The "Sia Award" Went to These Three Contestants From 'Survivor 45'
Updated Dec. 22 2023, 11:29 a.m. ET
Another Season of Survivor is in the books, and while we couldn't be happier for this season's winner, there are still a few loose ends to tie up before we're ready to move on to Season 46.
Specifically: Who won the Sia Award this year? For anyone who's unfamiliar, Sia (yes, the musician) is a huge fan of the show and has traditionally gifted money to one or more players from each season for several years now — just because she can! Who won this year?
Katurah Topps, Jake O'Kane, and Kaleb Gebrewold were awarded the Sia money for Season 45 of 'Survivor.'
Shortly after the Season 45 finale aired, Sia video-called Katurah and awarded her with $100,000! While that's obviously a great prize, Katurah says that Sia also said she was her favorite player of the season — what an honor!
Sia's generosity didn't stop there. In addition to gifting Katurah $100,000, Sia also reached out to both third-place player Jake O'Kane and Mr. Shot-in-the-Dark himself, Kaleb Gebrewold and gave them $15,000 each. Congrats to all three players!
What is the "Sia Award" on 'Survivor'?
The Sia Award is one of our favorite parts of the game — and it’s not even technically a real part of the game. Basically, Sia is a huge fan of the show. To celebrate her love of the show, she sometimes gives players in the game money.
It all started during Survivor: Kaoh Rong. According to Jeff, Sia texted him from the audience while they were filming the live finale saying, “I want to give some money to a player! Right now, during the reunion.”
The player in question was Tai Trang, who had saved a chicken from being eaten, named it Mark (after Survivor producer Mark Burnett), and released it after the Final Tribal Council. Sia donated $50,000 to Tai and another $50,000 to an animal charity because of their mutual love for animals.
Since then, Sia has awarded several other players various dollar amounts based on her admiration for them (and the entertainment value they provide).
Here's a list of all of the "Sia Award" winners on 'Survivor.'
- Season 32 (Koah Rong) — Tai Trang — $50,000 (plus $50,000 to charity)
- Season 36 (Ghost Island) — Donathan Hurley — $14,000
- Season 37 (David vs. Goliath) — Davie Rickenbacker — $14,000
- Season 38 (Edge of Extinction) — Rick Devens ($100,000), Aurora McCreary ($15,000), Joe Anglim ($15,000 to charity)
- Season 39 (Island of the Idols) — Janet Carbin ($100,000), Elaine Stott ($100,000), Jamal Shipman ($15,000)
- Season 42 — Drea Wheeler — $100,000
- Season 43 — Jesse Lopez ($100,000), Owen Knight ($50,000), Ryan Medrano ($50,000)
- Season 44 — Carolyn Wiger ($100,000), Carson Garrett ($15,000), Lauren Harpe ($15,000)
- Season 45 — Katurah Topps ($100,000), Jake O'Kane ($15,000), Kaleb Gebrewold ($15,000)