The wheel of fortune was not spinning in one contestant's favor this week.
On Tuesday, Dec. 21, "Wheel of Fortune" contestant Charlene Rubush was at the top of her game when she made it to the bonus round of the show with $16,500 already in her pocket. Then, a delayed, yet correct, answer to solve the final puzzle cost her a brand new Audi Q3.
At first, Rubush had incorrectly guessed “Choosing the right card," before trying again -- but with a long pause in the middle -- and solving the puzzle just as the buzzer dings. (For maximum confusion, the puzzle answer was "Choosing the right word.")
That long pause cost her everything.
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"You know, this one's tough, because you said all the right words, including the word 'word,' but, as you know, it's gotta be more or less continuous," host Pat Sajak explained as he broke the bad news.
He continued, "We'll allow for a little pause, but not four or five seconds. I'm sorry. You did a good job in getting it, but we can't give you the prize."
Then he revealed the prize and it was an Audi Q3.
Viewers of the show were outraged by the decision and took to Twitter to share their thoughts.
"Come on @WheelofFortune , the woman literally chose the right word," Jeopardy! contestant Alex Jacobs wrote. "Give her the car."
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A second fan referenced the holiday season as a reason for the show to be extra giving, adding, "It's Christmas. Give her the Audi. #WheelofFortune"
A third even suggested they would stop watching the show entirely after the decision. "Wheel of Fortune, you just lost a viewer. 'I am choosing the right word' to never watch this show again," they commented. "I'm done! I'm with that lady. She deserves that Audi! That rule is the most dumbest thing ever! She had it right before the time was up!"
By Wednesday evening, the social campaign #GiveHerTheQ3 caught the attention of Audi USA, and the company posted a tweet that read: "You're a winner in our eyes, Charlene. Now, Let's get you a prize."
In another post, the car company thanked the "Audi community" for helping track down Rubush and teased "more to come as we help #GiveHerTheQ3."
Call it a Christmas miracle.
"Wheel of Fortune" did not respond to E! News' request for comment.
