"This is over-the-top amazing. It's like a piece of Americana," said Terry Baldwin, 55, of Pebble Beach, Calif., who had camped out overnight to ensure she got a seat in the audience. "You could feel the electricity all day long."

"Because he's a vegetarian, we respect his wishes and we don't advertise meat products on the show," he said. At [Bob Barker]'s request, they also stopped giving away fur coats.

Barker's long tenure was checkered by lawsuits brought by past "Barker's Beauties," the gown-wearing hostesses who present prizes such as microwaves, pinball machines and brand-new cars. Some sued him for sexual harassment and wrongful termination over the years. Most received out-of-court financial settlements.