Entertainment

The Craziest ‘Big Brother’ Twists of All Time: Secret Pairs and Beyond on August 1, 2023 at 11:20 pm Us Weekly

Published

2 years ago

August 2, 2023

Although Big Brother follows a basic formula from year to year, fans know to expect the unexpected when it comes to production twists.

While some twists have jeopardized player’s games — see season 8’s “America’s Player,” Eric Stein — other houseguests have used the unforeseen circumstances to their advantage.

Jun Song, for example, pretended to hate her ex-boyfriend Jee Choe when he entered the house as part of the “X factor” twist during season 4. In actuality, the former couple had a secret side alliance for much of the competition and Jun went on to win the grand prize.

Keep scrolling to see the wildest twists in Big Brother history:

The Power of Veto

Once upon a time, the Power of Veto was not a core component of Big Brother, but a twist introduced during season 3 in 2002.

The twist — which allows the winner of the veto competition to save one nominee from the eviction block — has been used in every subsequent season and serves as a counter to the Head of Household’s power.

The Power of Veto gave season 5 houseguests Marvin Latimer and Nakomis Dedmon the ability to develop the Big Brother strategy known as the backdoor in 2004. That season, Jase Wirey became the first victim of the technique.

In a successful backdoor, the Head of Household nominates two pawns for eviction rather than their intended target. The HoH then arranges for the Power of Veto to be used on one of the pawns, thereby putting their target on the block without giving them a chance to compete for safety.

The X-Factor

Eight houseguests initially entered the Big Brother house during season 4 in 2003. The contestants were then told five more houseguests would be joining the competition, all of whom were ex-lovers of the original eight.

The twist quickly turned explosive, with Scott Weintraub going on a furniture-throwing tirade shortly after his ex-girlfriend Amanda Craig moved into the house. Weintraub was expelled from the game as a result of his actions.

The X-Factor twist returned in season 8 when Joe Barber discovered that his ex-boyfriend, Dustin Erikstrup, was also playing the game, and again in season 9 when exes Sharon Obermueller and Jacob Heald were paired up to compete as “soulmates.”

Project DNA

Bill Inoshita/CBS

Project DNA, comprised of Secret Siblings and the Twin Twist, was introduced during season 5.

For the Twin Twist, a pair of identical twins, Adria Klein and Natalie Carroll, both played as Adria, swapping places every few days unbeknownst to their fellow houseguests. The twins successfully made it to week five without the other contestants catching on, at which point they both entered the game as individuals. The twist returned during season 17 in 2015, when twins Liz Nolan and Julia Nolan placed second and sixth, respectively.

Project DNA, meanwhile, brought together estranged half-siblings Nakomis and Cowboy Ellis, who were unaware of each other’s existence before the show. Their connection was revealed during week two.

Summer of Secrets

During 2005’s season 6, each contestant had a secret partner in the game whom they knew prior to entering the house. The twist featured friends, couples, former coworkers, ex-roommates, neighborhoods and sorority sisters.

Initially, each secret pair thought they were the only duo with an outside connection. If both members of a twosome reached the final two, they received double the original prize money. The houseguests quickly figured out the twist and host Julie Chen Moonves confirmed it after the third live eviction.

America’s Player

CBS

The America’s Player twist was introduced during season 8 in 2007, with much of Eric’s game being controlled by viewers. At times, fan votes even influenced how Eric voted and who he targeted for eviction. While the twist was in many ways a disadvantage for Stein, he managed to finish in 5th place.

America’s Player returned during season 10 in 2008, with Dan Gheesling earning the title. However, unlike Eric, Dan was only America’s Player for one week, and he earned $20,000 for successfully passing all three of his missions, which included targeting Jessie Godderz and voting to evict him.

Coaches

Big Brother alums Dan, Mike “Boogie” Malin, Janelle Pierzina and Brittany Haynes all returned for season 14 in 2012 for the Coaches twist. Each of the four coached a group of new players and were told they’d win $100,000 if one of their players won the game. However, during week 3, the coaches were given an opportunity to play as individuals. Every coach except Mike took the offer, and all four coaches then entered the game.

During the season, Dan — who made it to the final two with season winner Ian Terry — executed one of the most iconic strategic moves in Big Brother history, known as Dan’s Funeral. After pretending to accept his own demise and making the house think he was on the outs with his No. 1 ally, Danielle Murphree, Dan convinced his former rival Frank Eudy to keep him in the game.

Battle of the Block

Introduced during season 16 in 2014, the Battle of the Block crowned two Head of Households each week for the first several weeks of the game. The HoHs each nominated two houseguests for eviction, and the nominated pairs then battled against each other to win safety and dethrone the HoH that nominated them. Frankie Grande notably won a BotB competition alone after his partner, Caleb Reynolds, learned he’d betrayed their alliance and refused to participate.

BotB, which returned during season 17, was controversial amid the Big Brother fan base, with some viewers feeling that the twist allowed for large alliances to maintain power from week to week, making for predictable and boring gameplay.

