‘The Masked Singer’ Season 13 Finale Recap: Pearl Unmasked As Winner

SPOILER ALERT: Details follow for Season 13, Episode 13 of “The Masked Singer,” “Lucky Season 13 Finale,” which aired May 7 on Fox.

It wasn’t that long ago that country singer Gretchen Wilson was immobile, having shattered her left leg, both of her leg bones and her ankle. “I was in a wheelchair for about eight months,” she said. “And I was only a year out of the walking boot when I agreed to do the show.”

She’s referring to “The Masked Singer,” and on Wednesday’s Season 13 finale, Wilson wound up winning it all as Pearl.  “It was a real chance for me to be able to prove to myself whether I’ve still got it,” she said. “If I should be thinking about the next 10 years professionally, or the next 10 years in retirement.”

It paid off. Wilson won it all as the final celebrity to be revealed on Season 13 of Fox’s “The Masked Singer.” The season ender also revealed the show’s three other finalists: Singer/songwriter Andy Grammer (“Honey, I’m Good”) as Boogie Woogie, actor Meg Donnelly (“Zombies”) as Coral and singer Brian Kelley (from Florida Georgia Line) as Mad Scientist Monster.

Pearl was uncovered by Robin Thicke, who figured out it was Gretchen Wilson. Ken Jeong said it was Ann Wilson. Rita Ora selected Natalie Maines from the Chicks. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg named Trisha Yearwood.

Wilson said she had been approached several times about joining “Masked Singer,” but had been hesitant. “Am I too old for this? What are my real chances? But it kind of came this time at just the perfect time in my life, when I was getting through some health things, trying to reinvent myself, just seeing how many more years does this old lady really have in the business,” she told Variety. :And it was kind of a welcome challenge. I don’t usually do things that are just far outside of my character. But man, once I got there and I realized the hard work and just how truly kind of a badass you really have to be in order to do this show, then I was in it to win it.”

For Boogie Woogie, no one got it right. McCarthy-Wahlberg went with Ryan Tedder. Thicke thought it might be Daniel Powter. Jeong picked Ed Sheeran. Ora named Darren Criss.

When it came to Coral, Ora got it right with Meg Donnelly. McCarthy-Wahlberg said it was Hailee Steinfeld. Thicke said it was Brittany Snow. Jeong went with Peyton List.

For Mad Scientist Monster, McCarthy-Wahlberg got it right with Brian Kelley. Ora thought it was Sam Hunt. Thicke said it was Trace Adkins. Jeong guessed Kane Brown.

“Lucky Season 13 Finale” brought together the final four contestants standing: Group A’s Coral, Group B’s Pearl and Boogie Woogie and Group C’s Mad Scientist Monster. The episode opened with panelist Rita Ora singing “Pink Pony Club,” by Chappell Roan, along with the four finalists.

After the four were saved at the end of last week’s semi-finals by “Lucky Duck” (Taika Waititi), they all returned for a two-hour finale face off.

Mad Scientist Monster was the first to be eliminated as the third runner-up. Then it was Coral, as the second runner-up. Pearl and Boogie Woogie then faced off in one final performance. Boogie Woogie performed “Love The Hell Out of You,” by Lewis Capaldi, while Pearl sang “I’ll Stand By You,” by The Pretenders. Pearl won the Golden Mask trophy.

Gretchen Wilson as Pearl, Andy Grammer as Boogie Woogie, Meg Donnelly as Coral and Brian Kelly as Mad Scientist Monster join Taika Waititi as Lucky Duck, Edwin McCain as Nessy, Matthew Lawrence as Paparazzo, Erika Jayne as Yorkie, Method Man as Stud Muffin, Candace Cameron Bure as Cherry Blossom, James Van Der Beek as Griffin, Flavor Flav as Space Ranger, Sheana Shay as Bat, Aubrey O’Day as Ant, Oscar de la Hoya as Fuzzy Peas and Cedric the Entertainer as Honey Pot as the celebrities unmasked on “The Masked Singer” Season 13.

Back for Season 13 are host Nick Cannon, alongside panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, Rita Ora and Robin Thicke. Ora was at the desk for a third consecutive season to fill in for Nicole Scherzinger.

