Season 13 of "The Masked Singer" turned out to be a pivotal chapter in the career of one remarkable star. Amidst an array of breathtaking performances and breathtaking reveals, only four contestants stood tall as the series reached its climactic finale on Fox on May 7th: Pearl, Boogie Woogie, Mad Scientist, and Coral. Ultimately, Pearl emerged victorious, claiming the coveted Golden Mask trophy.
Before unmasking, the enigmatic celebrity reminisced about her musical journey, spanning years from humble beginnings to her triumph on "The Masked Singer." "Every time I donned this Pearl costume, I marveled at how effortlessly I transformed into this enchanted princess adorned with jewels," she confessed in a heartfelt video montage. "It was a stark contrast to my true self, more at ease in a hoodie and sweatpants. I'm gritty, raw, unapologetic—always have been. Often, especially in my nascent days, this authenticity hindered my success."
Pearl then delved into the insecurity she faced during early auditions. "A memory that haunts me is when I was singing for a record executive and, glancing sideways, I caught a glimpse of him jotting down 'no,'" she recounted, her voice tinged with emotion. "Tears were on the brink of spilling, but I closed my eyes, steeled myself, and completed the audition. Ironically, that note actually read 'now,' as in 'sign her now.'" She chuckled, "What a transformative power one letter holds. Even now, after countless years, people underestimate my capabilities—until tonight. Being here, I've shed my shell and showcased my versatility."
After a mesmerizing rendition of KT Tunstall's "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree," Pearl was hailed as the champion, besting Boogie Woogie (revealed as singer Andy Grammer), Coral (unmasked as "Zombies" actress Meg Donnelly), and Mad Scientist (Brian Kelley of former band Florida Georgia Line).
So, who lay beneath the glittering facade of Pearl? Only Robin Thicke correctly deduced it was country music star Gretchen Wilson. "I'm absolutely blown away," exclaimed the "Redneck Woman" singer, almost toppling over in astonishment.
Gretchen elaborated on her motivation to participate in "The Masked Singer." "The past few years have been tumultuous. I faced injuries, confinement to a wheelchair, and moments where I doubted my return to this stage. Through relentless hard work and fervent prayers, I've come this far," she shared. The Grammy Award winner added, "This opportunity has affirmed that there are no limits to what I can achieve."