Split House

During season 24 in 2022, the cast was divided into a split house for the double eviction. The two groups played an entire week of the game completely cut off from each other, with five players inside the house at “BroChella” and five players in the backyard at “Dyre Fest.”

The twist led to Joseph Abdin’s demise as he was separated from several of his Leftovers alliance members. Leftovers member Kyle Capener used the Split House twist to out the alliance to his showmance partner, Alyssa Snider, and the Dyre Fest HoH, Terrance Higgins. The Dyre Fest group then targeted Joseph and he was evicted, which came as a shock to the other side of the house when the twist ended.

Although Big Brother follows a basic formula from year to year, fans know to expect the unexpected when it comes to production twists. While some twists have jeopardized player’s games — see season 8’s “America’s Player,” Eric Stein — other houseguests have used the unforeseen circumstances to their advantage. Jun Song, for example, pretended to hate

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Entertainment

Kanye West’s Shocking Ashley Olsen Confession

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

The Revelation
Kanye West (Ye) sent shockwaves through social media in April 2025 by claiming he had a past sexual relationship with Ashley Olsen, linking it directly to a lyric in his and Jay-Z’s 2011 hit “N—as in Paris.” On X (formerly Twitter), West wrote: “Okay, I used to f-ck Ashley that’s why the twins got the shoutout”—referencing the line “I would have married Kate and Ashley” from the Watch the Throne track.

The Timeline of Rumors

2011 Studio Sessions: Diplo confirmed the Olsen twins were present during the album’s recording, with West calling them his “thermometer for what white girls listen to”.
Birthday Party Speculation: An anonymous tipster claimed to witness Mary-Kate Olsen giving West a lap dance at his 34th birthday party in June 2011, though her representative denied romantic involvement.
2025 Confession: West’s recent posts reignited speculation, clarifying the shoutout was tied to Ashley—not Mary-Kate.

Public Reaction
Ashley Olsen has never publicly addressed the claims, leaving West’s assertion uncorroborated. Fans and media outlets expressed skepticism, noting West’s history of provocative statements and attention-seeking behavior. The revelation also sparked debates about its impact on his already-controversial legacy.

Why Now?
West’s confession aligns with his pattern of airing personal grievances and past relationships on social media. It follows recent rants against Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Frank Ocean, suggesting a broader effort to dominate headlines amid declining public favor.

Key Questions

Credibility: With no independent verification, the claim remains speculative.
Motivation: Analysts speculate West is leveraging nostalgia for Watch the Throne to redirect attention from his declining music sales and antisemitism controversies.
Impact: The Olsen twins, now largely out of the spotlight, face renewed scrutiny over a 14-year-old lyric.

Conclusion
Kanye West’s Ashley Olsen confession adds another layer to his turbulent public persona. While it fuels gossip, the lack of corroboration leaves it in the realm of unverified claims—a recurring theme in West’s recent behavior. Whether this boosts interest in his music or further alienates fans remains to be seen.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

Entertainment

Kim Kardashian Reaches Out to Bianca Censori After Split from Kanye West

Published

2 weeks ago

April 8, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Kim Kardashian has reportedly reached out to Bianca Censori following her recent split from Kanye West, but insiders claim the gesture was met with silence. According to sources close to Kim, the reality star sent a message of support to Bianca after hearing about her breakup with Kanye, offering empathy and a listening ear. Kim allegedly expressed that she understood the challenges of being in a relationship with West and wanted Bianca to know she wasn’t alone in navigating the aftermath.

The split between Kanye West and Bianca Censori has been making headlines, with reports pointing to Kanye’s increasingly erratic behavior as a major factor in their separation. From controversial social media posts to provocative lyrics in his latest song, BIANCA, Kanye has continued to stir public debate. The track, featured on his new album WW3, reportedly delves into the breakdown of his relationship with Censori, including references to a panic attack she allegedly experienced during one of their arguments. The song has sparked concern among fans and critics alike, who question the rapper’s treatment of those closest to him.

Kim’s decision to reach out to Bianca is reportedly rooted in her own experiences with Kanye. Having spent years navigating a high-profile marriage filled with ups and downs, Kim is said to feel uniquely connected to Bianca’s situation. Sources close to Kardashian revealed that she empathizes with the emotional toll of being involved with someone as polarizing as Kanye and wanted to extend her support. However, despite her attempts to connect, it appears that Bianca has not responded to Kim’s outreach.

While some speculate that Kim’s gesture may have been an attempt to stabilize co-parenting dynamics with Kanye or even mend fences amid ongoing tensions, others believe it was simply an act of kindness. Kim has often spoken publicly about wanting peace and stability for her family, especially for her four children—North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm—whom she shares with West. Her outreach could be seen as part of her broader effort to maintain harmony amidst the chaos surrounding Kanye’s personal life.

