'Claim to Fame's Mackenzie Says It Was "So Rewarding" To Get to the Final Three (EXCLUSIVE)

ABC's Claim to Fame returned for a third season with new celebrity relatives for fans to theorize about at home. The relative who can keep quiet about their star-studded connection the longest wins a grand prize of $100,000.

One of the contestants who hoped not to spill who she's related to on the show is Mackenzie. But based on the clues she gave before the season started, some fans figured it out ahead of time. And when the Season 3 finale revealed who her famous dad is, some of the guesses were proven right. We spoke with Mackenzie in an exclusive Q&A following her elimination and the finale.

During the Claim to Fame finale, Adam chooses himself as the guesser and correctly guesses that Mackenzie's famous relative is her dad, Trace Adkins. And she did give some clues about her country music connection in some of the early challenges.

During the "Two Truths and a Lie" challenge, Mackenzie shared:

My celebrity relative is my: dad.

My celebrity relative is best known for being a: singer.

The biggest award my celebrity relative has won: Tony.

Although Mackenzie provided some pertinent information about her relative, not everyone figured her out early on. But by the finale, Hud and Adam were pretty sure about who she is related to.

Following Mackenzie's elimination in the Claim to Fame finale, she spoke exclusively with us about competing on the show and developing that close bond with Hud. Read on for our Q&A with Mackenzie!

(Editor's note: This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.)

Q: How did it feel to make it to the final three on ‘Claim to Fame’?

A: It was so rewarding to make it to the final three. Leading up to the final challenge, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. The thrill of being so close to winning was incredible, but there was also that tension of knowing it all comes down to that final challenge. It was a total rush of adrenaline and I felt a huge sense of accomplishment.

Q: We also asked Hud about this — Where do you and Hud stand now, romantically speaking?

A: I’m thankful to have met Hud on the show. We have a lot in common. He’s been down to Nashville a few times and we have a lot of fun together!

Q: Before you guessed Shane’s relative, Hud suggested you keep Shane in the game because you already knew his relative. What made you decide to go against Hud’s advice?

A: I went against Hud’s advice to keep Shane in the game because I was not 100 percent certain on who Adam’s relative was. I didn’t want to risk guessing Adam’s relative wrong, so I guessed Shane’s relative instead. I’m happy that I went with my gut on that decision.

Q: What kind of advice did your dad, Trace Adkins, give you before going on the show?

A: He told me to be myself and remember that no matter what happens, I've got this, and he’s proud of me. He also said to fly under the radar as much as I could and then once I had a good read on everyone in the house to take them out… I think he is proud of me.

Q: Was there ever a time during the season when you were sure your relative would be figured out?

A: Every single guess-off was nerve-racking for me. I genuinely thought that somehow, someway, someone knew who my relative was at all times. The theme of the game really is paranoia. The only time I felt at ease was when Shane told me the wrong name for my celebrity relative. Only then did I feel safe. Sorry Shane!

Q: If you could go back and change anything about the way you played the game, what would you do differently?

A: I definitely would have targeted a specific person more in the finale. I thought that I had him figured out, but it wasn’t until halfway through the final challenge that I realized that I was wrong entirely. If I could go back, I definitely would approach the final challenge differently.

Q: Who do you still keep in touch with from the cast?

A: There is a group message with the whole cast that we talk in daily. I have regular FaceTime hangs with my girls Jill and Gracie too! I am so grateful to have met 10 of the best people in the most unique way. I truly feel that we are all friends for life!