Also new: The “Crack the Case” clue cases, in which more clues are shared about the eliminated contestant. For Mad Scientist Monster, it was a fish necklace. “It represents a lot to me. I love the outdoors, I grew up on and near the waters, and I love fishing with my dad up until this day.” For Coral, it was a cheerleader outfit. “This uniform changed my life, and gave me the opportunity to chase my dreams.” For Boogie Woogie, it was a pink ribbon. “I lost my mom to breast cancer. So I do a lot of work to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.” For Pearl, it was a pair of pants from Dolly Parton. “It’s a pair of pants for the record books. Not only did my idol Dolly Parton give them to me, but I also got to perform with her while I was wearing them!”

Meanwhile, back the Golden Ear trophy was back in play for the panelists (whomever has the most correct guesses this season will win).

“The Masked Singer” Season 13 themed episodes included a tribute to franchises “Shrek” and “Ghostbusters,” as well as the Grand Ole Opry as it hits its 100th anniversary. Also on tap are a tribute to the Rat Pack and themes such as “Voices of Olympus: Unmasking of the Gods,” “Carnival,” “Boy Bands,” “Decades,” “Lucky 6,” a “Clash of the Masks” and the return of “Soundtrack of My Life.”

Masked contestants in Season 13 included Honey Pot, Space Ranger, Cherry Blossom, Coral, Fuzzy Peas, Ant, Paparazzo, Griffin, Boogie Woogie, Pearl, Bat, Yorkie, Stud Muffin, Nessy and Mad Scientist Monster.

Here were the performances on Wednesday’s Episode 13, “Lucky Season 13 Finale”:

Pearl

Song: “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree,” by KT Tunstall

Panel guesses: Kacey Musgraves, Pat Benatar, Madonna

Pearl voiceover: “Every time I put on this Pearl costume I think it’s so strange that I’ve pulled off being this bejeweled princess. 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. I’ll never forget this one time, I was singing for a record exec. And I see out of the corner of my eye, him writing down “N—O.” 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 “N—O—W” — “sign her now.” What a difference one letter can make. 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. So tonight I’m hoping to get another W. Because it would mean the world to win that golden mask trophy.”

Previous songs: “Saving All My Love For You,” by Whitney Houston; “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” by Blue Oyster Cult; “Here You Come Again,” by Dolly Parton; “Conga,” by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine; “Your Love,” by The Outfield; “You Don’t Own Me,” by Lesley Gore

Previous panel guesses: Regina King, Shania Twain, Joan Jett, Madonna, Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, Trisha Yearwood, Kellie Pickler, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Jody Watley, Lisa Lisa, Pat Benatar, Bonnie Tyler, Winona Judd, Brandi Carlile, Kacey Musgraves, Martina McBride, Ann Wilson, Natalie Maines

Coral

Song: “Moon River,” by Audrey Hepburn

Panel guesses: Rachel Ziegler, Meg Donnelly, Sofia Carson, Dove Cameron, Hailee Steinfeld

Coral voiceover: “When I was a little girl, I had those Audrey Hepburn, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ dreams. Staring at the old Hollywood movies from the other side, wishing one day to be just like the glamorous stars in them. And my wish came true. I became a part of one of the biggest franchises of all time. And now there are little girls watching me! It’s so surreal. But I didn’t want to stop there. For years I was trying to release my music to be a pop star. But people weren’t listening. They just thought of me as that girl from those movies. And the Masked Singer is the perfect place to come when you’ve got something to prove. Here, I was given the opportunity to show that, hey, I am a triple threat! I’ve grown so much since I’ve started this. I’ve found my confidence, I’ve found my range, and I’ve even found that I can do it all in knee high boots! Now tonight, I’m dreaming about that trophy. And winning it would take me over the moon.”

