Survivor 50: Rick Devens and Cirie Fields Eliminated as Fan Vote for $100K Prize Opens

Key facts

• Rick Devens and Cirie Fields were voted out in Survivor 50, Episode 12.
• The show's prize money for Season 50 is $2 million.
• Fans can vote for their favorite player to win an additional $100,000 Sia Prize.
• Voting for the Sia Prize is open from May 13 to the live finale on May 20.
• The Survivor 50 finale will be the first live winner reveal since Season 39 in 2019.
• Seven players began Episode 12, with five remaining for the finale.
• Joe Hunter won immunity in the first challenge of Episode 12.

Two Legends Depart as Season Nears Climax

The penultimate episode of "Survivor 50," titled "Inconceivable," delivered a dramatic turn of events, seeing two of the game's most memorable players, Rick Devens and Cirie Fields, eliminated. As the remaining seven contestants vied for a spot in the final five, loyalty was tested and strategic gameplay took center stage. The stakes are higher than ever with a $2 million prize on the line, and the season's conclusion promises to be a spectacle, culminating in a live winner reveal in Los Angeles on May 20. This marks the first time the winner of "Survivor" will be crowned live in the United States since the Season 39 finale in 2019. The episode, airing May 13, saw the players grappling with the critical question of who could be beaten in a final tribal council, a hallmark of the show's strategic depth. With only one hidden immunity idol left in play, no player was truly safe from elimination in the two crucial votes of the night. Rick Devens, a fan favorite known for his chaotic gameplay and previous run on "Edge of Extinction," was the first to have his torch snuffed. Despite his attempts to use a "shot in the dark" advantage, it proved insufficient. Cirie Fields, a legendary figure in "Survivor" history across multiple seasons, followed, eliminated in a 4-2 vote. Her departure was particularly poignant, with one player noting her superior skill compared to two-time winners Sandra Diaz-Twine and Tony Vlachos.

The Critical Vote: Immunity and Idol Play

The strategic landscape of "Survivor 50" shifted dramatically in Episode 12. Joe Hunter secured immunity with a challenging puzzle and balancing competition, a feat he had previously accomplished in Season 48. This win meant that the sole remaining hidden immunity idol was still in play, adding another layer of tension to the proceedings. Tiffany Ervin, a player from Season 46, was initially the target for a potential blindside, with the aim of flushing out Rizo Velovic's idol. However, Ervin's immunity win disrupted these plans, forcing the remaining players to recalibrate their strategy. Despite the desire to eliminate Velovic, the group ultimately focused their efforts on snuffing Rick Devens' torch. Devens, aware of his precarious position, played his "shot in the dark" advantage, a gamble that unfortunately did not pay off. His exit interview captured his characteristic humor, acknowledging his fate while hinting at future celebratory dinners. The subsequent vote saw Cirie Fields eliminated, with the decision highlighting the perception of her as a formidable opponent, too dangerous to face in the final tribal council.

A New Era of Fan Interaction: The Sia Prize

Beyond the on-island drama, "Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans" is living up to its title with a significant fan-driven element. Host Jeff Probst teased a new fan vote, the nature of which was revealed in the penultimate episode. For the first time, viewers will have the power to decide who receives the $100,000 Sia Prize. This prize, funded by entertainer Sia, will be awarded to the season's favorite player. The online voting portal, survivor50cbs.votenow.tv, is now open and will remain accessible until the live finale on May 20. The winner will be announced during the three-hour broadcast, adding another layer of excitement to the evening. Rick Devens, who previously won the Sia Award during "Survivor: Edge of Extinction," is a strong contender to win it again, given his season's memorable moments, including fake idol antics and emotional appeals. The introduction of this fan vote brings the total prize pool for "Survivor 50" to $2.1 million, with a single player potentially taking home both the $2 million grand prize and the $100,000 fan favorite award.

The Road to the Live Finale

The journey to the "Survivor 50" finale has been marked by significant changes, including the return of the $2 million prize, a figure not seen since "Winners at War." This increased bounty is partly attributed to the involvement of figures like Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson and Rick Devens. The season also heralds the return of a live finale, a format last employed for Season 39, "Island of the Idols." Jeff Probst expressed palpable excitement about returning to a live format, emphasizing the unique energy and unpredictability it brings. The production has prioritized maximizing audience capacity, recognizing the live crowd's integral role in amplifying the finale's spectacle. The entire three-hour broadcast is being treated as a singular live event, integrating player check-ins and unfolding narratives in real-time. While traditions like special entrances and the vote urn have been streamlined to maximize player and story focus, the core elements of a live finale—audience engagement, immediate reactions, and the live winner reveal—remain paramount. The final five players, Joe Hunter, Rizo Velovic, Aubry Bracco, Tiffany Ervin, and Jonathan Young, now face their final challenges before the ultimate live showdown.

Looking Ahead: The Final Five and Future Seasons

With Rick Devens and Cirie Fields now eliminated, the remaining five contestants—Joe Hunter, Rizo Velovic, Aubry Bracco, Tiffany Ervin, and Jonathan Young—stand on the precipice of "Survivor 50's" conclusion. They face the final challenges and the ultimate judgment of the jury, all building towards the May 20 live finale. Beyond the immediate drama of this season, Probst hinted at the show's future, suggesting a high likelihood of more returning players in upcoming seasons. With Season 51 already in production, "Survivor" appears poised to continue its legacy of strategic gameplay and compelling narratives, potentially drawing heavily from its rich history of contestants. The culmination of "Survivor 50" on May 20 will not only crown a new Sole Survivor but also award the $100,000 Sia Prize, decided by the viewers. This blend of traditional competition and fan-driven engagement underscores the show's ongoing evolution after two decades on air.

The bottom line

• Two prominent "Survivor" players, Rick Devens and Cirie Fields, were eliminated in the penultimate episode of Season 50.
• The season's grand prize has been increased to $2 million.
• Fans now have the opportunity to vote for their favorite player, who will win an additional $100,000 Sia Prize.
• Voting for the Sia Prize is open until the live finale on May 20, when the winner will be revealed.
• The "Survivor 50" finale will be the first live winner reveal since Season 39, marking a return to a long-standing tradition.
• The show's producers are considering more frequent appearances of returning players in future seasons.