Bianca Censori has remained largely silent since news of her split from Kanye surfaced. Known for her bold fashion choices and low-profile demeanor, she has avoided addressing the breakup publicly or engaging in any drama surrounding Kanye’s latest controversies. Her silence on Kim’s message further underscores her preference for privacy during this challenging time.

The situation highlights the complex dynamics between Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and Bianca Censori—a trio caught in the spotlight of fame, controversy, and personal struggles. As fans continue to speculate about what may come next for all parties involved, Kim’s gesture serves as a reminder of her commitment to fostering understanding despite past challenges.

For more insights into this unfolding story and its implications for Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and Bianca Censori, visit bolanlemedia.com to read the full article.

Entertainment

Now That You Won at the Film Festival: What’s Next?

Published

3 weeks ago

April 2, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Winning at a film festival is a monumental achievement, marking a significant milestone in a filmmaker’s career. However, the journey doesn’t end there—it’s just the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities and challenges. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to focus on next, including real-world examples and insights from festivals like the Houston Comedy Film Festival.

1. Build and Strengthen Relationships

Winning a festival gives you credibility, but maintaining and expanding your network is essential for long-term success.

Engage with Industry Professionals: Use your win as leverage to connect with producers, distributors, and collaborators. Attend mixers, panels, and Q&A sessions to meet key players in the industry. For instance, the Houston Comedy Film Festival offers panel discussions featuring leading figures from various disciplines within the film industry, including distributors and media representatives.
Follow Up Strategically: After meeting contacts at the festival, send personalized follow-up emails or messages thanking them for their time and expressing interest in collaboration. Highlight your win as proof of your talent and dedication.
Collaborate with Fellow Filmmakers: Building friendships with peers often leads to collaborations and opens doors to new opportunities. For example, attending workshops or peer-focused events at festivals like the Houston Comedy Film Festival can help you find future collaborators.

2. Maximize Distribution Opportunities

A festival win signals quality and marketability, making it easier to secure distribution deals.

Prepare Your Materials: Ensure you have one-sheets, screening links, press kits, and a clear monetization strategy ready to present to potential buyers or partners. The Houston Comedy Film Festival, for instance, is open to submissions from around the world and offers a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work to industry professionals[4].
Negotiate Collaboratively: Be open to adjustments during negotiations with distributors or production companies while protecting your creative vision. Focus on creating win-win scenarios that benefit all parties involved.
Target Streaming Platforms: Streaming services are increasingly looking for award-winning films to add credibility to their catalogs. Use your win as leverage when pitching your film for distribution deals.

3. Enhance Visibility Through Strategic Promotion

Your award is a powerful marketing tool—use it effectively to boost your profile and attract new opportunities.

Update Your Online Presence: Showcase your win prominently on your website, social media profiles, and press kit. Use festival hashtags and share behind-the-scenes content to engage audiences and industry professionals alike.
Engage with Media Outlets: Reach out to local and industry press outlets with press releases or interviews about your win and future plans. Media coverage can amplify your visibility significantly.
Submit to Other Festivals: A win at one festival often opens doors to others. Use this momentum to expand your reach by submitting your film to additional festivals that align with its themes and audience focus.

4. Plan Strategically for Future Projects

Winning a festival is just the beginning—use this moment as a stepping stone for what comes next in your filmmaking journey.

Develop New Ideas: Start brainstorming concepts for your next project while the spotlight is still on you. Use the credibility of your win to attract investors or collaborators who want to be part of your success story. For example, winners at the Houston Comedy Film Festival have gone on to develop new projects, leveraging their win to secure funding or partnerships.
Seek Funding Opportunities: Many festivals offer grants or funding programs for winners—explore these options as potential sources of financing for future projects.
Join Advisory Programs: Some festivals provide mentorship opportunities or access to industry leaders who can guide you through the next stages of your career development.

5. Stay Flexible and Collaborative

While it’s important to stay true to your creative vision, filmmaking is inherently collaborative—adaptability is key when working with others in the industry.

Be Open to Feedback: Constructive feedback from distributors, mentors, or collaborators can help refine your work for broader appeal without compromising its essence.
Balance Vision with Practicality: Be willing to adjust certain aspects of your projects when necessary while ensuring that they align with market demands and audience expectations.
Foster Goodwill Among Collaborators: Ensure that all parties involved—your team, partners, and collaborators—feel valued throughout the process.

Conclusion

Winning a film festival is an incredible achievement, but it’s also a launchpad for greater opportunities if approached strategically. By focusing on building meaningful relationships, leveraging distribution opportunities, enhancing visibility through promotion, planning ahead for future projects, and staying adaptable in collaborations, filmmakers can turn their festival success into sustained career growth. Festivals like the Houston Comedy Film Festival offer a platform for filmmakers to connect with industry professionals and showcase their work, making them an integral part of this journey. Remember that every step forward requires persistence, adaptability, and clear communication—not just with others but also within yourself about what you want from this journey. Your win is not the end—it’s the beginning of something much bigger!