Season 13 of The Masked Singer proved to be very lucky for one star.
After a season filled with stellar performances and jaw-dropping reveals, only four contestants made it to the Fox singing competition series’ May 7 finale: Pearl, Boogie Woogie, Mad Scientist and Coral.
In the end, Pearl was crowned the winner of the Golden Mask trophy. But before her unmasking, the mystery celebrity reflected on her journey from starting out in the music industry many years ago to winning The Masked Singer.
“Every time I’ve put on this Pearl costume I think it’s so strange that I pulled off being this bejeweled princess,” she admitted in a video package. “It’s so unlike me. I’d say the hoodie and sweatpants is more in line with who I am. What can I say? I’m gritty, raw, unapologetic. I’ve always been that way. And a lot of times, especially when I was first starting out, it stood in the way of my success.”
Pearl then recounted the feeling of insecurity she felt auditioning early in her career.
“I’ll never forget this one time, I was singing for this record exec and I see, out of the corner of my eye, him writing down ‘no,'” she continued. “I was about to break into tears right there, so I just closed my eyes and kept on going and finished the audition. Turns out, what that note said was ‘now,’ sign her now.”
“What a difference one letter can make,” Pearl concluded. “And, even after all these years, I think people still don’t know what I’m capable of—until now. Being here, I’ve been able to come out of my shell and show my range.”
After a rousing performance of KT Tunstall‘s “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree,” Pearl was crowned as the winner, beating out Boogie Woogie, who was singer Andy Grammer, Coral, who was Zombies actress Meg Donnelly, and Mad Scientist, who was unmasked as former Florida Georgia Line band member Brian Kelley.
So, who was the celebrity behind the bejeweled costume? Only Robin Thicke correctly guessed it was country star Gretchen Wilson.
“I am floored,” the “Redneck Woman” singer said. “I almost hit the floor.”
Gretchen went on to explain why she wanted to compete on The Masked Singer.
“I’ve had a rough couple of years,” she said. “I was injured, I was in a wheelchair and there was a moment where I didn’t think I’d ever get back to this place. I worked really hard, I prayed really hard, and I got so far.”
The Grammy winner added, “This opportunity has really proven to me that there’s nothing I can’t do.”
Keep reading to see every star who was unmasked during season 13.
Honey Pot: Eliminated Week 1
The sticky and sweet character, who was revealed to be iconic comedian Cedric the Entertainer, was sent home on the season premiere.
Fuzzy Peas: Eliminated Week 2
The verdant vegetable was none other than boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya, who was eliminated during Shrek Night.
Ant: Eliminated Week 3
The songstress under the bug mask turned out to be former Danity Kane member Aubrey O’Day.
Bat: Eliminated Week 4
Bat was none other than Vanderpump Rules‘ one-hit wonder Scheana Shay.
Space Ranger: Eliminated Week 5
The hip-hop icon behind the other-worldly costume was Flavor Flav.
Griffin: Eliminated Week 6
The avian character was none other than Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, who was eliminated during the Group B Finals.
Cherry Blossom: Eliminated Week 7
Full House alum Candace Cameron Bure was unmasked as the star behind the bloom after the Group C debut.
Stud Muffin: Eliminated Week 8
The studly snack was none other than hip-hop legend Method Man.
Yorkie: Eliminated Week 9
It’s “XXPEN$IVE” to be Yorkie! That’s because it was Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star and pop music icon Erika Jayne behind the furry costume.
Paparazzo: Eliminated Week 10
Say “cheese!” The man behind the Paparazzo getup was former ’90s teen heartthrob and star of hits like Boy Meets World and Mrs. DoubtfireMatthew Lawrence.
Nessy: Eliminated Week 11
The creature from Loch Ness turned out to be singer Edwin McCain.
Lucky Duck: Surprise Twist
During the semi-finals on April 30, Lucky Duck shocked fans by interrupting the competition to announce none of the final four contestants were being eliminated and all would compete for the season 13 title.
As for who was behind the feathered frock? None other than Oscar-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi, who just so happens to be married to Masked Singer judge Rita Ora!
Boogie Woogie: Finalist
Boogie Woogie made it to the finale but didn’t take home the season 13 trophy.
Behind the groovy costume was singer Andy Grammer.
Coral: Finalist
Zombies actress Meg Donnelly was unmasked as season 13’s Coral.
Mad Scientist: Finalist
Former Florida Georgia Line band member Brian Kelley was revealed to be Mad Scientist.
Pearl: Winner
Say hello to The Masked Singer‘s season 13 winner.
Country star Gretchen Wilson came out on top during the May 7 finale.
