrest announced the first Powerball millionaire winner of 2024, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation. Pamela Bradshaw of North Carolina was the lucky lady who struck gold, or rather, a million dollars. But the thrill of winning was too much for her to handle, and she promptly collapsed on stage in a heap of overwhelming emotions.
As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Rockin Eve, Seacrest revealed the news that one of the five finalists was about to become $1 million richer in a second chance drawing. The tension in the air was palpable as a bunch of red balls were mixed in a see-through container before one dropped, revealing Bradshaw as the winner. The North Carolina native was so elated that she couldn’t contain her excitement and took an embarrassing tumble on stage.
Seacrest and her daughter Joanna rushed to pick Bradshaw up as she scrambled to her feet and then proceeded to cover Seacrest in kisses while repeatedly exclaiming “oh my God.” It was a moment of sheer jubilation that none of the audience members would soon forget.
Seacrest, caught off guard by the unexpected display of affection, didn’t know whether to laugh or be concerned for his safety. He attempted to bring the focus back to the second chance drawing losers on stage by pointing out the perks they had enjoyed, such as witnessing the ball drop in Times Square and a live performance by Green Day. He even joked, “And Pamela may pass out,” trying to bring some levity to the situation.
Overall, the announcement of the first Powerball millionaire winner of 2024 was a rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected moments. Pamela Bradshaw’s enthusiastic reaction and subsequent stage-dive will surely go down in Powerball history as one of the most memorable and entertaining moments. And as for Ryan Seacrest, let’s hope he had a backup plan for unexpected displays of affection from the winners!