Previous songs: “Mad World,” by Tears for Fears; “Accidentally in Love,” by Counting Crows; “Luck Be a Lady,” by Frank Sinatra; “Ain’t It Fun,” by Paramore; “Sk8er Boi,” by Avril Lavigne; “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish; “Suddenly I See,” by KT Tunstall

Previous panel guesses: Bebe Rexha, Carly Rae Jepsen, Sabrina Carpenter, Halsey, Anna Kendrick, Dove Cameron, Hailee Steinfeld, Lili Reinhart, Victoria Justice, Rachel Zegler, Camila Mendes, Selena Gomez, Brittany Snow, Hilary Duff, Ashley Tisdale, Nina Dobrev, Meg Donnelly, Kylee Russell, Sofia Carson, Peyton List

Boogie Woogie

Song: “Freedom! ’90,” by George Michael

Panel guesses: Ryan Tedder, Darren Criss, Charlie Puth

Boogie Woogie voiceover: “Before I got here, I watched Masked Singer at home, and thought it looked like such a good time. But it’s been so much more. Becoming Boogie has brought tons of joy. But it’s also unlocked so many emotions. You know, back when I was just getting started, I was doing the starving artist hustle. I practiced in my tiny apartment performing for no one, telling my family, don’t give up on me. I’ve got this. Until one day, I got a knock at the door and a neighbor told me, ‘your voice sucks. Give up the dream.’ Their words hit me hard, they pierced my positivity. But I refused to let them stop me. Now that I’m a dad, I would do anything to protect my kids from rejection. But I realized that a big part of life is learning how to push through the pain. There’s always beauty on the other side. You find yourself where you’re meant to be. Like her tonight. And if I can win the Golden Mask trophy, it would be the ultimate sign for my kids that no dream is ever worth giving up on.”

Boogie Woogie’s previous songs: “I Believe In a Thing Called Love,” by the Darkness; “Radioactive,” by Imagine Dragons; “Something in the Water,” by Carrie Underwood; “Golden Hour,” by Jvke; “Maps,” by Maroon 5; “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” by Jet

Boogie Woogie’s Previous panel guesses: Adam Lambert, Andy Samberg, Mika, Criss Angel, Neil Patrick Harris, Jason Mraz, George Clooney, Ryan Tedder, Gavin DeGraw, Josh Groban, Daniel Powter, Charlie Puth, Brandon Flowers, Ed Sheeran, Kevin Jonas, Justin Guarini

Mad Scientist Monster

Song: “Stay,” by Sugarland

Panel guesses: Sam Hunt, Brian Kelley, Gary LeVox

Mad Scientist Monster voiceover: “To be honest, this music thing was sort of a happy, crazy accident. I had always thought I’d be an athlete. And when that wasn’t the case, I was lost. My dad was the one who motivated me. And he encouraged me to go the unconventional route. And wow, am I glad I did. Watching him see my success with so much joy over the years is why I keep going. And when my group parted ways, he is the one who gave me the strength to know I can go out on my own. Being here has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reintroduce myself to the world. And the warm response has been validating, and intoxicating. It’s made me think going solo as the right choice after all. Now, making it to the finale, I’m more encouraged than ever that I’m on the right path. I’ll always be grateful to Masked Singer for giving me this chance to shine on my own. Yep, I’d say regardless, this grand experiment has been a success.”

Previous songs: “Unwell,” by Matchbox Twenty; “I Swear,” by All-4-One; “Love Yourself,” by Justin Bieber; “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back,” by Shawn Mendes; “The Scientist,” by Coldplay; “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” by Shaboozey

Previous panel guesses: Luke Combs, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Billy Ray Cyrus, Kenny Chesney, Trace Adkins, Gary LeVox from Rascal Flatts, Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Sam Hunt

In Season 12, Boyz II Men (as the Buffalo) won the Masked trophy, beating out Mario, as the Wasp, who was this season’s runner-up. They joined AJ Michalka as Strawberry Shortcake; Kobie Turner as Goo, Jana Kramer as Royal Knight, Bronson Arroyo as Sherlock Hound, Drake Bell as Ice King, Bethany Hamilton as Macaron, Natalie Imbruglia as Bluebell, Laverne Cox as Chess Piece, Andy Richter as Dusty Bunny, Paula Cole as Ship, Marsai Martin as Woodpecker, Yvette Nicole Brown as Showbird and John Elway as Leaf Sheep as the celebrities unmasked on “The Masked Singer” Season 12.

“The Masked Singer” comes from Fox Alternative Entertainment. Rosie Seitchik, Craig Plestis and Cannon are executive producers, while Seitchik serves as showrunner. The series is based on the South Korean format created by Mun Hwa Broadcasting Corp.