In a thrilling culmination of talent and mystery, the popular Fox show The Masked Singer has officially wrapped up its 13th season, showcasing an array of performances that captivated audiences across the nation. The finale aired on May 7, 2025, marking the end of a season that began in February and featured some of the most memorable celebrity contestants to date.
After 13 seasons and over 170 episodes since its debut in January 2019, The Masked Singer has been renewed for a 14th season, which is set to premiere in January 2026. This decision comes as a strategic move by Fox to keep the show fresh and maintain high viewer engagement, especially after a successful run during the pandemic where it aired two seasons a year.
The finale, a two-hour special, featured the final four contestants: Boogie Woogie, Coral, Mad Scientist Monster, and Pearl. Each contestant delivered powerful performances, showcasing their vocal talents and the elaborate costumes that have become a hallmark of the series. Boogie Woogie, who eventually took the spotlight, was unmasked to reveal singer Andy Grammer, much to the surprise of the judges and viewers alike.
During the finale, Boogie Woogie captivated the audience with his rendition of George Michael's "Freedom '90," earning praise from judge Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, who exclaimed that he "brought the house down" with his performance. His heartfelt journey was evident as he spoke about his past struggles in the music industry, saying he used to "do the starving artist hustle" and now aims to protect his children from the kind of rejection he faced.
The other finalists also showcased impressive performances. Pearl sang "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstall, while Coral delivered a moving rendition of "Moon River," originally made famous by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Mad Scientist Monster, who was later revealed to be Brian Kelley, performed "Stay" by Sugarland, contributing to the emotional depth of the night.
The finale not only focused on the performances but also included surprise calls from loved ones, adding a personal touch to the competition. For instance, Boogie Woogie received a touching message from one of his daughters, which brought him to tears.
As the night progressed, the tension built up with each reveal. Mad Scientist Monster was the first to be unmasked, with Jenny McCarthy correctly guessing his identity as Brian Kelley. This added to the competitive spirit of the judges, as they vied for the Golden Ear trophy, awarded to the judge with the most correct guesses throughout the season. Both McCarthy and Robin Thicke ended the season tied with four correct guesses each.
Fox has expressed excitement for the upcoming 14th season, promising a "super-charged" return. The network aims to enhance the format and attract even bigger celebrity names to participate. A Fox spokeswoman stated, "Debuting the new season in January is a strategic move to give ample runway for America’s favorite guessing game and allow us to creatively look at enhancing the show with the biggest names at the center of it." This shift in scheduling reflects Fox's broader strategy to launch new shows in January, as seen with the successful debuts of other series this year.
Throughout its run, The Masked Singer has consistently ranked among the top 10 unscripted entertainment programs for adults aged 18-49, a testament to its enduring popularity. The series, hosted by Nick Cannon, features a panel of celebrity judges including Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, Robin Thicke, and Rita Ora, who provide commentary and guesses about the identities of the masked contestants.
The show has also received critical acclaim, winning nine Emmy Awards over the years, including recognition for its innovative costume designs. The 12 previous winners of the show include notable figures such as T-Pain, Wayne Brady, and Kandi Burruss, each bringing their unique flair to the competition.
As fans eagerly await the next season, the excitement surrounding The Masked Singer continues to grow, with viewers speculating about who might don the next elaborate costume. With the show's track record of surprises and star power, the return of The Masked Singer in January 2026 is sure to be a highly anticipated event.
In summary, the 13th season of The Masked Singer has not only entertained but also inspired, showcasing the resilience of artists like Andy Grammer, who remind audiences of the importance of following one’s dreams despite the challenges faced along the way. As the show prepares for its next chapter, fans can look forward to more unforgettable moments, performances, and perhaps even more surprises behind the masks.
