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Las Vegas resident gets a chance to win on ‘Price is Right’

Wilbert Powell, a U.S. Army veteran and Las Vegas resident, trekked four hours to the CBS studio in Los Angeles with his wife a month ago to be in the audience of one of their favorite game shows, “The Price is Right.” Then Drew Carey called his name and told him to “come on down.”

The episode featuring Powell airs at 10 a.m. Friday on KLAS, Channel 8, and it promises to be exciting, with “most money ever given away on the wheel,” according to the TV Guide listing. Powell won’t tell you how he did on the show, but we did get him to talk about being on the national stage.

Review-Journal: What do you like about “The Price is Right”?

Powell: The show itself. I like Drew Carey, especially. Most game shows make you want to participate when you’re at home because it makes you feel like you’re part of the show.

Why did you want to go on the show?

Who wouldn’t? I’m not born and raised in Las Vegas, and I’ve never been on this side of the world. This is a first-time experience of being on the West Coast where now I can participate in West Coast culture. To me, this was fantastic.

How did it all happen?

You get the tickets online. You pick a taping time … and go. What’s so great about the West Coast is you can get tickets to partake in shows and experience what live television is all about.

Did you think you’d get called?

Nobody knows. I didn’t know (it would happen). The exciting part is just being there and feeling the energy. I wish everyone could experience it because it’s wonderful.

Was it shocking when you were picked?

If you watch me on the show, you’ll see the answer to your question.

Was it more challenging or intimidating than you thought it would be?

I’m 6-foot-6 and 200 pounds — nothing intimidates me. I thrive off of excitement, and it was very exciting. I loved seeing people laughing and strangers sitting next to you having fun.

What was the best part, aside from playing “The Price is Right”?

It’s the energy. You’re sitting around a bunch of people who don’t know you, and you don’t know them. They’re all different creed, color, race. You’re just sitting there laughing and sparking up good conversation with people, and that’s what humanity is about.

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