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Arts & Culture
08 May 2025

Gretchen Wilson Wins Season 13 Of The Masked Singer

The hit show takes a break until January 2026 after an exciting finale

The hit reality show "The Masked Singer" wrapped up its thirteenth season on May 7, 2025, with an exciting finale that saw the unmasking of the four finalists: Mad Scientist Monster, Coral, Boogie Woogie, and Pearl. This season marked a dramatic conclusion, with Pearl emerging as the champion and taking home the coveted trophy.

As the finale kicked off, host Nick Cannon welcomed the audience and introduced the panel of celebrity judges, including Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy, Ken Jeong, and Rita Ora. The atmosphere was electric as fans awaited the identities of the remaining contestants. The first singer to be unmasked was the Mad Scientist Monster, whose true identity shocked many. After a series of clues and performances, the audience learned that the Mad Scientist Monster was none other than Brian Kelley from Florida Georgia Line, a guess that was correctly made by Jenny McCarthy.

The next contestant to be revealed was Coral, who had captivated viewers with her performances throughout the season. Coral’s final clue was a cheerleader’s uniform, leading to guesses from the judges that included Meg Donnelly, Hailee Steinfeld, and Brittany Snow. Ultimately, Rita Ora guessed correctly, and Coral was unmasked as Meg Donnelly, known for her role in the Disney franchise "Zombies."

After the unmasking of Coral, the competition narrowed down to Boogie Woogie and Pearl. Boogie Woogie, who had performed an emotional rendition of "Love the Hell Out of You" by Lewis Capaldi, was next to be unmasked. Despite the judges' varied guesses, including Ryan Tedder and Ed Sheeran, Boogie Woogie was revealed to be Andy Grammer. His heartfelt performance and tribute to his mother, who battled breast cancer, touched many viewers.

Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived as Pearl was unmasked. After an impressive performance of "I’ll Stand by You" by The Pretenders, Pearl was revealed to be country music star Gretchen Wilson. The judges had guessed various names, but Robin Thicke and Jenny McCarthy both had their suspicions about her identity. The crowd erupted in cheers as Wilson celebrated her victory, performing her hit "Redneck Woman" to close out the season.

As Season 13 of "The Masked Singer" concluded, Fox announced that the show would take a break and would not return for a Fall 2025 season. Instead, Season 14 is slated to premiere in January 2026. This strategic move allows the network to enhance the show creatively and bring in bigger names, as stated in a network release. "Among Fox’s most enduring signature shows is The Masked Singer with a truly devoted fanbase," the statement read. "This juggernaut will return next year for Season 14 as it takes midseason by storm with a spectacular, super-charged new season."

Since its debut in January 2019, "The Masked Singer" has captivated audiences with its unique format, where celebrity contestants perform while disguised in elaborate costumes. The show has consistently ranked among the top 10 unscripted entertainment programs, appealing to a wide range of viewers. The panel of judges, including Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy, Rita Ora, and Robin Thicke, has become a staple of the show, providing comedic commentary and guesses about the masked contestants' identities.

Throughout Season 13, fans witnessed a variety of unmaskings, with celebrities such as Taika Waititi, Edwin McCain, and Cedric the Entertainer taking off their masks. The show's ability to attract high-profile guests has contributed to its success and enduring popularity. The format, based on the South Korean show created by Mun Hwa Broadcasting Corp, has proven to be a winning formula for Fox.

With the conclusion of this season, viewers are left eagerly anticipating what Season 14 will bring. The decision to skip a fall cycle is unprecedented for the show, which has typically aired two seasons each year since its inception. Fans are hopeful that this pause will lead to even more exciting performances and surprises in the upcoming season.

As the show takes a breather, the excitement surrounding "The Masked Singer" continues to grow. The anticipation for the next season is palpable, with fans speculating about which celebrities might don the masks next. The show’s unique blend of mystery, music, and entertainment has solidified its place in the hearts of viewers across the country.

In the end, Season 13 of "The Masked Singer" not only showcased incredible talent but also highlighted the emotional stories behind the contestants. From Boogie Woogie’s heartfelt tribute to his mother to Pearl’s triumphant return to the stage as Gretchen Wilson, the season was filled with touching moments that resonated with audiences. As fans await the next installment, one thing is for sure: the guessing game will continue, and the excitement of unmasking will return in January 2026.