Albany TV reporter Tamara Starr to be New York State Lottery announcer

 Tamara Starr, a reporter for Albany's WNYT, will be the newest face of the New York State Lottery, joining three others who have stepped into the shoes of the legendary Yolanda Vega in announcing the day's winners. Vega retired in 2022.  

T. In a post on X, Starr wrote, “I got Yolanda Vega’s gig and I am absolutely loving it. I appreciate everything that WNYT has done for me and has allowed for me to even be creative with segments like 'Tamara Tries,' " her regular morning segment, in which she sampled various Albany activities. The Staten Island native and mother of three joined the station two years ago after a long run at Albany's ABC affiliate, WTEN/10.

Lee Park, a spokesman for the New York State Gaming Commission, clarified that Starr was not replacing Vega, but in fact joining "three others on the drawing staff. It's certainly an important role and she'll be part of the team." He added that Vega was "irreplaceable."

Over a 32-year span, Vega's catchphrase, "For the New York Lottery, I'm YoLANNNda Vega!!!" was perhaps the most famous on local television,  right up there with "Nobody beats the Wiz" and "Crazy Eddie ... his prices are INSAAANE." She gave away millions (or billions) and did it with a smile.

 Starr did not respond to Newsday's request for comments.