News writer
A lucky North Carolina lottery player rang in the new year with a cool $1 million win. Pamela Bradshaw of Clinton became Powerball's First Millionaire the Year drawing during the live broadcast of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024 on ABC. This marks North Carolina's second win in a row. As well as North Carolina, this New Year's Eve Powerball promotion also involved 22 other state lotteries.
A great way to start a new year
During the live broadcast, Pamela said, “I'm so blessed.”
The path to her big win began when she entered one of the North Carolina Lottery's second chance drawings. She won a VIP trip to New York City. This put her in the running with the other four Powerball players, all of whom were chosen nationally to participate in the $1 million drawing on New Year's Eve.
This was not only Pamela's first time on TV, it was also her first time flying a plane, traveling to New York City, and seeing the Statue of Liberty. “I cried on the plane ride and I cried at the Statue of Liberty,” she said. “It's just been so incredible.”
Pamela enjoyed a four-day, three-night trip with her daughter, Joanna Hinson. Their visit to New York also included an exclusive New Year's Eve gala in Times Square on New Year's Eve.
Pamela is planning to spend her winning on a new home. “I would love to have my own home that is mine and that I feel safe in. I can have my own house and fix it up pretty and clean and feel safe. Not anything fancy or big, just a little cottage or something with one or two bedrooms.”
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve
Created by entertainer Dick Clark, the show has been broadcast by ABC since 1972. It is broadcast live from Times Square in New York City. As well as live and pre-recorded music from top musicians, the show also features coverage of New York's annual ball drop event and New Year's Eve events at other U.S. locations.
Dick Clark created the show as an alternative to Guy Lombardo's popular and long-running New Year's Eve specials on CBS. Clark aimed to air a show that catered to a younger audience. As its popularity grew, it became the most-watched New Year's special on U.S. television.
Dick Clark was the regular host of New Year's Rockin' Eve from 1999-2001 and again from 2001-2004. After suffering a stroke in 2004, Regis Philbin stepped in as guest host. The following year, Ryan Seacrest took over as host. Clark continued to make guest appearances until his death in 2012.
Happy New Year, Lottery Players! We hope you have a great 2024. Remember to play responsibly.
