Mariana Ochoa still waiting for Famosos prize money
Mariana Ochoa still has not received the cash prize from her win in La Casa de los Famosos México, even though she secured victory in the fourth season nearly two months ago. The singer accumulated 10.8 million votes to claim the top spot, but she now faces a prolonged wait due to administrative processing that could extend between three and six months. The prize itself, worth 4 million pesos, was handed to her symbolically during the October 4 finale, when she accepted a briefcase from her mother instead of the actual funds. Ochoa acknowledged the uncertainty in a recent interview, stating that the exact procedures remain unclear but confirming the delay.
Ochoa’s situation parallels that of Mario Bezares, the winner of the second season, who reported his payment took up to six months to complete. “Mayito told me it took him six months,” Ochoa said, “so I’ve been advised to remain patient.”
Her path to victory was far from straightforward. Ochoa began the competition as a contestant but was the first eliminated. She later returned through El Exilio, a twist where viewers voted to bring her back after 48 hours spent in isolation with Ximena Herrera. Her return drew criticism from other participants, who questioned whether she should have been allowed to re-enter after such an early exit.
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Despite the controversy, Ochoa advanced through additional eliminations and nominations, eventually securing a place in the final five via La Boutique, a challenge that determined the last contestants. In the finale, she defeated Memo Schutz, who placed second, by nearly a million votes—10.8 million to his 9.8 million. The narrow margin led her to joke afterward, “I don’t know what I did to deserve this.”
Ochoa has already outlined plans for the prize money. A portion will fund appliances for children at the Instituto Pedagógico para Problemas del Lenguaje, an organization she has supported for two decades. Another segment will support her solo music career, including a new album currently in development with collaborators in Monterrey. The remaining funds may go toward a down payment on a home, addressing both personal and family priorities.
