Artist and national treasure Sir Grayson Perry was unveiled as the celebrity behind the Kingfisher mask during Saturday night’s edition of The Masked Singer. The reveal sent judges Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, and Maya Jama spiraling with shock, their jaws dropping spectacularly as they realized the cunning game Perry had played. The Turner Prize-winning potter, known for his witty ceramics and cross-dressing alter ego Claire, had led viewers and judges alike to believe he was the comedy legend Harry Hill, creating suspense all along.
At 64 years old, Perry confessed, "I was playing it up massively because I know Harry Hill. It’s fun, it’s a game! I thought I’d play the role of being a TV comedian!" His time on the show ended, much to his dismay, as he expressed feeling "gutted" about his elimination and revealed his disappointment about not being able to showcase his musical talents next week. "I had two charming songs lined up for next week," he lamented. "I was going to sing 'Feed the Birds' from Mary Poppins—there wouldn’t have been a dry eye in the place! I could hardly get through without blubbing. Then, I was going to do 'Stick Season' by Noah Kahan. That’s a great song, lots of words, but I had it nailed!"
Perry’s strategy of playing up his resemblance to Harry Hill had worked like magic, fooling everyone, including fans and the judging panel, who had previously guessed other names like comedian Bob Mortimer, Joe Lycett, and even music mogul Simon Cowell. Reflecting on the reveal, Mo Gilligan exclaimed, "I would’ve bet my house on it being Harry Hill!" Viewers echoed their surprise online, saying they never saw Perry coming. Many speculations were rife on social media prior to the unmasking, with some viewers even convinced after seeing clues linked to Perry's initials G.P. and references to his artistic style which often features vibrant colors and themes of cross-dressing.
Judges had initially taken various guesses, but Perry’s uncanny ability to adapt his performance styles kept everyone guessing, ideally embodying the entertainment spirit The Masked Singer is known for. Viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their disbelief saying things like, "I’m still not convinced Kingfisher wasn’t Harry Hill," and commended Perry for his playful impression. Another watcher praised, "Grayson Perry as Kingfisher has been fantastic! He has truly embodied the character!"
Perry’s stint on The Masked Singer adds another layer to his multifaceted career. Born on March 24, 1960, Perry has consistently pushed boundaries within the art world, garnering acclaim for his provocative creations and engaging public persona. He gained widespread recognition for blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary themes, making waves with his vivid ceramics and insightfully humorous tapestries. Following his 2003 Turner Prize win, he drew even more attention when he boldly accepted wearing feminine attire, emphasizing his alter ego Claire and themes of self-identity and gender fluidity. This blending of art and performance has made Perry one of Britain’s most unexpectedly versatile icons.
Now, following Perry’s unmasking, The Masked Singer continues to showcase its eclectic lineup, with five contestants left battling for the title as the series progresses to its semi-final. Following the weekend's shocking reveal, viewers can expect more surprises as the competition heats up. Among those still remaining are Bush, Wolf, Bear, Dressed Crab, and Pufferfish, each continuing to perform with hopes of winning and captivating both the judges and audiences across the UK.
Perry remarks, "I had such fun on this show! When I’m on stage, I can’t hear or see. The shock for me taking the hat off was seeing the audience!" His creative spirit and humor have greatly contributed to the show, encapsulating the embrace of pure entertainment at its finest. With the judges remaining unable to guess his identity till the very end, fans look forward to the next unmaskings and the future surprises this dynamic season holds.
The reveal of Kingfisher marks another entertaining twist for viewers of The Masked Singer as the show gains traction with its unusual mix of celebrities and mystery. Perry's blend of artistry, humor, and unexpected musical talent leaves fans speculating about who might be behind the masks next, ensuring audiences remain hooked until the final decision is made. The Masked Singer's format continues to be lauded for surprise elements, clever guesses, and moments of outright delight, as each week, contestants fight for public votes, showcasing their talents behind elaborate disguises.