💎 Advantages & Idols

Taj found the Jalapao Hidden Immunity Idol after sharing Exile Island clues with her cross-tribal alliance partner Brendan. She realized the idol was hidden back at her own camp. After finding it, she gave it to Stephen Fishbach because he had pockets to carry it in. Taj is the first African-American woman to find a Hidden Immunity Idol. She was voted out at Final Four without the idol, as Stephen held it.

Brendan found the Timbira Hidden Immunity Idol through his Exile Island alliance with Taj. They shared clues across tribal lines. However, Brendan was blindsided on Day 24 (Episode 9, 'The Biggest Fraud in the Game') in a 4-3-2 vote, becoming the first jury member. He admitted to having the idol but chose not to play it, a costly mistake. Sierra had initially helped him search for it.

Taj gave Stephen the Jalapao idol because he had pockets to carry it. Stephen held the idol throughout the game but never played it. J.T. accidentally discovered Stephen had the idol, which led to Taj and Stephen bringing J.T. into their alliance. Stephen made it to the Final Two with the idol still in his possession, losing to J.T. in a 7-0 vote. He received only one vote against him the entire season, making the idol unnecessary.