Behind the Scenes: 'The Amazing Race' Host Phil Keoghan's Dollar Bet Tradition Revealed
'The Amazing Race' host Phil Keoghan shares his tradition of placing 'dollar' bets on the winners, despite often guessing wrong. Dive into the world of this exhilarating competition and discover the fun side of predicting champions with Phil Keoghan.
The host of The Amazing Race, Phil Keoghan, has a personal investment in the reality competition series’ outcome.
Keoghan, 56, shared exclusively with We on Thursday, March 7, while promoting season 36 of the CBS show, that he and the crew make fun bets for a dollar on the contestants' performance. They often make assumptions about who will do well, but they are usually far from accurate.
One of Keoghan's favorite parts of hosting The Amazing Race is when contestants exceed his expectations. This season, Ricky Rotandi and Cesar Aldrete from New York City surprised him with their energy and enthusiasm. Keoghan initially thought they were into luxury and shopping, but they tackled every challenge on the race with determination and surprised everyone with their fearless approach.
The Amazing Race Host Phil Keoghan Says He Places Dollar Bets on the Winner
CBS Entertainment
The season 36 cast includes 13 two-person teams, all competing for the $1 million grand prize. Among them, Ricky and Cesar were highlighted by Keoghan, along with married couple Rod and Leticia Gardner.
Keoghan described the Gardners as a couple full of energy and love for each other, with a playful spark and constant banter. He was impressed by their incredible physiques and the dynamic energy they brought to the team. Keoghan believes they have the potential to be a great team in the competition.
Keoghan values the enthusiasm of fans who would love to switch places with contestants on the show. He believes that every team should have earned their spot and should appreciate the privilege. Keoghan expressed that he would call out any team who takes their spot for granted, as he knows how many people dream of being on the show and see it as a special opportunity.
Keoghan teased that audiences will "fall in love" with the cast in season 36. He mentioned that teams will show care for each other, feeling torn between helping and focusing on the race. The cast members are described as heartfelt and good storytellers.
The season 36 contestants of The Amazing Race will be heading to Barbados and the Dominican Republic, two locations that have never been featured on the show before. Wholesome cast members are a common sight on the show, but the new destinations promise to bring a fresh and exciting twist to the competition.
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Keoghan shared with Us that Barbados was his top destination of the season. Part of the reason is because Rihanna is from there.
"I'm a huge fan of Rihanna and I was really hoping I might bump into her," he joked. "Rihanna, where are you? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she might catch the show and give a shoutout. Rihanna, if you're tuning in, please reach out and say hello. We admire you, we adore Barbados, and we aim to do you proud when showcasing your homeland on The Amazing Race."
Season 36 of The Amazing Race premieres on CBS Wednesday, March 13, at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Editor's P/S:
Phil Keoghan's personal investment in the outcome of "The Amazing Race" adds an intriguing layer to the competition. His bets with the crew reflect the camaraderie and passion he shares for the show, while his admiration for contestants who exceed expectations highlights the transformative power of the race. Keoghan's emphasis on the value of each team's participation and his appreciation for the enthusiasm of fans further underscore the significance of the show as a platform for both competition and personal growth.
The upcoming season 36 promises to deliver exciting new challenges and heartwarming moments as the contestants navigate uncharted territories in Barbados and the Dominican Republic. Keoghan's personal connection to Barbados through his admiration for Rihanna adds a touch of whimsy to the season, while the cast's wholesome nature and compelling stories ensure that viewers will be captivated from start to finish. With its blend of adventure, camaraderie, and human connection, "The Amazing Race" continues to captivate audiences, offering a unique and unforgettable television experience.
