The Masked Singer Season 13 Finale: Four Unmasked, One Champion
The Masked Singer Season 13 concluded with host Nick Cannon and panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy, Ken Jeong and Rita Ora guiding viewers through a dramatic two-hour finale. After a semi-final that left all four finalists—Boogie Woogie, Coral, Pearl and Mad Scientist—advancing, the finale promised every remaining performer would be unmasked before the night was over. Only one could claim the season 13 winner’s crown.
The show opened with Rita Ora performing “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan, after which the four finalists joined her on stage for a group moment before the competitive performances began.
Pearl
Clues: Pearl’s clues emphasized a gritty, down-to-earth persona—hoodies and sweatpants rather than glamour. The package suggested her personality had sometimes been an obstacle in her career.
Performance: Pearl sang “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” by KT Tunstall, delivering a raspy, rock-tinged rendition that showcased her versatility. She’s been a frontrunner all season for her range and stage presence. During the broadcast, each contestant received a phone call from a loved one; Pearl’s adult daughter phoned in. The judges held back on final guesses until the end.
Coral
Clues: Coral’s clues referenced a love of old Hollywood, involvement in a major franchise, and an ambition to be a pop star—messages pointing toward someone with acting and singing experience.
Performance: Coral performed “Moon River,” famously sung by Audrey Hepburn. The gentle, nostalgic choice fit a vocalist with a limited range but strong emotional delivery. Her phone call came from her father, who expressed pride; the panelists speculated on names from young on-screen talent to Disney stars, and Robin referenced the movie Pitch Perfect in his line of thinking.
Boogie Woogie
Clues: Boogie’s clues told of starting out as a struggling artist, a neighbor’s complaints about early singing, and learning to turn pain into strength—an arc familiar to many performers.
Performance: Boogie Woogie delivered “Freedom! ’90” by George Michael with strong showmanship. He came across as the best live performer among the four, though panel consensus suggested he might place third vocally. His phone call was from his young daughter, who affectionately called him “my little boogie.” Ken Jeong floated an Ed Sheeran guess, while Boogie expressed hopes of sharing success with his children.
Mad Scientist Monster
Clues: Mad Scientist’s package described an early path toward athletics, a father’s encouragement to pursue music, and the courage it took to go solo after his group split—an origin story of resilience.
Performance: Mad Scientist closed the solo performances with “Stay” by Sugarland, an emotional country ballad. The delivery positioned him as a likely second-place finisher if not the winner. The panel reacted emotionally; his phone call included both his mother and father, praising his competitive drive and hard work. Panel guesses mentioned country figures like Brian Kelley and Kane Brown.
After the performances, the audience and panel voted. The two contestants with the most votes were safe, while the bottom two unmasked first.
First Result: Two Unmasked
When the votes were tallied, Mad Scientist Monster was the first to be unmasked. Final clue imagery included a tarpon necklace. Panel guesses included Sam Hunt, Trace Adkins, Brian Kelley and Kane Brown. The reveal: Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line. Jenny McCarthy called the correct guess.
Next to be unmasked was Coral. Her final clue—a cheerleader uniform—linked to a role that changed her life and led people to cheer for her. Panelists guessed names such as Meg Donnelly, Hailee Steinfeld, Brittany Snow and Peyton List. The mask came off to reveal Meg Donnelly, known for her work in the Zombies franchise. Coral closed her run with Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun.”
That left Boogie Woogie and Pearl to perform again for the final vote.
Boogie Woogie (Final Performance)
For his final performance, Boogie Woogie sang “Love the Hell Out of You” by Lewis Capaldi, an emotional ballad delivered with sincerity and strong vocal control. He appeared earnest in his desire to win and dedicated his efforts to his daughters.
Pearl (Final Performance)
Pearl chose “I’ll Stand by You” by The Pretenders for her last number, delivering a powerful and versatile performance. With a gospel-tinged backing and a commanding stage presence, she aimed to prove she was more than a single well-known persona—an argument that resonated with the panelists.
The panel and audience cast their final votes to determine the season 13 winner.
Winner Revealed; Final Unmaskings
When the votes were revealed, Pearl was declared the Season 13 winner.
Before Pearl’s unmasking, Boogie Woogie was revealed. His final clue included a pink ribbon and a personal note about losing his mother to breast cancer and his ongoing fundraising work. Panel guesses included Ryan Tedder, Daniel Powter, Ed Sheeran and Darren Criss, but none were correct. The mask came off to reveal Andy Grammer, who closed his turn by performing his song “Do Not Give Up On Me.”
When Pearl unmasked, her last clue referenced an outfit given to her by Dolly Parton and a past duet. Final panel guesses ranged from Ann Wilson and Natalie Maines to Trisha Yearwood and Gretchen Wilson. The reveal confirmed Gretchen Wilson as Pearl, and she finished the night by singing her hit “Redneck Woman.”
FOX announced that The Masked Singer will return in January after skipping a cycle, leaving fans to anticipate the next season.
The Masked Singer Season 13 results:
4. Mad Scientist Monster – Brian Kelley (Florida Georgia Line)
3. Coral – Meg Donnelly (Zombies franchise)
2. Boogie Woogie – Andy Grammer
Winner – Pearl – Gretchen Wilson