Albert Destrade, 26
Tribe: Upolu
Occupation: Baseball/Dating Coach
Pet peeves: I have little to no patience for ignorance. People who are uninformed about something, yet insist to be opinionated about it, really irritate me. I also get bothered by mentally weak people.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: I really like how J.T. managed to forge himself as a leader on Season 18 without being overbearing or bossy whatsoever. He commanded respect and led by example.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I know that I possess a unique combination of attributes that would make me a favorite in this game. I’m athletic and very socially adept. I’m calculated and self-aware. Ultimately, if you combine my awareness, physical strength and social calibration, I bring a lot to the table.
Brandon Hantz, 19
Tribe: Upolu
Inspiration in life: Jesus, because he died for me.
Hobbies: Shooting my guns, hunting and eating crawfish.
3 words to describe you: Headstrong, bold and clever.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Probably Colby, Johnny Fairplay, Russell and Brandon.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: Financial freedom and to show everyone there is more than one side to the Hantz family other than being mean.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I’m very handsome, smart, cunning, manipulative and funny.
Christine Markoski, 39
Tribe: Upolu
Current residence: Merrick, N.Y.
Occupation: Teacher
3 words to describe you: Helpful, stubborn and self-motivating.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Stephenie, because she’s strong and outspoken.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: This is another goal for me to meet and prove to myself that I can do it.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m good with directions, instructions and putting things together, with only using materials at hand. I’m an expert at building fires and a born leader.
Dawn Meehan, 41
Tribe: Savaii
Occupation: English Professor at Brigham Young University
3 words to describe you: Driven, positive and enthusiastic.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: “Survivor” is the best game on Earth! There’s so much application to “real life.” After watching as a fan for 10 years, I just know in my soul that it’s my turn to play and win. Plus, it’s the adventure of a lifetime and one million dollars!
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m driven, tenacious, adaptable, funny, optimistic, intelligent and resilient. I can motivate/persuade people, and I think that’s powerful/important at every stage of this game.
Edna Ma, 35
Tribe: Upolu
Occupation: Anesthesiologist
Personal claim to fame: I was the first in my family to finish college. I subsequently went onto complete medical school and am board certified in anesthesiology.
Pet peeves: Idleness, liars and deception.
3 words to describe you: Self-starter, adventurous and ambitious.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Mick Trimming for his diplomacy.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I want the experience!
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m a critical thinker and I’m good at tasks and building a team.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I’m determined and I believe I can achieve anything I set my sights on.
Elyse Umemoto, 27
Tribe: Savaii
Personal claim to fame: I was the second runner-up to Miss America and I raised my three younger sisters.
Hobbies: Baking cupcakes, amassing useless trivia and quotes and reading memoirs.
3 words to describe you: Enchanting, indomitable and spunky!
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Brenda from Nicaragua and Parvati. They know what they want and how to get it. They truly understand the social game.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m engaging, personable and a master at reading people. I’m controversial in many ways and I embrace that I’m a “character.” I’m naturally athletic and can seamlessly blend into a group. I radiate confidence and always compete to win.
Jim Rice, 35
Tribe: Savaii
Personal Claim to Fame: I’ve worked on Wall Street, won over 40 poker tournaments, started several successful businesses and earned my MBA at a top five school from the University of Michigan.
Pet Peeves: Close-mindedness and disingenuous people.
3 Words to Describe You: Ambitious, magnanimous and competitive.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Ethan. The dude dominated so much and was such a good guy that they practically gave him the one million.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I am the most unique person to ever apply!
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: No one with my combination of character, intelligence, cunning and athleticism has ever been on Survivor.
John Cochran, 24
Tribe: Savaii
Occupation: Harvard Law Student
Personal claim to fame: I won the Dean’s Scholar Prize at Harvard Law for an essay I wrote on the “Survivor” jury system. It was one of the few times in my life where my personal interests and academic obligations coincided perfectly.
Hobbies: Guitar, trivia and studying the music and history of The Beatles.
Pet peeves: People who think or act like they are smarter than they actually are and people who don’t have a sense of humor.
3 words to describe you: Neurotic, insecure and brilliant.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: I have some of the humor of Rob Cesternino, the candor of Jonathan Penner and the intelligence of Yul Kwon.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I understand other people and how they function. Sure, I’m bright and have an extensive knowledge of “Survivor,” but none of that does any good unless you’re able to figure out the reasons why other people do the things they do. Not only can I do that, but I’m also confident that I can leverage their desires and motives in a way that best serves my game.
Keith Tollefson, 26
Tribe: Savaii
Personal claim to fame: I graduated college and moved to Hawaii for two years because that was my dream.
