Jeopardy! contestant reveals shocking secrets about Ken Jennings and strict rules

Anna Paone had a dream come true when she was chosen to appear on Jeopardy! earlier this month.

On July 9 she went up against champion Isaac Hirsch , a customer support team lead from Burbank, California, and Kathy Davis, a chemistry professor from North Manchester, Indiana.

The stay-at-home mom from Sunnyside, New York , came in second place behind Isaac. Even though she didn't win, the 33-year-old enjoyed her experience and was eager to share what it's like behind-the-scenes on the show.

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It took Anna a few times to audition and get on the show. She first auditioned in 2017 and during that time the test was only available a few times a year.

But then the test became available for anyone at any time of day, and Anna's husband pushed her to try out again. "I took it in 2022, then did a Zoom audition where you type in answers but they just want to see your face to make sure you’re not reading off of anything," she told the New York Post , "Then I did a ‘gameplay’ Zoom audition in which you pretend to buzz in and they ask you questions about yourself.”

Once she got accepted, she made her way to California where the show was "so kind and accommodating." Anna added: "The show tapes five episodes per day, and you get to spend time in the greenroom with everyone else who is filming that day. It was great to meet so many people from around the country and all walks of life."

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Anna also shared her strategy that she thought would help her win, but ended up being a double-edged sword. "I drank a lot of coffee the morning of the shooting so that I would be fast on the buzzer, but that made me a little more antsy. I had to balance staying alert and remembering what I’d studied without being too anxious.”

Anna had only positive things to say about the host, Ken Jennings. "He came out to wish us luck during the morning’s rehearsal," she said, "I was surprised and excited to see him. he takes pictures with every contestant. During mine, he asked me how old my daughter is."