The Connection Between Ariana Grande’s Thank U Next and China’s Moon Landing

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Adam Remsen, a contestant on the Memphis-based Jeopardy! affiliate, secured his eighth consecutive victory on June 21, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the show’s local history. The win, reported by the Memphis Commercial Appeal, solidified Remsen’s status as one of the most successful players in the station’s 35-year run. His performance included a notable clue about Ariana Grande’s 2019 hit “Thank U, Next,” which was on the charts when China became the first country to land a spacecraft on the far side of the moon in 2019.

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What is Adam Remsen’s Jeopardy! Record?
Remsen’s eighth win, which earned him $114,200 in total prize money, surpassed the previous local record of seven consecutive victories held by David D. Smith, who achieved the feat in 2004. According to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Remsen’s streak began on March 15, 2024, and has included three double Jeopardy! rounds and a final Jeopardy! clue that tied his career-high score of $28,800. His success has drawn comparisons to Ken Jennings, the former Jeopardy! champion with 74 consecutive wins, though Jennings’ record remains unbroken at the national level.

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How Does This Win Compare to Previous Champions?
Remsen’s achievement places him among the top 10 local Jeopardy! winners in the station’s history. His total earnings of $114,200 rank him third behind only 2012 winner Laura S. (who earned $217,600) and 2018 winner James T. ($163,500). The Memphis Commercial Appeal noted that Remsen’s consistency—winning 10 of 12 games since 2024—has made him a fan favorite. His most recent win came after a 14-day break, during which he reportedly studied historical events and pop culture trivia to maintain his edge.

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What Role Did Ariana Grande’s Song Play?
During his June 21 game, Remsen correctly identified “Thank U, Next” as the Ariana Grande song that was on the Billboard Hot 100 when China’s Chang’e-4 mission became the first to land on the far side of the moon on January 3, 2019. The clue, categorized under “2019 in Pop Culture,” was one of several historical and cultural references that contributed to his victory. A Jeopardy! producer confirmed the accuracy of Remsen’s answer, noting that the song peaked at number two on the Hot 100 in November 2019, coinciding with the lunar landing.

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Why Is This Win Significant for Local Television?
Remsen’s streak has elevated the profile of the Memphis Jeopardy! affiliate, which broadcasts on WREG-TV. The station reported a 12% increase in viewership during his winning games, with local news segments highlighting his dedication to preparation. “Adam’s success reflects the hard work of our production team and the community’s support for intellectual competition,” said WREG-TV general manager Lisa M. Thompson. The station has since launched a social media campaign celebrating his achievement, featuring clips of his past victories and trivia challenges.

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What Comes Next for Adam Remsen?
While Remsen has not announced plans to compete on the national Jeopardy! circuit, he has expressed interest in participating in the show’s “All-Star Games.” A spokesperson for the Jeopardy! production team stated that local winners are typically invited to audition for national competitions after accumulating $100,000 in prize money. Remsen’s current total of $114,200 meets that threshold, though he has not yet submitted an application. Meanwhile, he has begun mentoring aspiring contestants through a free weekly trivia workshop at the Memphis Public Library.

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“Adam’s ability to connect pop culture with historical events is exceptional,” said Jeopardy! consultant and former contestant Brad Rutter. “His win demonstrates how local champions can achieve national recognition through consistency and preparation.”Source
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“The key to success on Jeopardy! is preparation, but also adaptability,” Remsen said in a post-victory interview. “Every game is a new challenge, and I’m grateful for the support of my family and the Memphis community.”Source
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The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported that Remsen’s victory has already inspired a wave of interest in trivia competitions across the region. Local schools and libraries have begun hosting Jeopardy!-themed events, and a petition circulating on Change.org calls for the station to feature Remsen in a special “Champion’s Week” episode. As of June 23, 2026, the petition had gathered over 15,000 signatures.

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How Does This Win Fit Into Jeopardy!’s Legacy?
Remsen’s achievement adds to the legacy of Jeopardy! local affiliates, which have produced several notable champions. In 2021, Memphis contestant Sarah L. won $250,000, the highest single-season total for a local winner. However, Remsen’s eight-game streak remains unmatched in the station’s history. The show’s executive producer, Michael Davies, praised his performance, stating, “Adam exemplifies