Inspiration in Life: My mom. She raised me and my sister with little help and eventually bought a house for us after saving for years. She taught me how to be a gentleman even while I was causing trouble when I was young. She instilled great morals, values and love for all those around me.
Hobbies: Surfing, swimming and long-boarding.
Pet peeves: I really dislike people talking behind my back, especially when it’s not true, and rude people.
3 Words to describe you: Fun, adventurous and driven.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I can make people understand, or think my decisions are looking out for them. I never quit. I wouldn’t go on the show if I didn’t feel I could win!
Mark Caruso, 48
Tribe: Savaii
Personal claim to fame: I was a NYCPD Morgue Detective for 20 years and I retired with honors from the mayor and police commissioner.
Pet peeves: Know-it-alls and people with “I am better than you” attitudes.
3 words to describe you: Funny, sarcastic and lovable.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I am attentive and caring and have listening skills that can be supportive to my team and others. I love to work hard and have proven throughout my life that I will be a leader.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: People tend to like me because I am an honest person even though I am sarcastic and an “in your face” man. I am considered a real person heart, mind and soul.
Mikayla Wingle, 22
Tribe: Upolu
Occupation: Lingerie Football Player
Personal claim to fame: I was on the cover of Playboy February 2011 and met the hard working Hugh Hefner.
3 words to describe you: Outspoken, humorous and witty.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Jane. She stands up for herself and never lets her morals go. She is a hard worker and loves her dogs just like I love my pup, Diesel.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I feel that I am a strong independent woman and I know I will strive to prevail. Quitters never win and winners never quit.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: Playing sports all my life, I feel I am a competitor at heart. I am very athletic and am very likeable. I plan to use these qualities to get me to the end!
Rick Nelson, 51
Tribe: Upolu
Pet peeves: Quitters and lazy people who don’t keep their word.
3 words to describe you: Outgoing, strong-willed and self-motivated.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: J.T. He played a great game and won. He is country, strong-willed, a great competitor, good to get along with, not a quitter and true to his word in the end. I’d like to think if you put 15 years on him, he would mirror me – except I’m better.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m used to living out in the elements on a daily basis. I’m a hard worker. I can build a fire, shelter and I can hunt and fish. I’m easy to get along with, always have a positive attitude and a lifetime of little tricks to make life nicer while camping in the dirt.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: After applying 14 times, I am driven and very determined to win the game. I will stop at nothing!
Semhar Tadesse, 24
Tribe: Savaii
Occupation: Spoken Word Artist
Inspiration in life: Oprah because she is inspirational and loving. She makes a positive contribution to so many lives. She is a successful business woman and a world wide teacher.
Hobbies: Writing/performing poetry, dancing and watching Oprah.
Pet peeves: Liars.
3 words to describe you: Silly, flirty and sensitive.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Fabio, because he was silly and underestimated.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m a people person. I can make friends with almost anyone. I would bring laughter, positivity and my knowledge and experiences from living in Eritrea.
Sophie Clarke, 22
Tribe: Upolu
Occupation: Medical Student
Pet peeves: Smart women who pretend to be dumb, particularly if they wear a lot of eye makeup, and people who walk slowly in cold weather.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: I relate to Russell’s determination to win at any cost, Stephen’s intelligence, Stephenie’s competitiveness and Susan’s trueness to character.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I have been bragging to friends for way too long about how easy “Survivor” is and how good I would be.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I am tough, smart and driven. People will trust and like me even though they should not. I will piss people off, yet be convincing and heartfelt enough at the end to make them give me the money. I will mess with their minds and beat their bodies! I think it might actually be easy.
Stacey Powell, 44
Tribe: Upolu
Occupation: Mortician
Inspiration in life: Martin Luther King, Jr. He wanted equality for all people.
Pet peeves: Gum-popping.
3 words to describe you: Determined, fun and versatile.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Vecepia Towery from Season 4. At Day 38, when Vecepia and Neleh were talking, she said to Neleh, “And Christ said while he was hanging on the cross, ‘It is finished,’ it is almost done.”
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m a team player with leadership qualities. I’m a time-manager and a go-getter.
I
Whitney Duncan , 27
Tribe: Savaii
Occupation: Country Music Singer
Personal claim to fame: My first record “Right Road Now” was released on Warner Brothers in 2010. It’s definitely my biggest achievement to date.
Inspiration in life: Jesus and Elvis because they both inspired me in such different ways. Elvis is the reason I started singing and performing. And, Jesus saved me.
3 words to describe you: Outgoing, happy and honest.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Stephenie from Palau because she’s smart and a bad-ass.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m smart, physically fit and not afraid of anything.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I’m extremely competitive and love to win. People normally like me, and I feel like I can read them well.
