Crystal's Opening Statement

[Jeff Probst]

Here is where CRYSTAL and CRYSTAL only will post her opening thoughts.

[Crystal Cox]

First off, I just want to say that this has been an absolutely amazing game and I really wanna thank the host for making it so great. The second thing is that I really couldn't have done any of this without any of you guys on The Jury or Pre Jury, you've all helped me somehow and I am really grateful for that.

With all the thank you's out of the way - I want to start by saying this is the toughest ORG I have ever played. There were some amazing players here and it was really challenging for me to make it to the merge nevermind passed that. I know I've betrayed a couple of you and I am really sorry about doing so. It would've been SO much easier if I didn't get along with any of you but I believe I got along with all of you.
I started playing this game quietly but as soon as Susie went against our original alliance I knew I had to go full force or I'd be picked off next and that's exactly what I did, I've played hardcore since the TC where Sugar got voted out. If any of you didn't know, I had an alliance with Matty from day #1 of Bantu and it's still here. I made sure that I had my back covered in every way and that there was no chance in me getting voted off. I also was the one who found the Hidden Immunity Idol and I'm telling you guys this because I don't wanna seem like I'm hiding it from the jury. The night I knew Matty was getting voted off, I knew I was one of the next ones because it was going to be down to Myself, Paloma, Ace and Marcus (and I wasn't exactly gonna win a challenge against them.) I didn't know where I stood with Ace but I knew exactly where I stood with Marcus/Paloma (Even if me and Paloma did lie to eachother a couple of times, she was still one of my biggest allies.) I did what I thought was best and blindsided Ace with Matty's help. I know I'm gonna get some slack for that and voting for Ace/Marcus (and it was extremely hard, I promise you that.. they're amazing guys) but I felt as if I had to initiate it to get where I am now. Every single one of you are as deserving as me and Matty because you all put up a huge fight and didn't go down easy so don't think that I think I'm better than you, because I don't. I apologise to anyone I lied to but you can't play this game without lying or pissing people off.

Why do I deserve your vote? I deserve your vote because I believe I was the biggest player throughout this entire game. Not only did I make sure I had the numbers and allign with the people most likely to win Immunity but I initiated nearly every single one of the names which lead to your exits. I made sure that I was safe at every Tribal Council since I know I'm not too hot at challenges and I made sure I ended up in the Final 3 with the two people I thought I had the best chance with. I did what Survivor tells you to do, I outwitted, I outlasted and I outplayed.. and that's why I think you should vote for me.

The last thing I want to say before I answer the questions is good luck Matty. Thanks for reading guys and I look forward to your questions.