On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, viewers of the beloved quiz show Jeopardy! were left in disbelief as all three contestants failed to answer the Final Jeopardy question correctly, despite its seemingly obvious answer. The category for the final clue was "The Grammys," and the question posed was: "Best New Artist at the 7th annual Grammys, this band would be nominated the next six years but not again until the 39th and 67th events."
The contestants for this episode were Dan Moren, a podcaster from Somerville, Massachusetts; Michelle Tsai, a tutor originally from Honolulu, Hawai'i; and one-day champion Sarah Gillis, a mortgage loan processor from Asbury Park, New Jersey. As the clock ticked down, the pressure was palpable, and the stakes were high. However, in a twist that surprised many viewers, none of the contestants managed to answer correctly.
Sarah Gillis took a shot in the dark, answering, "Who is the Marine Marching Band?" This guess was particularly puzzling, as the ensemble has never received a Grammy nomination. Her wager of all her money brought her total score down to $0. Michelle Tsai followed suit with a guess of "Who is Bruce Springsteen," which, while a nod to a legendary artist, missed the mark as it ignored the crucial detail that the clue specified a band. After losing $5,000, Michelle's total was reduced to $8,600.
Dan Moren, the last contestant to respond, answered, "Who are the Rolling Stones?" While he was closer than his fellow contestants, it was still incorrect. The Rolling Stones were first nominated for a Grammy in 1979 and have never been nominated for more than two consecutive years. Despite this, they did win Best Rock Album earlier this year for their album Hackney Diamonds. Interestingly, Dan placed a rare $0 wager on this question, which ultimately allowed him to maintain a winning total of $17,200.
The correct answer, as many viewers quickly pointed out, was "Who are The Beatles?" The iconic band won the Best New Artist award at the 1965 ceremony and enjoyed nominations every year from 1966 to 1971. They were later nominated again in 1997, winning three Grammys for The Beatles Anthology and the song "Free as a Bird," and just recently won Best Rock Performance for their song "Now and Then."
The outcome of this Final Jeopardy question ignited a lively debate among fans on social media. Many viewers expressed their shock and disbelief that all three contestants missed what they deemed an "obvious" question. One Reddit user remarked, "How on earth did all three of them miss that Final? The most obvious guess was correct!" Another chimed in, saying, "Tonight's Final Jeopardy was obviously The Beatles and neither of them got it. What the hell?"
While some fans defended the contestants, suggesting that people born after 1990 might not have been aware of the answer unless they had a specific interest in pop music from the latter half of the 20th century, others argued that being a contestant on Jeopardy! comes with the expectation of having a broad knowledge base. One user stated, "If you are in Jeopardy, I expect you to know things, regardless of age."
Another Redditor emphasized the cultural significance of The Beatles, stating, "They're the Beatles. It's not like some random band from the 1960s. Their music is ubiquitous. There is no other band that has had their level of cultural relevance or impact."
This particular episode of Jeopardy! serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of trivia and the diverse range of knowledge that contestants bring to the stage. Even the most seasoned trivia enthusiasts can draw a blank on certain questions. The show, which has captivated audiences for decades, continues to surprise and entertain with its challenging clues and the unexpected outcomes they can produce.
As fans eagerly await the next episode, one thing is clear: the world of trivia is full of surprises, and no matter how much knowledge one possesses, there are always areas where one can stumble. Whether it's a slip of the tongue or a momentary lapse in memory, the game remains a testament to the joy of learning and the thrill of competition.
In the end, the missed Final Jeopardy answer not only sparked discussions online but also highlighted the enduring legacy of The Beatles in popular culture. With their music still resonating with audiences today, the band's impact on the music industry is undeniable, and their recognition at the Grammys remains a significant part of their storied history.
