The Masked Singer has taken the world by storm with its unique blend of mystery, music, and celebrity reveals. Season 13, which premiered on February 12, 2025, continues to deliver the excitement fans love, with a new cast of disguised celebrities, jaw-dropping costumes, and intriguing twists. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about The Masked Singer season 13, from the show’s format to what’s new this season, the unmasked celebrities, and a special focus on the captivating journey of Pearl. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this guide will keep you in the loop!
Introduction to The Masked Singer
The Masked Singer is an American reality singing competition based on the South Korean show King of Mask Singer. Celebrities perform popular songs while hidden behind elaborate, head-to-toe costumes and masks, keeping their identities a secret. A panel of judges—Nick Cannon (host), Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Rita Ora—along with the audience, try to guess who’s behind the mask based on cryptic clues provided before and after each performance. Each week, the performer with the fewest votes is eliminated and unmasked, revealing their true identity.
Since its debut on Fox in 2019, the show has become a cultural phenomenon, known for its surprising reveals and star-studded lineup. Season 13, which kicked off on February 12, 2025, upholds this tradition with 15 new contestants, creative costumes, and fresh twists that keep viewers guessing.
What’s New in Season 13
Season 13 brings a fresh set of innovations to the format that keep viewers coming back for more. One of the biggest twists is the introduction of Detective Lucky Duck, a masked non-contestant who appears throughout the season to drop cryptic, often cheeky, clues. Much like Season 5’s Cluedle-Doo, Lucky Duck will remain a mystery until the finale, sparking theories across social media. The contestant pool is just as exciting—15 celebrities divided into three groups of five, boasting a collective resume of Grammy nominations, Emmy wins, Olympic gold medals, and even Super Bowl appearances. To add to the fun, the show includes guest stars like Mario, Shrek, Ernie Hudson, and Mckenna Grace, while Casey Wilson joined the judging panel temporarily. Themed episodes like “Boy Bands” and “Shrek Night” bring flair and creativity, ensuring no two episodes are ever alike.
Meet the Panelists
The heart of The Masked Singer lies in its charismatic panel, who bring humor and wild guesses to the table. Season 13’s panel includes:
- Nick Cannon: The host who keeps the show running smoothly with his infectious energy.
- Robin Thicke: The singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and sharp guesses.
- Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg: The TV personality whose enthusiasm lights up the panel.
- Ken Jeong: The comedian and actor who delivers hilarious and often outlandish theories.
- Rita Ora: The recording artist who brings a fresh perspective and musical expertise.
Their chemistry and banter make the guessing game as entertaining as the performances themselves.
The Contestants and Their Costumes
This season features 15 masked contestants, each hidden beneath creative and dazzling costumes that help conceal their identities while hinting at their personal stories. The lineup includes Ant, Bat, Boogie Woogie, Cherry Blossom, Coral, Fuzzy Peas, Griffin, Honey Pot, Mad Scientist Monster, Nessy, Paparazzo, Pearl, Space Ranger, Stud Muffin, and Yorkie.
These costumes range from whimsical (Boogie Woogie) to mythical (Nessy) to futuristic (Space Ranger), creating a visual spectacle that complements the contestants’ vocal talents. Each costume is paired with clues that hint at the celebrity’s identity, challenging viewers to play detective.
Unmasked Celebrities: Who’s Been Revealed?
As of April 24, 2025, several contestants have been unmasked, revealing a diverse group of celebrities from music, TV, sports, and more. Here’s the full list of revealed identities:
| Costume | Celebrity | Unmasking Date |
|---|---|---|
| Nessy | Edwin McCain | April 23, 2025 |
| Paparazzo | Matthew Lawrence | April 16, 2025 |
| Yorkie | Erika Jayne | April 9, 2025 |
| Stud Muffin | Method Man | April 2, 2025 |
| Cherry Blossom | Candace Cameron Bure | March 26, 2025 |
| Griffin | James Van Der Beek | March 19, 2025 |
| Space Ranger | Flavor Flav | March 12, 2025 |
| Bat | Scheana Shay | March 5, 2025 |
| Ant | Aubrey O’Day | February 26, 2025 |
| Fuzzy Peas | Oscar De La Hoya | February 19, 2025 |
| Honey Pot | Cedric the Entertainer | February 12, 2025 |
These reveals include musicians (Aubrey O’Day, Method Man), actors (Matthew Lawrence, James Van Der Beek), reality stars (Erika Jayne, Scheana Shay), and even a boxing legend (Oscar De La Hoya). Each unmasking has brought surprises, showcasing the show’s ability to attract a wide range of talent.
