Ellen DeGeneres — The "12 Days of Christmas" Giveaway (2004-2020)
Ellen DeGeneres became known for her heartwarming and sometimes over-the-top "12 Days of Christmas" giveaways on Ellen a tradition that spanned from 2004 to 2020. In 2004, Ellen made headlines when she gave each member of her audience a brand-new Chevrolet Aveo, sparking one of the most memorable moments in her show's history. Later giveaways included luxury cars like Toyota Priuses and Chevy Equinoxes, as well as cash prizes and high-end gadgets.
The thrill of seeing an entire audience overcome with joy and disbelief made these giveaways unforgettable. What set Ellen's car giveaways apart was the personal touch she added—she wasn't just giving away cars, but creating real moments of surprise and excitement for her fans.
Oprah Winfrey — The “You Get a Car” Moment (2004)
Oprah Winfrey’s legendary car giveaway on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2004 remains one of the most iconic television moments ever. During the season finale of that year, Oprah shocked her audience by announcing that each person would be receiving a brand-new Pontiac G6. She exclaimed, "You get a car! You get a car! Everybody gets a car!" and the audience erupted in screams, tears, and disbelief.
The giveaway involved 276 cars in total, and Oprah had the studio audience in complete awe as they were handed the keys to their new vehicles. The moment went viral, with people around the world watching in amazement as Oprah's generosity became a symbol of how even a single act of kindness could create a ripple of excitement and happiness.
Tyrese Gibson — Gave Away a Car to a Fan (2018)
Tyrese Gibson, known for his role in the Fast & Furious franchise, surprised one lucky fan in 2018 by giving away his own Maserati Ghibli. The gesture was shared on social media, where Tyrese posted a heartfelt message expressing his appreciation for the fan’s support. The giveaway was a show of gratitude, as the fan had been an admirer of the actor for a long time.
Tyrese’s decision to part with such a high-end car made the act even more meaningful, as it symbolized a deep connection between him and his fanbase. For Tyrese, giving away a Maserati wasn’t just about offering a material gift—it was a powerful way to show his appreciation and spread some positive energy among his followers, proving that generosity goes beyond just financial gifts.
Jay Leno — Giving Away a Car on The Tonight Show (1990s)
Jay Leno’s Tonight Show in the 1990s was known for its hilarious segments, but one of the most memorable moments came when Jay gave away a Chevrolet Camaro Z28 to an audience member. The giveaway was part of a special “Car Week” that Leno organized, where lucky fans could win cars through various games and contests.
As an avid car enthusiast with one of the largest private car collections in the world, Leno’s giveaway was a personal touch that allowed him to share his passion for automobiles with his audience. For fans, winning a car on The Tonight Show was a dream come true, especially as it tied into the excitement of the show’s light-hearted and comedic atmosphere.
Shaquille O'Neal — Gave Away a Car to a Fan (2020)
In 2020, basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal made headlines when he gave away his custom 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 to a fan. The surprise gift, which Shaq announced through his social media, was a spontaneous act of generosity. The lucky recipient was a long-time admirer of Shaq, and the excitement of receiving such a unique and valuable gift was overwhelming for them.
Shaquille O'Neal has long been known for his larger-than-life personality and love for giving back to his fans. By giving away this car, Shaq made it clear that he values the connection he has with his supporters and is willing to make a lasting impact on their lives.