LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — Cheers erupted at the Yard Goat in Lafayette as friends, family and fans gathered to watch local contestant Lauren Domingue take the spotlight in Week three of "Big Brother 27."

The Lafayette native and longtime fan of the hit reality competition just won Head of Household; one of the most powerful roles in the game.

Among the crowd was her mother, Buffy Domingue, who has supported Lauren’s Big Brother dream for years.

“She’s been watching since she was old enough to stay up after bedtime,” Buffy said. “As a family, we watched it every night.”

Lauren has talked about wanting to be on the show for at least five years. After narrowly missing the age requirement once before, she finally got the call this year, a moment Buffy says felt “unreal.”

The Domingue family helped Lauren prepare in every way they could, from outfit planning to studying past seasons. Lauren even went back to watch every episode of the series, starting before she was born.

“She’s a giant fan. She knows the winners, the losers, the favorite episodes...everything,” Buffy said.

That deep knowledge may be paying off. Lauren’s victory as Head of Household gives her safety for the week and control over the game’s nominations.

“I thought her friend was lying when she told me,” Buffy said, recalling the moment she learned of the win. “Then I looked it up and she really did it.”

As part of the HOH reward, Lauren also received a letter from home; written by her mother just days after she entered the house.

“I cried,” Buffy said. “I told her everyone is doing well. Be kind, be strong, go fight, win and go Tigers!"

For Buffy, it’s more than just watching a game; it’s watching her daughter chase a dream with heart, strategy, and a little southern charm.

“Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks,” she said. “You work on winning this game.”

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