Spotlight on Pearl: A Journey of Clues and Country Grit
One of the standout contestants of season 13 is Pearl, whose performances and clues kept fans on the edge of their seats. Here’s a detailed look at her journey:
First Performance
Pearl kicked off with a powerful rendition of “Your Love” by The Outfield. Her clues included:
- A tough exterior, suggesting resilience.
- Holding a baseball, hinting at a connection to the sport.
- Two cherries and a pink umbrella, possibly pointing to a feminine yet bold persona.
- Breaking into a tough industry, indicating a challenging career path.
- A red carpet labeled “found on sale,” suggesting humility or thriftiness.
The panel guessed Regina King, Shania Twain, and Joan Jett, leaning toward strong, iconic women in entertainment.
Second Performance
Pearl shared that she ran away before high school and worked at a bar, painting a picture of a gritty upbringing. Additional clues included:
- A crescent moon, possibly tied to a song or location.
- Football-related hints, suggesting a connection to sports or a specific event.
- Being a “best seller,” which could imply a hit song or book.
Guesses included Joan Jett, Madonna, and Melissa Etheridge, focusing on rock and pop legends.
Third Performance
Pearl revealed she had shared the stage with Dolly Parton, a major clue pointing to country music. Other clues were:
- A Christmas wreath, hinting at a holiday project.
- A golden angel, possibly symbolizing an award or spiritual side.
- A strong arm on cowboy boots, evoking country strength.
- A quote about empowering others, suggesting a positive influence.
The panel guessed Sheryl Crow, Trisha Yearwood, Kelly Pickler, and Carrie Underwood, all country music stars.
Fourth Performance
Pearl clarified she was not Shania Twain, ruling out a popular guess. Clues included:
- A connection to Elvis, possibly through music or a cover.
- Being a diamond record holder, indicating massive sales.
Guesses shifted to Faith Hill and Pat Benatar, blending country and rock influences.
Fifth Performance
As a single mother, Pearl shared clues like:
- Wearing gold earrings, a nod to style.
- Being able to “hitch a trailer” alone showcases independence.
- A cassette tape labeled “Movie,” hinting at a soundtrack or film role.
The panel guessed Bonnie Tyler, Wynonna Judd, and Brandi Carlile, focusing on strong, independent artists.
The Reveal
After weeks of speculation, Pearl was unmasked as country singer Gretchen Wilson. Known for her hit “Redneck Woman,” Wilson’s clues tied perfectly to her life: her tough upbringing, bartending days, 2005 Super Bowl pregame performance, 2019 CMA Awards appearance with Dolly Parton, and 2013 holiday album Christmas in My Heart. Her raw, powerful performances and relatable story made her a fan favorite.
Why Season 13 Stands Out
What makes Season 13 truly shine is its range, both in talent and tone. From rap icons to sitcom stars, the cast showcases an incredible cross-section of celebrity culture. The costumes are more intricate than ever, elevating the visual storytelling. But beyond the spectacle, it’s the emotional depth that sticks with viewers. Whether it’s Gretchen Wilson’s story as a single mom or James Van Der Beek’s on-stage moment with his kids, Season 13 finds the perfect balance between entertainment and heartfelt connection. Each episode delivers both fun and feeling, making it more than just a guessing game.
How to Watch The Masked Singer Season 13
The Masked Singer season 13 airs weekly on Fox, with episodes available for streaming on Fox’s official site and platforms like Hulu. Check local listings for exact times and join the fun by playing along with the “Mask Mania Game” on Fox’s website.
The Masked Singer season 13 is a thrilling ride of music, mystery, and celebrity surprises. With standout contestants like Pearl (Gretchen Wilson), a talented panel, and innovative twists like Detective Lucky Duck, the season has something for everyone. As more masks come off, fans can expect even more unforgettable moments. Tune in to Fox each week to join the guessing game and discover who’s behind the next mask!
Stay tuned to TVSeasonspoilers for more updates as it unveils further details about this highly anticipated season.