For Lisa Wagner, it paid to lose.

The Olyphant resident is $5,000 richer after Thursday’s broadcast of “Live with Kelly and Ryan.”

Wagner submitted to “Live’s @ Home Holiday Trivia” contest a few times in the past and was selected to participate in on-air trivia in December. Wagner lost, but was awarded consolation prizes. Not only did she win a $500 gift card to Home Chef but she also was entered into a chance to win a separate drawing for all the contestants who had lost that month.

“Weeks went by and I didn’t hear anything about it or see my name so I just figured I didn’t win,” she said.

Then, on Thursday, her granddaughter was with her, sitting at the table doing her schoolwork. “Live” was on in the background. Wagner was looking down at her phone, but her granddaughter saw Wagner’s name on TV.

“She yelled, ‘Ma, you won,’” Wagner said, laughing. “Then, my phone started blowing up.”

 

Still from "LIVE! With Kelly and Ryan"

 

While Wagner said there’s a delay before she’ll receive her prize, she’s excited about and in shock from the experience.

“I almost dropped dead when I saw my name,” she said. “I can’t believe it. I still can’t believe it.”