In a stunning turn of events, Big Brother Season 27 concluded with a jaw-dropping finale that left fans buzzing. While Keanu Soto didn’t claim the coveted $750,000 grand prize, he walked away with something just as meaningful: the title of America’s Favorite Houseguest and a cool $50,000. Entertainment Weekly caught up with Keanu post-finale to unpack his fan-favorite win, the jury’s decisive 6-1 vote crowning Ashley Hollis over Vince Panaro, and what might have happened if Morgan Pope had made it to the final two. Plus, the charismatic dungeon master spilled on his reality TV dreams—potentially with or without his ally Rachel.
A Fan-Favorite Victory
Keanu’s charm and strategic gameplay won over America, earning him a landslide 65% of the fan vote for America’s Favorite Houseguest. “I was pleasantly surprised,” Keanu admitted, reflecting on the moment host Julie Chen Moonves revealed the results. “When Julie mentioned her son was rooting for me during my exit interview, I had an inkling I was well-received, but 65%? That felt validating.”
Many assumed Rachel, with her pre-existing fan base, was a shoo-in for the title. “Everyone thought Rachel had it locked,” Keanu said with a laugh. “But being so tight with her, maybe I stole a few fans!” If he couldn’t vote for himself, Keanu revealed he’d have picked Will, citing his storytelling and genuine heart as standout qualities in the house.
As for the $50,000 prize? Keanu’s keeping it practical. “I’m investing it, just like I would’ve with the $750,000,” he shared. “Maybe a little vacation to treat myself, but I’m staying responsible.”
The Jury’s Choice: Why Ashley Triumphed
The finale’s biggest shock was Ashley Hollis’ commanding 6-1 jury win over Vince Panaro. Keanu, a key juror, broke down why Ashley earned his vote. “At the jury roundtable, I said if Ashley won the final HOH and took out Morgan, that would be a bigger move than Vince taking me out,” he explained. “She pulled it off, and coupled with her clean, honest game, I had to reward that.”
Keanu emphasized integrity as a cornerstone of his voting philosophy. “In Week 1, I told everyone the winner should play with honesty and integrity,” he said. “Ashley did that. Sure, it’s Big Brother—we all lie a little. But Vinny? He lied a lot.” The jury grilled Vince on his emotionally manipulative tactics, questioning the sincerity of his tears and connections. “Vince owned his game, which I respected,” Keanu noted. “But Ashley’s last-minute power move was too impressive to ignore.”
Reflecting on Vince’s answers, Keanu described their dynamic as “sibling-esque.” “I want to believe he was sincere, but I’ll need to watch the season back to see if those tears were real,” he said with a chuckle. Post-finale, Keanu and Vince reconnected, and while Vince took the loss in stride—no tears this time—Keanu admitted it’ll be tough to rewatch if Vince’s emotions were strategic. “We were boys, and I can separate game from personal,” he said. “But if those moments were fake, it’ll sting.”
The What-If Scenario: Ashley vs. Morgan
What if Morgan Pope had faced Ashley in the final two? Keanu didn’t hesitate: “Morgan would’ve had my vote.” He praised Morgan’s competition dominance and honest social game, noting that her resume would’ve edged out Ashley’s. “Her comp prowess and similar integrity-based game would’ve sealed it,” he said.
Drama with Rachel and Future Reality TV Dreams
Keanu also addressed a playful moment from the finale when Rachel hinted she might not have taken him to the final two. “Julie asked her about it, not me,” he laughed. “But I’m definitely gonna give her a hard time later!” Their dynamic, both strategic and personal, has fans clamoring for more. Could The Amazing Race be next? “I’d love to do it, but that’s on her,” Keanu said, leaving the door open for a duo adventure.
As for returning to Big Brother, Keanu’s all in. “I came in wanting to be the first two-time winner,” he said. “I still want that—it’s never been done.” Beyond Big Brother, he’s eyeing The Challenge, inspired by houseguests who saw him as a natural fit. “I’m not super familiar with it, but it sounds like my vibe,” he said. A conversation with Rachel early in the game stuck with him: “She said, ‘When you get an opportunity, take it.’ I’m taking that to heart—any CBS opportunity, I’m in.”
A Game-Changing Finale
Keanu’s journey in Big Brother Season 27 was a rollercoaster of strategy, heart, and unexpected triumphs. From winning America’s hearts to casting a pivotal vote for Ashley’s historic upset, he left an indelible mark on the game. As he looks to the future—whether it’s investing his prize money, rekindling alliances, or tackling new reality TV challenges—Keanu Soto’s story is far from over. Fans will be watching to see where this dungeon master rolls the dice next.