The price was right for Michelle Lemay

KAPAHI– Michelle Lemay, a 42-year-old Kapahi resident who works at Collette, a tour company from the mainland, was a recent contestant and winner on the CBS family show “Price is Right.” The show aired on Monday and her family and friends around the world already have contacted her by phone, emails and social media to congratulate her.

“I am very grateful to everyone. I was surprised by all the support. People are writing to me on Facebook and people who I haven’t seen in years contacted me. I am blown away by all the support,” Lemay said.

Lemay came out a winner in more ways than one.

She guessed the price a set of rings — one with diamonds and one with other gemstones — at $1,250 and was right on the money. Because she got it right, she won $500. She also won a 2020 Toyota Tyrus and jewelry.

“I was most excited when they called my name, but winning a car that was something we needed. My husband was going to sell his island car, so this was an amazing win for us. And I got some jewelry — rings,” Lemay said.

Monday, the show aired at 10 a.m. Hawai‘i time and Lemay had many friends and family tuning in. It can still be viewed through the CBS app or various other media.

“My mom Carole Lemay had a watch party in Florida at 6 a.m. with her partner and her friends. Now that it aired, the show will contact me and I should be getting my car and prizes shortly,” Lemay said.

In early of October 2019, Lemay went online to get a ticket to the show. She knew she was going to be in Los Angeles later that month. Standing in the holding area, Lemay said the crew secretly observed the crowd and Lemay was interviewed before they got into the studio. Then, her name was called out from the L.A. audience and she was brought on stage to play the game.

The episode filmed in November and Lemay had to keep the whole thing a secret — winnings included — until it aired Feb. 17.

The only person Lemay was able to tell was her husband, Ron Lemay.

“My husband was so excited, but it was tough keeping it a secret for three months,” she said.

If she could repeat the thrilling experience and be on another show, Lemay says she would love to be in the audience of the “Masked Singer,” and “Wheel of Fortune.”