Renata Saldanha emerged victorious in the highly anticipated final of Big Brother Brasil 25 (BBB 25), held on the night of April 22, 2025. The announcement was made by host Tadeu Schmidt, who has overseen four seasons of the reality show. Renata's win marks a significant milestone in the history of the show, as it shifts the balance of champions from 12 men and 12 women to 13 women and 12 men.
This year's edition of BBB was particularly notable for its unique format, allowing contestants to enter in pairs for the first time. Tadeu Schmidt highlighted the dynamics this created, stating, "For the first time in history, participants entered in pairs, which brought totally different relationship dynamics. Brothers, friends, parents and children, husband and wife, formed pairs of all kinds from all corners of Brazil." The final featured three contestants: Renata, Guilherme, and João Pedro.
Throughout the season, the show experienced intense moments, including competitive Paredões (elimination rounds) and dramatic twists. Tadeu noted the differences between the "Voto da Torcida" (public vote) and "Voto Único" (single vote), emphasizing that there were instances where the results diverged. He remarked, "There were Paredões that turned during the live show, showcasing the unpredictability of this season."
In his emotional speech, Tadeu praised the finalists, referring to Guilherme as the "amigão de todos" (everyone's buddy), highlighting his popularity among viewers. He noted, "Guilherme is the guy who seeks justice for himself and his loved ones. He defends those he cares about fiercely." João Pedro's close bond with his brother, João Gabriel, was also acknowledged, with Tadeu stating, "João Pedro has never been separated from his brother since they were in their mother's womb. This kid is tough and has shown incredible strength throughout the competition."
Renata, who is 33 years old and stands at 1.62 meters tall, was affectionately referred to as the "caixinha de música" (music box) due to her graceful presence in the house. Tadeu remarked, "Renata, you did everything that could be asked of someone in a dynamic like this. You listened, absorbed information, and returned to action. You are an inspiration to many children from the Barroso community, showing them how to fight for a better life."
As the winner, Renata will receive a grand prize of R$ 2,720,000, making this season the second highest in terms of prize money awarded in the show's history. The runner-up, Guilherme, took home R$ 150,000, while third-place finisher João Pedro received R$ 50,000. Last year's winner, Davi Brito, holds the record for the largest prize ever awarded on the show, with R$ 2,920,000.
Renata's journey on the show has resonated with many, as she concluded the season with over one million followers on social media. Her account, @renatasaldanha, has been a platform for her fans to connect with her beyond the show. With her newfound fame, Renata's life is set to change dramatically, as Tadeu implied, saying, "Your audience has expanded from just family and friends to all of Brazil. The music box will never close again, and the dancer will forever dance in the public's memory."
Looking ahead, the casting for Big Brother Brasil 2026 is already underway, with registrations currently open. There is speculation about the possibility of an All-Stars edition featuring former contestants from various seasons, although this idea faces contractual challenges related to the show's original format. Regardless of the format, the opportunity for new contestants remains, as the application process for anonymous participants continues. Potential candidates are encouraged to indicate former contestants they admire and those with whom they feel they would have less affinity.
The excitement surrounding BBB 25 has set the stage for the next season, and as Renata's victory demonstrates, the reality show continues to evolve and capture the hearts of viewers across Brazil. With its compelling narratives, emotional connections, and dramatic twists, Big Brother Brasil remains a cultural phenomenon that reflects the diverse stories of its participants.
