"I'm truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," Seacrest wrote. "I can't wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White."
"What a poor choice. #justiceforvanna," one person wrote.
Now, by all accounts, Seacrest is more than fit to take over the position. Seacrest initially pursued acting but launched into the pop culture stratosphere when he became the beloved host of "American Idol." He's successfully positioned himself as a jack of all trades, consistently appearing on Entertainment Tonight, replacing Regis Philbin to host "Live with Ryan and Kelly" for six years, and host a long-running radio program called "On Air with Ryan Seacrest."
White's arrival on the show sparked "Vanna-mania," a pop culture phenomenon in the 1980s when the general public became enamored with the co-host. A December 1986 Los Angeles Times article reported that when former Chicago Tribune columnist Bob Greene surveyed young girls to determine their most important role model, around 90% listed White as their choice.
While White doesn't get as many lines as Sajak, she's continued growing with the brand through spin-offs like "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune," proving how integral she is to the show's formula. At this point, White is synonymous with "Wheel of Fortune."
She's taken steps in recent years to bolster her personal branding and online personality.
White's main role on "Wheel of Fortune" includes tapping turquoise squares to reveal letters that will complete a puzzle, so she doesn't get as many chances to show her personality in comparison to Sajak, who often interacts with the guests and audience.
She previously hosted the series when Sajak underwent surgery in 2019.
White took center stage in "Wheel of Fortune" in December 2019 when Sajak underwent surgery for a blocked intestine. She filled in for three weeks and although The New York Times noted she wasn't as "well-seasoned" as Sajak, she eventually found her footing and joked about her mishaps.
While three weeks isn't a full season, White's shown she can captain the ship if need be.
White's appeal to women helps engage its older female audience, Puck reported.
Vanna White (pictured).
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Chrysalis Butterfly Ball
According to an article published by Puck this month, White's presence has a tangible impact on the show's audience. The outlet reported that Sony's research found that White's appeal to women contributes to the show's older female viewership.
At the very least, White deserves a pay raise.
Vanna White on ABC's "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune."
Christopher Willard/Getty Images
In the end, White didn't get Sajak's hosting gig, but Sony should give her a raise nonetheless.
According to Puck, White hasn't received a pay raise in 18 years and is currently negotiating her contract to continue work after the 2023-2024 season. A source confirmed to Insider that she hired Bryan Freedman, a litigator who represented Tucker Carlson and Chris Cuomo in the past, to help.
White currently makes about $3 million, while the article reported that Sajak made nearly five times as much. Some might argue that Sajak's bolstered salary bump is fair, but given White's longstanding influence on the program and general appeal, she deserves more for 41 years of work.
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