Key Takeaways
- Gisele Duquette, a retired hospital clerk from North Bay, is a lifelong fan of The Price Is Right and celebrated her 60th birthday with a show‑themed party organized by her daughter.
- Encouraged by her daughter Mindy, Gisele applied to the Canadian edition The Price Is Right Tonight hosted by Howie Mandel, submitted a video, and was selected for the guest audience.
- During the taping, she was called to Bidders Row, correctly guessed the $650 price of a vacuum, and earned a chance to play on stage, receiving a warm hug and personal conversation with the host.
- Although she did not win the challenging race game and left without a major prize, Gisele describes the experience as “a lifetime” and hopes her daughter will appear in a future season.
Gisele Duquette’s Background and Passion for the Show
Gisele Duquette spent 48 years working as a hospital clerk at the North Bay Regional Health Centre before retiring, a career that shaped her identity and work ethic. Outside of her professional life, she has cultivated a deep enthusiasm for The Price Is Right, watching the classic American version for years and eagerly following its adaptations. Her love for the game show is not a casual pastime; it is a defining hobby that she shares with friends and family, often discussing episodes, recalling memorable moments, and even practicing pricing strategies at home. This longstanding fandom set the stage for a remarkable opportunity that would later bring her face‑to‑face with the show’s host and a live audience.
A Price Is Right‑Themed 60th Birthday Celebration
To honor Gisele’s milestone 60th birthday, her daughter Mindy Conto—a dance teacher and choreographer—orchestrated a Price Is Right‑themed party that delighted everyone in attendance. Mindy choreographed a lively dance routine for her children, set to the iconic theme song, transforming the living room into a miniature studio set. The parents collaborated to construct a replica of the show’s famous big wheel, while guests wore name tags styled after those used on the program. The celebration culminated in two showcase presentations, mirroring the format of the televised show, and left Gisele feeling like a true contestant in her own home. The party not only highlighted her affection for the series but also demonstrated how deeply the show had woven itself into family traditions.
Daughter’s Encouragement to Apply for the Canadian Edition
Inspired by the success of the birthday celebration, Mindy noticed that a new Canadian adaptation, The Price Is Right Tonight, hosted by comedian Howie Mandel, was set to premiere. She eagerly urged her mother to seize the moment, saying, “Mom, you have got to apply; this is your chance.” Gisele, initially hesitant about her odds, agreed to pursue the opportunity at her daughter’s insistence. Mindy’s encouragement was pivotal; she helped Gisele navigate the application process, offered moral support, and reminded her that her long‑time fandom qualified her as a “super fan.” This mother‑daughter teamwork turned a casual interest into a concrete step toward potential television stardom.
The Application Process and Audience Selection
The first formal step required Gisele to submit a short video introducing herself, explaining her connection to the show, and showcasing her enthusiasm. After reviewing countless applications, the production team contacted her to confirm that her video met their criteria and invited her to join the guest audience. Importantly, being selected for the audience did not guarantee a spot on stage; it merely assured her a place among viewers in the studio. The show’s producers requested that participants attend in groups of five, so Gisele coordinated with her daughter and a few close friends to fulfill this requirement. The combination of her authentic fan story and the group’s readiness secured her a place in the taping lineup.
Filming Details and the Episode’s Air Date
The episode featuring Gisele was filmed in December 2025, several months before its scheduled broadcast. The production took place at the CityTV studios, where the set mirrored the familiar Price Is Right layout, complete with the signature big wheel, pricing games, and showcases. Although the show premiered on March 10, 2026, the specific segment containing Gisele’s appearance was scheduled to air later in the season. It finally reached viewers at 8 p.m. on April 14, 2026, on CityTV, allowing her family and friends to watch the moment live from their homes in North Bay. The delay between filming and airing added a layer of anticipation, as Gisele waited to see how her performance would be presented to a national audience.
The Thrilling Moment on Bidders Row
When the episode aired, viewers saw Gisele called down from the audience to join the contestants on Bidders Row—a pivotal juncture where audience members are invited to compete for a chance to play on stage. The host, Howie Mandel, highlighted her background, announcing, “And here’s a super fan who even had a Price Is Right birthday party,” before inviting her forward. Gisele’s task was to guess the retail price of a displayed vacuum cleaner. Drawing on her years of watching the show and perhaps a bit of intuition, she confidently answered $650. The reveal confirmed that her guess matched the exact price, earning her a resounding cheer from the studio audience and a direct invitation to join the contestants on the main stage for the next pricing game.
Interaction with Host Howie Mandel and a Heartfelt Hospital Shout‑Out
After her correct guess, Gisele bounded onto the stage, where Howie Mandel greeted her with an enthusiastic hug—a gesture she described as “so sweet.” The host then engaged her in a brief conversation, asking about her life and career. Proud of her decades of service, Gisele replied, “I’m retired, and I’ve worked at the North Bay Regional Health Centre for 48 years,” and used the moment to give a shout out to her former colleagues and the local hospital community. This personal acknowledgment resonated with viewers who appreciated her genuine humility and dedication to her profession, reinforcing the show’s tradition of celebrating everyday heroes alongside the excitement of the games.
Competing in the Race Game and Reflecting on the Outcome
Gisele’s turn on stage led her to the race game, widely regarded as one of the toughest challenges on The Price Is Right due to its reliance on quick thinking, luck, and pricing acuity. Despite her earlier success, she did not manage to secure a win in this round; the wheel spin ultimately went against her, and she left the stage without a major prize. Although she admitted feeling a twinge of disappointment, Gisele emphasized that the experience transcended material gain. She reflected, “Did I win big? No, but I won in so many other ways,” cherishing the adrenaline of being on stage, the connection with the host, and the joy of sharing the moment with her family, who watched proudly from the audience and home.
Hope for Future Appearances and Closing Thoughts
While the family celebrated Gisele’s unforgettable stint on the show, they also looked ahead with optimism. Mindy expressed a strong desire to participate in a potential second season of The Price Is Right Tonight, noting that her own love for the program stems directly from her mother’s influence. Gisele echoed this sentiment, stating, “What we want to do is if there is a season two, we want my daughter Mindy on there. She loves The Price Is Right, and she is a fan because her Mom is a fan.” This aspiration underscores how the experience has strengthened their bond and turned a personal hobby into a shared family goal. In sum, Gisele Duquette’s journey—from a retired hospital clerk to a televised game‑show participant—serves as a testament to the power of enthusiasm, familial support, and the enduring appeal of The Price Is Right. Her story reminds audiences that sometimes, the real prizes are the memories made and the inspiration passed along to the next generation.